Swarovski crystal have a much prettier glisten, and sparkle. Rhinestones have a silver backing. Hotfix usually is one that is attached by ironing, or the hot fix crystal setter. Non hotfix - you have to glue on, or use the rhinstone stud. Too, Swarovski crystals have a multitude of colors that you can get them in, and while there are different colored rhinestones, there just is not the selection available.

Good question, I didn't know about the difference between hot fix and not.;)

*4U

Besides the prettiness, most rhinestones which means not name branded like Swarovski are made from Korean or China. Hot fix mean you can you hot pen to melt the glue at the bottom to glue on the cloth. Price between Swarovski verse rhinestones is significant.

Thanks for asking this question.I just finished a small project for xmas and I hot glued the swarovski crystals on with the wand.It worked just fine. This was given to me afew years ago by someone who didn't want it anymore. Now I know I got a bonus piece for my craft room!