Affinity Photo vs Pixelmator Pro: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Affinity Photo 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.
Bottom line: Affinity Photo is our overall pick for image editing workflows. Pick Pixelmator Pro if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Affinity Photo
Pro photo editing without the subscription
Best for you if:
- • Professional photo editing software with one-time purchase (no subscription)
- • Full Photoshop alternative at a fraction of the cost ($70 vs $240/year)
Pixelmator Pro
Professional image editing for Mac
Best for you if:
- • 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 Photo |  Pixelmator Pro |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $21.99/one-timeAffinity Photo 2 iPad | $49.99/oncePixelmator Pro |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
Choose Affinity Photo or Pixelmator Pro?
Choose Affinity Photo if
Pro photo editing without the subscription
- One-time purchase
- Professional features
- Great performance
- Budget matters ($21.99/one-time vs $49.99/once)
Choose Pixelmator Pro if
Professional image editing for Mac
- Good image editor Mac
- One-time purchase
- ML features
| Feature | Affinity Photo | Pixelmator Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 322 reviews | ★4.6/5 137 reviews |
| Categories | Image EditingGraphic Design | Image EditingGraphic Design |
In-Depth Analysis
Affinity Photo
Pro photo editing without the subscription
Strengths
- +One-time purchase
- +Professional features
- +Great performance
Weaknesses
- -Smaller community
- -Fewer plugins
Key features
Pixelmator Pro
Professional image editing for Mac
Strengths
- +Good image editor Mac
- +One-time purchase
- +ML features
- +Good performance
- +Apple integration
Weaknesses
- -Mac only
- -Less features than Photoshop
- -Learning curve
- -Plugin ecosystem limited
- -Professional limits
Key features
Pricing: Affinity Photo vs Pixelmator Pro
| Plan | Affinity Photo | Pixelmator Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $69.99 one-time Affinity Photo 2 | $49.99 once Pixelmator Pro |
| Tier 2 | $21.99 one-time Affinity Photo 2 iPad | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $169.99 one-time Universal License | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Affinity Photo pricing and Pixelmator Pro pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Affinity Photo
Want the highest-rated option?
Affinity Photo: 4.6/5 (322 reviews). Pixelmator Pro: 4.6/5 (137 reviews).
Go with: Affinity Photo
Value user reviews?
Affinity Photo: 322 reviews (4.6/5). Pixelmator Pro: 137 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Affinity Photo
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are image editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Affinity Photo
- Larger review base (322 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Pixelmator Pro
- Choose if you want professional image editing for Mac
The Bottom Line
Affinity Photo is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Affinity Photo or Pixelmator Pro better?
Affinity Photo is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Affinity Photo and Pixelmator Pro used for?
Affinity Photo: Pro photo editing without the subscription. Pixelmator Pro: Professional image editing for Mac.
What does Affinity Photo cost vs Pixelmator Pro?
Affinity Photo is a paid tool. Pixelmator Pro is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.