Affinity Designer vs Pixelmator Pro: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Affinity Designer and Pixelmator Pro comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Affinity Designer
Professional vector graphics
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need graphic design features specifically
- • Affinity Designer is a professional vector graphics editor that rivals Adobe Illustrator
- • It offers precise drawing tools, non-destructive effects, and both vector and raster workspaces
Pixelmator Pro
Professional image editing for Mac
Best for you if:
- • You need image editing features specifically
- • Pixelmator Pro is a professional image editor designed for Mac
- • It provides powerful editing tools, machine learning features, and native performance
| At a Glance |  Affinity Designer | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Graphic Design | Image Editing |
Rating | 86/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Affinity Designer | Pixelmator Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design | Image EditingGraphic Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Affinity Designer and Pixelmator Pro solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Affinity Designer positions itself as "professional vector graphics" while Pixelmator Profocuses on "professional image editing for mac". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 86/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Pixelmator Pro
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Affinity Designer handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Affinity Designer
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Affinity Designer is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Affinity Designer
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with Affinity Designer—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Affinity Designer higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Pixelmator Pro more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Affinity Designer Does Better
- Higher overall score (86/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Pixelmator Pro If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Affinity Designer (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Affinity Designer scores higher in our analysis, but Pixelmator Pro might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Affinity Designer or Pixelmator Pro better?
Based on our analysis, Affinity Designer scores higher with 86/100. Affinity Designer ispaid while Pixelmator Pro is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Affinity Designer to Pixelmator Pro easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Affinity Designer and Pixelmator Pro offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Affinity Designer is paid with potential trial.Pixelmator Pro is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.