Brother PE545 vs Brother PE500
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 70); or if you do a lot of lettering (10 built-in fonts vs 5); or if you want a model that is still sold new, with current support.
There is little reason to pick the PE500 unless you find it clearly cheaper, for example used or refurbished.
PE545 vs PE500: specs side by side
| Spec | Brother PE545 | Brother PE500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | .PES, .PHC, .DST, .PEN | .PES, .DST |
| Design transfer | USB stick or Wi-Fi | USB cable to a computer or Memory card |
| Built-in designs | 135 | 70 |
| Lettering fonts | 10 | 5 |
| Sewing stitches | Does not sew | Does not sew |
| Cap frame | No | No |
| Screen | 3.7 in touch | touch |
| Released | 2022 | — |
| Status | Sold new | Discontinued |
| Typical price | $480–$500 | — |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: PE545 vs PE500
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.
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)
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
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 PE545 and the PE500?
Both stitch the same 4 × 4 in field. Only the PE545 has Wi-Fi.
Is the PE500 better than the PE545?
Not on paper: the PE545 matches or beats it. 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 70), or you do a lot of lettering (10 built-in fonts vs 5), or you want a model that is still sold new, with current support.
Do the PE545 and PE500 have the same hoop size?
Yes. Both stitch up to 4 × 4 in in one hooping.
Can the PE545 and PE500 use the same design files?
Yes, both read .PES and .DST files.
More comparisons
- Brother SE700 vs PE545
- Brother PE535 vs PE545
- Brother PE545 vs PE800
- Brother PE545 vs PE550D
- Brother PE535 vs PE500
- Brother PE545 vs PE150
Full specs and sources: Brother PE545 · Brother PE500. We are not affiliated with any maker.