Side-by-side comparison · Specs checked October 2026

Brother PE535 vs Brother PE500

Both stitch the same 4 × 4 in field.

Which should you buy?

Choose the PE535 if you want more built-in designs (80 vs 70); or if you do a lot of lettering (9 built-in fonts vs 5).

There is little reason to pick the PE500 unless you find it clearly cheaper, for example used or refurbished.

PE535 vs PE500: specs side by side

SpecBrother PE535Brother PE500
TypeEmbroidery onlyEmbroidery only
Embroidery field4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm)4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm)
Hoops included4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm)4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm)
File formats.PES, .PHC, .DST.PES, .DST
Design transferUSB stickUSB cable to a computer or Memory card
Built-in designs8070
Lettering fonts95
Sewing stitchesDoes not sewDoes not sew
Cap frameNoNo
Screentouchtouch
Released2017—
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Typical price——

Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.

Embroidery field: PE535 vs PE500

PE535PE500
PE535: 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm). PE500: 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm). Drawn to scale.

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.

PE535

A fit for someone who only embroiders small items such as names, pockets and monograms. Skip it if you want designs bigger than 4 × 4 in, wireless transfer, or a machine Brother still sells new.

Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.

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PE500

A fit for a hobbyist who finds one used or refurbished and wants simple 4 × 4 in embroidery such as names, pockets and small motifs. Skip it if you want Wi-Fi, a USB-stick port, designs bigger than 4 × 4 in or finished hats.

Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.

We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Brother PE535 and the PE500?

Both stitch the same 4 × 4 in field.

Is the PE500 better than the PE535?

Not on paper: the PE535 matches or beats it. Pick the PE535 if you want more built-in designs (80 vs 70), or you do a lot of lettering (9 built-in fonts vs 5).

Do the PE535 and PE500 have the same hoop size?

Yes. Both stitch up to 4 × 4 in in one hooping.

Can the PE535 and PE500 use the same design files?

Yes, both read .PES and .DST files.

More comparisons

Full specs and sources: Brother PE535 · Brother PE500. We are not affiliated with any maker.