kitio.aiPixelmator Pro vs Adobe Photoshop Elements
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Pixelmator Pro starts at See pricing page and Adobe Photoshop Elements starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Consumer photo editor with AI fixes, generative expand and upscale
Free trialAt a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Nondestructive layers
- AI upscaling and denoise
- Automatic background removal
- Vector graphics tools
- Design templates
- One-click AI fixes
- Guided edits
- Generative expand
- Generative Upscale
- Photo organizer
| Feature | Pixelmator Pro | Adobe Photoshop Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Apple's image editor for Mac and iPad with built-in AI tools | Consumer photo editor with AI fixes, generative expand and upscale |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Free trial |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No, trial available | No, trial available |
| Made by | Apple | Adobe |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Pixelmator Pro starts at See pricing page and Adobe Photoshop Elements starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Nov 5, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
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
Adobe Photoshop Elements
- No subscription required
- Guided edits teach techniques
- Organizer included
- License expires after three years
- Fewer tools than full Photoshop
- Some AI features have usage limits
Which one should you choose?
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.
Choose Adobe Photoshop Elements if you want:
- No subscription required
- Guided edits teach techniques
- Organizer included
Watch out: license expires after three years.
Pixelmator Pro vs Adobe Photoshop Elements FAQ
What is the difference between Pixelmator Pro and Adobe Photoshop Elements?
Pixelmator Pro: Apple's image editor for Mac and iPad with built-in AI tools. Adobe Photoshop Elements: Consumer photo editor with AI fixes, generative expand and upscale. Both are image tools.
Is Pixelmator Pro or Adobe Photoshop Elements cheaper?
Pixelmator Pro starts at See pricing page and Adobe Photoshop Elements starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Pixelmator Pro and Adobe Photoshop Elements have free plans?
Pixelmator Pro: No, trial available. Adobe Photoshop Elements: No, trial available.
Who makes Pixelmator Pro?
Pixelmator Pro is made by Apple, based in United States.
Who makes Adobe Photoshop Elements?
Adobe Photoshop Elements is made by Adobe, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Pixelmator Pro or Adobe Photoshop Elements?
Choose Pixelmator Pro if you value one-time purchase option on mac and ai tools run on device. Choose Adobe Photoshop Elements if you value no subscription required and guided edits teach techniques.