Affinity vs Pixelmator Pro

Affinity9.2Visit Pixelmator Pro8.8Visit

Higher score Affinity #1 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Affinity

vs

Pixelmator Pro #2 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac 8.8/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Pixelmator Pro

• Affinity fits best

  Mac users wanting one app for graphics and photo work

• Pixelmator Pro fits best

  Mac users seeking polished photo editing and design

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Side by side

Feature	Affinity 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Pixelmator Pro 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.8
Ranking	#1 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac	#2 in Photoshop Alternatives for Mac
Best for	Mac users wanting one app for graphics and photo work	Mac users seeking polished photo editing and design
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	None	$29.99/yr
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	30 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS	macOS, iOS
Support	Docs	Docs, Community
Integrations	5 integrations	3 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Affinity 0/6 · Pixelmator Pro 0/6
Layer support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
RAW processing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
PSD compatibility	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Non-destructive editing	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Plugin support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
iPad version	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Maximum color depth	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Combines pixel editing, RAW processing, vector design, and page layout Imports PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, IDML, and DWG files Free for individuals, with export to Canva for team collaboration	Edits RAW files with RAW layers and nondestructive layer-based workflows. Combines masking, retouching, vector tools, templates, and typography. Syncs editing across Mac and iPad through Apple’s ecosystem.
Cons	Requires a Canva account for individual access Available on desktop, with no mobile app listed Some AI tools require Canva premium plans	The one-time purchase option is for Mac; Apple Creator Studio is subscription-based. The app is limited to Apple platforms: macOS and iOS. Support channels are documentation and community.
Our verdict	Affinity brings pixel photo editing, vector design, and page layout into one desktop application. For Mac users looking to replace Photoshop, that breadth is its defining distinction: alongside RAW processing, filters, retouching, and… Read the review →	Pixelmator Pro brings photo editing and creative design tools to Mac and iPad, aimed at photographers, designers, illustrators, and other creators. Its workflow centers on layers and includes RAW editing, color adjustments, masking,… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Affinity — where it wins

  • Combines pixel editing, RAW processing, vector design, and page layout
  • Imports PSD, AI, PDF, SVG, IDML, and DWG files
  • Free for individuals, with export to Canva for team collaboration

  Where it doesn't

  • Requires a Canva account for individual access
  • Available on desktop, with no mobile app listed
  • Some AI tools require Canva premium plans

• Pixelmator Pro — where it wins

  • Edits RAW files with RAW layers and nondestructive layer-based workflows.
  • Combines masking, retouching, vector tools, templates, and typography.
  • Syncs editing across Mac and iPad through Apple’s ecosystem.

  Where it doesn't

  • The one-time purchase option is for Mac; Apple Creator Studio is subscription-based.
  • The app is limited to Apple platforms: macOS and iOS.
  • Support channels are documentation and community.

• Affinity9.2/10 · Free plan

  A broad Photoshop alternative that also handles vector design and page layout.

  Visit AffinityFull verdict →
• Pixelmator Pro8.8/10 · 30-day trial

  A Mac-focused Photoshop alternative with RAW layers, masking, and a one-time purchase option.

  Visit Pixelmator ProFull verdict →