Photopea vs Pixelmator Pro: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Photopea 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:
Photopea
Free online photo editor
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Photopea is a free online photo editor compatible with PSD files
- • It provides Photoshop-like editing in the browser without installation
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 |  Photopea | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Image Editing | Image Editing |
Rating | 86/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Photopea | Pixelmator Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Image EditingGraphic Design | Image EditingGraphic Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Photopea and Pixelmator Pro solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Photopea positions itself as "free online photo editor" while Pixelmator Profocuses on "professional image editing for mac". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Photopea
Photopea makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier 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?
When every dollar counts, Photopea lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Photopea
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Photopea handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Photopea
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Pixelmator Pro takes enterprise seriously.
We'd pick: Pixelmator Pro
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Photopea, upgrade when you're ready.
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 Photopea higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Pixelmator Pro more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Photopea 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 Photopea (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Photopea 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 Photopea or Pixelmator Pro better?
Based on our analysis, Photopea scores higher with 86/100. Photopea isfreemium 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 Photopea 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 Photopea and Pixelmator Pro offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Photopea is freemium with a free tier.Pixelmator Pro is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.