Procreate vs Affinity Photo: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Procreate and Affinity Photo 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Procreate
Digital illustration app for iPad
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.2/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need animation features specifically
- • Procreate is a digital illustration app for iPad artists and designers
- • It provides professional brushes, layers, and animation in a native app
Affinity Photo
Professional photo editing
Best for you if:
- • You need graphic design features specifically
- • Professional photo editing software with one-time purchase (no subscription)
- • Full Photoshop alternative at a fraction of the cost ($70 vs $240/year)
| At a Glance |  Procreate |  Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Animation | Graphic Design |
Rating | 92/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | Procreate | Affinity Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 92 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AnimationGraphic Design | Graphic DesignImage Editing |
How Procreate and Affinity Photo Compare
Procreate
Digital illustration app for iPad
Paid · 92/100 score
Affinity Photo
Professional photo editing
Paid · 85/100 score
Procreate is a animation tool. Affinity Photo is in graphic design.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Procreate
Want the highest-rated option?
Procreate: 92/100. Affinity Photo: 85/100.
Go with: Procreate
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Procreate
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?
Procreate is a animation tool. Affinity Photo is in graphic design. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Procreate scores higher: 92/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Procreate
- Higher score: 92/100 vs 85
- Our pick for this comparison
Affinity Photo
- Better fit for graphic design
The Bottom Line
Procreate (92/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Procreate or Affinity Photo better?
Procreate scores 92/100 in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Procreate and Affinity Photo used for?
Procreate: Digital illustration app for iPad. Affinity Photo: Professional photo editing.
What does Procreate cost vs Affinity Photo?
Procreate is a paid tool. Affinity Photo is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.