Elna Excellence 680 Plus vs 780 Plus: Overview
If you’re comparing the Elna Excellence 680 Plus and Elna Excellence 780 Plus, you’re looking at two of the most advanced sewing machines in Elna’s premium Excellence series. Both models deliver exceptional stitch quality, powerful performance, and the thoughtful engineering Elna is known for – but each machine offers unique strengths that suit different sewing styles. In this guide, we break down every major difference between the 680 Plus and 780 Plus, including workspace, stitch variety, quilting capability, user interface, lighting, speed, memory, and pricing. Whether you’re a dressmaker, quilter, or creative enthusiast, this side-by-side comparison will help you choose the Elna model that’s the best fit for your projects.
Machine Size and Weight
Elna Excellence 680 Plus
- Size: W475 × H316 × D223 mm
- Weight: 10 kg
Elna Excellence 780 Plus
- Size: W528 × H321 × D243 mm
- Weight: 13.2 kg
The 780 Plus offers noticeably more workspace, especially to the right of the needle — a huge benefit for quilting, garment construction, and large projects. The trade-off is extra size and weight.
Functionality and Versatility
Both machines come with plenty of built-in features, but the 780 Plus offers more automation and stitch variety.
Stitch Count
- 780 Plus: 350 stitches
- 680 Plus: 170 stitches
Automatic Controls
- 780 Plus: Automatic thread tension + automatic presser foot pressure
- 680 Plus: Semi-automatic tension + manual presser foot pressure
These automatic features on the 780 Plus reduce manual adjustments and help ensure consistent results across different fabrics.
Quilting Capability
If quilting is a priority, the 780 Plus is the clear winner. It includes:
Elna 780 Plus Quilting Advantages
- Long-arm design
- Wide throat space
- Dual feed system
- Four dedicated free-motion quilting feet
The 680 Plus is a strong all-rounder, but the 780 Plus is built with quilters in mind.
User Interface and Lighting
Elna Excellence 680 Plus
- Standard LCD screen
- 6 LEDs in 3 lighting zones
Elna Excellence 780 Plus
- Large HD touchscreen
- 10 LEDs in 5 lighting zones
The 780 Plus offers much better visibility and a significantly more intuitive screen, especially useful when selecting stitches or adjusting settings.
Special Functions
The Elna 780 Plus comes with advanced creative tools not available on the 680 Plus:
780 Plus Exclusive Features
- Variable zigzag
- Tapering function
- Ruler work capability
- Stitch designer
- Enhanced memory
These additional functions allow more design flexibility and creative control.
Sewing Speed Comparison
- 780 Plus: Up to 1060 stitches per minute
- 680 Plus: Up to 1000 stitches per minute
While the difference is small, the 780 Plus offers a smoother feel at top speed and faster completion for large projects.
Built-In Memory & Storage
Elna Excellence 780 Plus
- 3MB internal memory for saving custom stitches, combinations, and settings
- Ideal for advanced sewists, quilters, and repeat designs
Elna Excellence 680 Plus
- No internal storage
- Still offers stitch combinations, but not long-term memory
If you enjoy experimenting with stitches or regularly repeat patterns, the 780 Plus’s storage is a major advantage.
Pricing Comparison
Elna Excellence 680 Plus
The Elna Excellence 680 Plus is the more affordable option in the lineup and a strong value for sewists who want premium performance at a mid-range price.
In the United States, you can typically expect prices around:
- $1,499 – $1,699 USD
(Exact pricing varies by dealer, availability, and included accessories.)
Elna Excellence 780 Plus
With its advanced features, larger workspace, and enhanced quilting capabilities, the Elna Excellence 780 Plus sits at the higher end of Elna’s offerings.
Typical U.S. pricing falls between:
- $2,999 – $3,299 USD
This reflects its long-arm design, upgraded touchscreen, expanded stitch library, and premium automation features.
Final Thoughts: Which Machine Should You Choose?
Both the Elna Excellence 680 Plus and 780 Plus are exceptional machines, offering smooth stitching, strong build quality, and a wide feature set. The best option depends entirely on your sewing priorities:
Choose the Elna Excellence 680 Plus if:
- You want a high-quality machine at a lower price
- You work on clothing, crafts, or everyday sewing
- You don’t need advanced quilting or memory features
Choose the Elna Excellence 780 Plus if:
- You’re a quilter or work on large projects
- You need more workspace and better lighting
- You want automatic tension, presser foot pressure, and advanced functions
- You value a large stitch library and built-in memory