The short answer: technically, almost nothing. Both are 5 mm midi fuse beads that melt the same way and fit the same boards. The real differences are color names, exact shades, regional availability, and price.
If you put a Perler bead next to a Hama bead of the same color name, they look nearly identical. The differences that matter are practical, not technical.
The practical differences
- Color names: “red” in one brand is a different shade than “red” in the other. Check the actual bead, not the label.
- Exact shades: each brand has colors the other does not make. Some projects need one brand specifically.
- Availability: Perler is everywhere in North America, Hama everywhere in Europe. The other one is imported and pricier.
- Packaging: jar sizes and bucket contents differ, which changes the per-bead price.
- Accessories: each brand makes its own boards, kits, and tools, all interchangeable.
What is identical
- Bead size: 5 mm midi, 2.6 mm mini.
- Melting temperature and behavior under the iron.
- Peg spacing on every board.
- Ironing paper, tape method, and every technique.
In practice, you can use them as one brand and buy whichever is cheaper. Our brand comparison goes into color matching, and the color guide lists shades across brands. Both are in our shop.