Pixelmator Pro vs Affinity Photo
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Pixelmator Pro is a polished, Mac-native image editor that pairs an approachable interface with machine-learning features like super resolution and smart selection. It is a one-time purchase popular with Mac users.
Affinity Photo is a professional raster editor that rivals Photoshop’s core features but is sold as a one-time purchase rather than a subscription. It is known for fast performance and a polished, pro-level toolset.
Around $49.99 one-time on the Mac App Store.
Around $69.99 one-time (frequently discounted).
- Beautiful native Mac app
- Useful ML features
- One-time purchase
- Great value
- One-time purchase
- Fast and responsive
- Strong PSD compatibility
- Great value
- Mac-only
- Not as deep as Photoshop
- Smaller ecosystem
- Smaller ecosystem than Adobe
- No generative AI (yet)
- Fewer tutorials than Photoshop
What reviewers say
Pixelmator Pro Reviews
5.0 (2)Solid choice
Tried Pixelmator Pro recently. Useful ML features. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Recommend Pixelmator Pro
We rolled out Pixelmator Pro last quarter. Useful ML features. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Affinity Photo Reviews
4.3 (4)Recommend Affinity Photo
Tried Affinity Photo recently. Fast and responsive. Minor gripe: fewer tutorials than photoshop. Would recommend.
Solid choice
Been using Affinity Photo for a while. Strong PSD compatibility. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Recommend Affinity Photo
We rolled out Affinity Photo last quarter. One-time purchase. Minor gripe: smaller ecosystem than adobe. Would recommend.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Pixelmator Pro
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Alternatives to Affinity Photo
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataPixelmator Pro is the safer default for Mac‑only users who want a native, affordable editor with ML tools; Affinity Photo adds cross‑platform support and stronger PSD handling at a slightly higher price.
Key differences
- •Platform support: Pixelmator Pro is Mac‑only, while Affinity Photo runs on Windows, Mac, and iOS.
- •ML features: Pixelmator Pro includes built‑in super‑resolution and selection AI; Affinity Photo has no generative AI.
- •File compatibility: Affinity Photo offers strong PSD compatibility; Pixelmator Pro’s compatibility is not specified.
- •Price point: Pixelmator Pro costs about $49.99 vs. Affinity Photo around $69.99 (often discounted).
- •Ecosystem size: Affinity Photo has a larger cross‑platform ecosystem; Pixelmator Pro’s ecosystem is smaller.
Pricing & value
Pixelmator Pro is $20 cheaper ($49.99) than Affinity Photo ($69.99), both one‑time purchases.
Ease of use / learning curve
Pixelmator Pro is a native Mac app with a Mac‑centric UI, generally easier for Mac users than the cross‑platform Affinity UI.
Features & depth
Affinity Photo offers layer‑based raster editing and strong PSD compatibility, giving deeper professional capabilities.
Integrations & ecosystem
Affinity Photo runs on three platforms (Windows, Mac, iOS), providing a broader ecosystem than Mac‑only Pixelmator Pro.
Collaboration
Affinity Photo’s cross‑platform availability facilitates collaboration across different OSes; Pixelmator Pro is limited to Mac.
Scalability
Affinity Photo’s multi‑OS support and faster performance with live filters scale better for varied workflows.
Support
Both are closed‑source commercial products with no API; support details not specified.
Choose Pixelmator Pro if…
Mac‑only creatives who value built‑in AI tools and lower cost.
Choose Affinity Photo if…
Photographers/designers needing cross‑platform use and robust PSD compatibility.
Common questions
Is there a subscription required for either tool?
No. Both Pixelmator Pro and Affinity Photo are one‑time purchase products.
Can I edit Photoshop PSD files reliably?
Affinity Photo offers strong PSD compatibility; Pixelmator Pro’s PSD handling is not specified.
Do either of them run on Windows?
Pixelmator Pro is Mac‑only; Affinity Photo runs on Windows, Mac, and iOS.