Head-to-head · facts checked 21 Sept 2026
Adobe Photoshop vs Pixelmator Pro
2 tools, 14 differing data points, mostly pricing and positioning.
From
$19.99/mo (Photography plan, includes Lightroom)
Free plan
Mobile app only
The verdict
Adobe Photoshop or Pixelmator Pro?
Section 01
Pricing, plan by plan
Every plan each vendor publishes, monthly and yearly where both are offered.
Adobe Photoshop
Photography (Photoshop + Lightroom)
$19.99/mo
Annual plan, billed monthly
Photoshop (single app)
$22.99/mo
Annual plan, billed monthly
PPixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro for Mac
$49.99 one-time
Bought once on the Mac App Store
Apple Creator Studio
$12.99/mo · $129/yr
Subscription bundle with Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro and more; adds the iPad app
Section 02
Pros and cons
From each tool's full review, written from the same checked facts.
Adobe Photoshop
Pros
- Supports a full CMYK working space for print, not just soft-proofing.
- Non-destructive editing through adjustment layers and masks.
- Native PSD support that preserves every layer and effect.
- Batch command, Image Processor and droplets automate edits across many files at once.
Cons
- Sold only by subscription, with no perpetual license option on any plan.
- The full desktop app has no free tier; only the feature-gated mobile app is free.
- Generative AI features are capped at 25 monthly credits on the single-app plan.
PPixelmator Pro
Pros
- The Mac app can be bought once, with no subscription, and you keep it.
- Machine-learning background removal, object removal and upscaling built in.
- Opens and develops camera RAW files directly as layers.
- Non-destructive effects that can be adjusted or reverted later.
Cons
- No CMYK color profile; only RGB is supported.
- No plugin or extension system beyond an OS-level Photos app extension.
- No batch processing across multiple files.
Side by side
| Company | ||
| Founded | 1982 | — |
| HQ | USA | United States |
| AI model | Adobe Firefly, plus partner models from FLUX, Google Gemini and Topaz Labs | — |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Web, iOS, Android | Mac, iPad |
| Languages | 24 | — |
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | Subscription | One-time purchase or subscription |
| Free plan | Mobile app only | No |
| Free trial | 7 days | Yes, 30 days (Apple Creator Studio) |
| Starting price | $19.99/mo (Photography plan, includes Lightroom) | $49.99 one-time (Mac) |
| Refund policy | 14-day money-back guarantee | — |
| All plans | Photography (Photoshop + Lightroom) — $19.99/mo Photoshop (single app) — $22.99/mo | Pixelmator Pro for Mac — $49.99 one-time Apple Creator Studio — $12.99/mo |
| Positioning | ||
| Best for | Photographers and retouchers who want raw editing, generative fill and plug-ins in one editor on desktop, web and phone | Mac photographers and designers who want raw editing and AI cleanup tools in an app they can buy once |
| Differentiator | Photoshop pairs raw editing and full PSD layer work with Firefly generative fill, on desktop, web and phone. | Pixelmator Pro, now made by Apple, edits raw photos with built-in AI background and object removal. |
| Competitors | Affinity, Photopea, GIMP | Adobe Photoshop, Affinity, Krita |
Section 03
Adobe Photoshop vs Pixelmator Pro: common questions
Is Adobe Photoshop or Pixelmator Pro cheaper?
Adobe Photoshop's cheapest paid plan is $19.99/mo (Photography plan, includes Lightroom) and Pixelmator Pro's is $49.99 one-time (Mac). Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
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