Head-to-head · Photo Editing Software
Pixelmator Pro vs Affinity Photo
Pixelmator Pro leads on 0 checks, Affinity Photo on 1, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorePixelmator Pro · 7.9/10
- Free planonly Affinity Photo
- Free trialonly Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro scores higher on our rubric for photo editing software: 7.9 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #21 and #22.
Affinity Photo offers free plan; Pixelmator Pro doesn't. On platform, Pixelmator Pro gives you Multi-platform where Affinity Photo offers Desktop.
Pixelmator Pro is the better fit for affordable Apple-native layer editing. Affinity Photo is the better fit for free desktop editing with deep controls.
- Pixelmator Pro fits best
Affordable Apple-native layer editing
- Affinity Photo fits best
Free desktop editing with deep controls
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Side by side
| Feature | Pixelmator Pro 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Affinity Photo 7.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.7 |
| Ranking | #21 in Photo Editing Software | #22 in Photo Editing Software |
| Best for | Affordable Apple-native layer editing | Free desktop editing with deep controls |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $29.99/yr | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Features Pixelmator Pro 5/6 · Affinity Photo 5/6 | ||
| RAW photo support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Layer editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Masking tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Batch editing | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Cloud sync | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| AI retouching | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platform | Multi-platform | Desktop |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Pixelmator Pro is an image-editing and creative design application for Mac and iPad. It is aimed at photographers, designers, illustrators, and other Apple users who need RAW processing, nondestructive layer editing, compositing, color… Read the review → |
Affinity Photo is professional photo-editing software for photographers, designers, and other visual creators. It runs on macOS and Windows and combines non-destructive editing, RAW development, layered compositions, masks, retouching, HDR… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Pixelmator Pro — where it wins
- RAW processing supports more than 750 RAW formats
- Nondestructive layers, masks, and compositing tools
- Machine-learning enhancement, denoise, and background removal
Where it doesn't
- The one-time purchase applies to Mac, not iPad
- No free plan is available
- Its workflow is not focused on batch editing
Affinity Photo — where it wins
- Free plan includes RAW development, unlimited layers, and batch processing
- Advanced masking, retouching, HDR Merge, and Focus Merge tools
- Generative fill, expand, smart selections, and depth-aware masking
Where it doesn't
- Available for macOS and Windows; iPad support is coming soon
- Some optional Canva AI tools require a Canva premium plan
- The extensive toolset may be more than casual editors need
- Pixelmator Pro7.9/10 · 30-day trial
A capable Apple-focused editor with layers, RAW support, and a one-time Mac option.
Visit Pixelmator ProFull verdict → - Affinity Photo7.7/10 · Free plan
A free desktop editor with deep controls for RAW, layers, masking, retouching, and batch work.
Visit Affinity PhotoFull verdict →
All photo editing software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update