Adobe Photoshop vs Pixelmator Pro
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Adobe Photoshop starts at $19.99/mo and Pixelmator Pro starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Industry-standard photo editor with Firefly-powered generative fill
Free trial · $19.99/moAt a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Generative Fill
- Generative Expand
- Remove tool
- Neural Filters
- Select Subject
- Nondestructive layers
- AI upscaling and denoise
- Automatic background removal
- Vector graphics tools
- Design templates
| Feature | Adobe Photoshop | Pixelmator Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Industry-standard photo editor with Firefly-powered generative fill | Apple's image editor for Mac and iPad with built-in AI tools |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Free trial |
| Starting price | $19.99/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No, 7-day trial | No, trial available |
| Made by | Adobe | Apple |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Adobe Photoshop starts at $19.99/mo and Pixelmator Pro starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Photography
$19.99/mo
- Annual plan, billed monthly
- Photoshop and Lightroom
- 1TB cloud storage
Photoshop
$22.99/mo
- Annual plan, billed monthly
- Photoshop desktop, web and iPad
- Generative credits included
Creative Cloud Pro
$69.99/mo
- Annual plan, billed monthly
- 20+ Creative Cloud apps
- Premium Firefly features
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Adobe Photoshop
- Most complete editing toolset
- AI tools blend into real edits
- Works on desktop, iPad and web
- Expensive subscription
- Steep learning curve
- Generative credits are capped
Pixelmator Pro
- One-time purchase option on Mac
- AI tools run on device
- Clean, approachable interface
- Apple devices only
- No Windows or web version
- Less plugin support than Photoshop
Which one should you choose?
Choose Adobe Photoshop if you want:
- Most complete editing toolset
- AI tools blend into real edits
- Works on desktop, iPad and web
Watch out: expensive subscription.
Choose Pixelmator Pro if you want:
- One-time purchase option on Mac
- AI tools run on device
- Clean, approachable interface
Watch out: apple devices only.
Adobe Photoshop vs Pixelmator Pro FAQ
What is the difference between Adobe Photoshop and Pixelmator Pro?
Adobe Photoshop: Industry-standard photo editor with Firefly-powered generative fill. Pixelmator Pro: Apple's image editor for Mac and iPad with built-in AI tools. Both are image tools.
Is Adobe Photoshop or Pixelmator Pro cheaper?
Adobe Photoshop starts at $19.99/mo and Pixelmator Pro starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Adobe Photoshop and Pixelmator Pro have free plans?
Adobe Photoshop: No, 7-day trial. Pixelmator Pro: No, trial available.
Who makes Adobe Photoshop?
Adobe Photoshop is made by Adobe, based in United States.
Who makes Pixelmator Pro?
Pixelmator Pro is made by Apple, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Adobe Photoshop or Pixelmator Pro?
Choose Adobe Photoshop if you value most complete editing toolset and ai tools blend into real edits. Choose Pixelmator Pro if you value one-time purchase option on mac and ai tools run on device.