Head-to-head · facts checked 21 Sept 2026
Adobe Photoshop vs Procreate
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 Procreate?
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
PProcreate
Procreate
$12.99 one-time
Bought once on the App Store, no subscription
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.
PProcreate
Pros
- Bought once for $12.99, with no subscription, and you keep it.
- Imports and exports PSD files with layers preserved.
- Non-destructive layer masks let you change edits without altering pixels.
- A native CMYK color profile alongside sRGB and P3 for print-facing work.
Cons
- Runs only on iPad; no Mac, Windows or Android version.
- No plugin or extension system for third-party tools.
- No batch processing across multiple files.
Side by side
| Company | ||
| Founded | 1982 | 2011 |
| HQ | USA | Australia |
| AI model | Adobe Firefly, plus partner models from FLUX, Google Gemini and Topaz Labs | — |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Web, iOS, Android | iPad |
| Languages | 24 | — |
| Pricing | ||
| Pricing model | Subscription | One-time purchase |
| Free plan | Mobile app only | No |
| Free trial | 7 days | No |
| Starting price | $19.99/mo (Photography plan, includes Lightroom) | $12.99 one-time |
| Refund policy | 14-day money-back guarantee | — |
| All plans | Photography (Photoshop + Lightroom) — $19.99/mo Photoshop (single app) — $22.99/mo | Procreate — $12.99 one-time |
| Positioning | ||
| Best for | Photographers and retouchers who want raw editing, generative fill and plug-ins in one editor on desktop, web and phone | Illustrators who paint on an iPad and want to buy the app once, with no subscription and no generative AI |
| Differentiator | Photoshop pairs raw editing and full PSD layer work with Firefly generative fill, on desktop, web and phone. | Procreate is an iPad painting app bought once, with CMYK canvases, PSD support and no generative AI. |
| Competitors | Affinity, Photopea, GIMP | Krita, Pixelmator Pro, Adobe Photoshop |
Section 03
Adobe Photoshop vs Procreate: common questions
Is Adobe Photoshop or Procreate cheaper?
Adobe Photoshop's cheapest paid plan is $19.99/mo (Photography plan, includes Lightroom) and Procreate's is $12.99 one-time. Compare what each plan includes below before going on price alone.
Keep comparing
More Adobe Photoshop matchups
