Bernina DECO 650 vs Brother PE545
Both stitch the same 4 × 4 in field. Only the PE545 has Wi-Fi.
Which should you buy?
Choose the PE545 if you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick; or if you want more built-in designs (135 vs 50); or if you do a lot of lettering (10 built-in fonts vs 3); or if you want a model that is still sold new, with current support.
There is little reason to pick the DECO 650 unless you find it clearly cheaper, for example used or refurbished.
DECO 650 vs PE545: specs side by side
| Spec | Bernina DECO 650 | Brother PE545 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Embroidery field | 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) | 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) |
| Hoops included | 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) | 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm) |
| File formats | .CARD | .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN |
| Design transfer | Memory card | USB stick or Wi-Fi |
| Built-in designs | 50 | 135 |
| Lettering fonts | 3 | 10 |
| Sewing stitches | Does not sew | Does not sew |
| Cap frame | No | No |
| Screen | touch | 3.7 in touch |
| Released | — | 2022 |
| Status | Discontinued | Sold new |
| Typical price | — | $480–$500 |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: DECO 650 vs PE545
The field is the biggest design each machine can stitch in one hooping. Bigger designs have to be split into parts. Check a design size.
What they have in common
- Both have the same 4 × 4 in embroidery field.
DECO 650
A fit for someone who finds a used unit, or already owns embroidery cards, and wants simple small embroidery such as monograms, pockets and cuffs. Skip it if you want to load your own designs from a computer or stitch anything bigger than about 4 × 4 in.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
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PE545
A beginner who wants small designs such as monograms, patches and kids' clothes, with wireless transfer. Skip it if you want hats, designs bigger than 4 × 4 in, or sewing features.
About $480–$500 new (checked October 2026)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Bernina DECO 650 and the PE545?
Both stitch the same 4 × 4 in field. Only the PE545 has Wi-Fi.
Is the PE545 better than the DECO 650?
For most buyers, yes: pick the PE545 if you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick, or you want more built-in designs (135 vs 50), or you do a lot of lettering (10 built-in fonts vs 3), or you want a model that is still sold new, with current support.
Do the DECO 650 and PE545 have the same hoop size?
Yes. Both stitch up to 4 × 4 in in one hooping.
Can the DECO 650 and PE545 use the same design files?
Not directly. Convert designs to the format each machine reads with embroidery software.
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Full specs and sources: Bernina DECO 650 · Brother PE545. We are not affiliated with any maker.