Perler vs Hama vs Artkal: Which Bead Brand Is Best?

## The Big Three Brands When shopping for fuse beads, you'll encounter three main brands: Perler, Hama, and Artkal. Each has unique characteristics. ## Perler (USA) - **Size**: 5mm (Midi), 2.6mm (Mini) - **Colors**: 103+ colors - **Pros**: Widely available in US, consistent quality, great color range - **Cons**: Slightly more expensive - **Best for**: Beginners in North America, large projects ## Hama (Denmark) - **Size**: 5mm (Midi), 2.6mm (Mini) - **Colors**: 92+ colors - **Pros**: European standard, excellent quality, pegboards are durable - **Cons**: Harder to find in US/Asia - **Best for**: European crafters, detailed work ## Artkal (China) - **Size**: 5mm (S-5mm), 2.6mm (C-2.6mm) - **Colors**: 199 (S) / 264 (C) colors - **Pros**: Most colors available, affordable, great for detailed work - **Cons**: Quality can vary between batches - **Best for**: Advanced crafters wanting maximum color options ## Size Comparison | Feature | Perler Midi | Hama Midi | Artkal S | |---------|-------------|-----------|----------| | Diameter | 5mm | 5mm | 5mm | | Height | 5mm | 5mm | 5mm | | Hole size | Standard | Standard | Standard | ## Can You Mix Brands? Technically yes for the same size (5mm), but we don't recommend it. Melting points differ slightly, which can cause uneven fusing. ## Our Recommendation - **Beginners**: Perler Midi (easy to find, consistent) - **Color enthusiasts**: Artkal S-5mm (199 colors!) - **Detail lovers**: Artkal C-2.6mm (264 colors, tiny pixels)