The Brother PE535 and PE545 are essentially the same machine. Same hoop size, same built-in designs, same screen, same everything — except one thing: the PE545 has built-in WiFi and the PE535 doesn’t. That’s the whole comparison. If WiFi matters to you, get the PE545. If it doesn’t, save the money and get the PE535. If you want everything ready to go, the PE545 bundle includes the machine plus 4 embroidery hoops, 40 spools of thread, and 230+ accessories.
Quick Verdict
| Feature | PE535 | PE545 |
|---|---|---|
| Hoop Size | 4×4 inch | 4×4 inch |
| Built-in Designs | 80 | 80 |
| WiFi | No | Yes (WLAN) |
| Price Tier | Entry-level | Slightly higher |
| Best For | Budget buyers, USB-only workflow | Anyone who wants wireless design transfer |
What’s the Same
- 4×4 inch embroidery field
- 135 built-in embroidery designs
- 3.7-inch color LCD touchscreen
- USB design import
- Auto needle threader
- 10 built-in lettering fonts
- Embroidery-only (neither machine sews regular stitches)
Everything that matters to day-to-day embroidery is identical. Thread changes, hoop attachment, design editing on the screen — same experience on both machines.
The One Real Difference: WiFi
The PE545 connects to your home WiFi network. In practice, this means:
- No USB cable required — transfer designs wirelessly from your laptop or desktop
- iBroidery.com access — Brother’s design portal, accessible directly through the machine
- Transfer from phone or tablet — if you buy a design on your phone, you can push it to the machine without touching a computer
- Fewer steps in your workflow — download a design, send it over WiFi, stitch it out
Is this a game-changer? For some people, yes. If you buy designs frequently, hate fumbling with USB drives, or want to pull designs from Brother’s online library without going through a computer, the WiFi is genuinely useful. If you download designs once in a while and don’t mind the USB step, you’ll barely notice the difference.
Who Should Buy the PE535
- You’re buying your first embroidery machine and want the lowest entry price
- You already have a USB workflow and it doesn’t bother you
- You mostly use the 80 built-in designs and rarely import custom files
- Budget is the primary concern
Who Should Buy the PE545
- You buy embroidery designs regularly and want a frictionless transfer process
- You want to browse and download from iBroidery.com directly on the machine
- You work from a phone or tablet and want to avoid the USB middleman
- The price difference between the two is small enough that it’s not a dealbreaker
What About the PE545 Bundle?
Amazon and some retailers occasionally list the PE545 as part of an accessories bundle — extra hoops, stabilizer, thread, and other starter supplies included. If you’re new to embroidery, this is worth considering. Instead of piecing together your starter kit separately, one purchase gets you the machine plus the basics you’ll need immediately. Check current bundle availability when you’re ready to buy, as these configurations come and go.
Bottom Line
The PE535 and PE545 are the same machine with one real difference: WiFi. If wireless design transfer sounds useful to you, pay the premium for the PE545. If you’re happy with USB, the PE535 does everything the PE545 does and costs less. Neither machine will disappoint you at the entry level — they’re both solid, reliable, and simple to operate.
Related Guides
- Best Budget Embroidery Machines 2026 — More options at this price tier
- Best Embroidery Machines for Beginners — If you’re just getting started
- Best Embroidery Machines Overall — The full shortlist across all budgets