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Pixelmator Pro alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Pixelmator Pro: apple devices only, and iPad version and some features need the Creator Studio subscription. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Pixelmator Pro, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Adobe Photoshop currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Adobe Photoshop logoAdobe PhotoshopPaidNoWindows, macOS, Web +25 of 562.6
2Photopea logoPhotopeaFree plan + paidNoWeb2 of 345.5
  1. Adobe Photoshop logo

    1. Adobe PhotoshopTop pick

    Best for: Professionals who need the standard retouching and compositing tool and PSD compatibility

    PaidWindows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Pixelmator Pro

    The full industry standard, if you need maximum features and cross-platform files.

    Pros

    • Deepest retouching, masking and compositing toolset available
    • PSD is the de facto exchange format for layered images
    • Generative Fill and other AI tools built into the normal workflow
    • Huge pool of tutorials, plug-ins and trained users

    Cons

    • Subscription only, with no perpetual licence
    • Steep learning curve for occasional users
    • Heavy on system resources for large documents
    Visit Adobe Photoshop Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Adobe Photoshop a good Pixelmator Pro alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Purchase options
    Subscription only (Creative Cloud)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    7 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Refund window
    14 days after trial ends
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free mobile version
    Yes, with paid premium features
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Generative AI
    Generative Fill and Generative Expand
    Checked Oct 25, 2026adobe.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Photopea logo

    2. Photopea

    Best for: Occasional photo editing and opening PSD files without Photoshop

    Free plan + paidWeb

    45.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Pixelmator Pro

    Browser-based and free, handy for PSD editing on any machine.

    Pros

    • Free and runs in the browser
    • Opens PSD and many other formats
    • Familiar Photoshop-style interface

    Cons

    • Ads in the free version
    • Large files can be slow in the browser
    Visit Photopea Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.334
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1577
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Photopea a good Pixelmator Pro alternative?

    Verified facts

    2 of 3 verified
    Price
    Free with ads; premium removes ads
    Not checked yetphotopea.com(opens source in a new tab)
    PSD support
    Yes
    Checked Oct 24, 2026photopea.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Install required
    No (browser)
    Checked Oct 24, 2026photopea.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Pixelmator Pro alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Adobe Photoshop logo

Best Pixelmator Pro alternative for most people

Adobe Photoshop

The full industry standard, if you need maximum features and cross-platform files.

GIMP logo

Best Pixelmator Pro alternative for a free option

GIMP

Free and open source, for Mac users who would rather not pay at all.

Photopea logo

Best Pixelmator Pro alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Photopea

Browser-based and free, handy for PSD editing on any machine.

GIMP logo

Best Pixelmator Pro alternative for open source

GIMP

Free and open source, for Mac users who would rather not pay at all.

Ac

Best Pixelmator Pro alternative for Mac

Acorn

A smaller, cheaper Mac editor from an indie developer, bought once.

Affinity logo

Best Pixelmator Pro alternative for Windows

Affinity

Free for individuals and also available on Windows, with deeper pro-level tools.

GIMP logo

Best Pixelmator Pro alternative for Linux

GIMP

Free and open source, for Mac users who would rather not pay at all.

Adobe Photoshop logo

Best Pixelmator Pro alternative for iPhone and Android

Adobe Photoshop

The full industry standard, if you need maximum features and cross-platform files.

Adobe Photoshop logo

Best Pixelmator Pro alternative for working in the browser

Adobe Photoshop

The full industry standard, if you need maximum features and cross-platform files.

Pixelmator Pro alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Pixelmator Pro?

Adobe Photoshop ranks first right now. The full industry standard, if you need maximum features and cross-platform files. Acorn and Photomator follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Pixelmator Pro?

Yes. GIMP (open source), Photopea (free plan + paid) and Affinity (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Pixelmator Pro?

Yes: GIMP.

Which Pixelmator Pro alternatives work on Linux?

GIMP runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Pixelmator Pro?

The complaints we hear most: apple devices only; iPad version and some features need the Creator Studio subscription; missing some advanced Photoshop features for pro retouching.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Pixelmator Pro, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.