The short answer: neither is objectively better. The beads are the same size, fuse the same way, and work on each other’s pegboards. Choose Perler if you are in North America, Hama if you are in Europe, and mix them freely in one project.
The two brands have competed for decades, and the honest answer is that quality is a tie. The real differences are availability, color names, and price in your region.
How they compare
- Size and fusing: identical. Both use 5 mm midi beads that fuse at the same temperature.
- Pegboard compatibility: full. Perler beads sit on Hama boards and the other way around.
- Colors: both have about 80 to 100 shades, but the exact tones differ. A “red” is not the same red.
- Availability: Perler dominates North America, Hama dominates Europe. The other brand is often hard to find or pricier.
- Price: roughly equal in their home regions; the imported one costs more.
- Mini size: both make 2.6 mm mini beads, and those are also compatible.
Mixing them in one project
Mixing is safe and common. Use Perler where it is cheap, Hama where it is cheap, and match colors by eye. The only rule: do not mix standard and mini beads in one piece. Our detailed comparison goes deeper into colors and pricing, and the color guide helps you match shades across brands. Beads of either brand are in our shop.