Comparison · Photo editing software
Adobe Lightroom vs Pixelmator Pro: which is better in 2026?
Adobe Lightroom85.0#6 in best photo editing software
Pixelmator Pro88.0#4 in best photo editing softwarePixelmator Pro ranks higher in our list of photo editing software (#4 against #6, score 88.0 against 85.0).
- 85.0Editorial score88.0
- 6Platforms2
- NoFree to useNo
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Adobe Lightroom if you want
Photographers who edit raw files on several devices.
A polished raw workflow with edits that sync between desktop, phone and browser. It is a subscription and cloud-centered, unlike darktable or RawTherapee, which are free and local.
Choose Pixelmator Pro if you want
Mac and iPad photo editing with AI tools.
A polished Mac and iPad editor with one-click background removal and a one-time price. It runs only on Apple devices, so Windows and Linux users need another tool.
The main differences
- Only Adobe Lightroom runs on Windows.
- Only Adobe Lightroom runs on iOS.
- Only Adobe Lightroom runs on Android.
- Only Adobe Lightroom runs on Web.
- Adobe Lightroom is subscription; Pixelmator Pro is one-time purchase.
Side by side
| Adobe Lightroom | Pixelmator Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 85.0 | 88.0 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 10 | #4 of 10 |
| Price | SubscriptionCreative Cloud subscription with cloud storage; a free trial is offered | One-time purchaseOne-time purchase on the Mac App Store; also part of Apple Creator Studio |
| Free to use | No | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSiOS, iPadOSAndroidWebWindows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Web | macOSiPadOSmacOS, iPadOS |
| Made by | Adobe | Apple |
| Best for | Photographers who edit raw files on several devices | Mac and iPad photo editing with AI tools |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Adobe Lightroom vs Pixelmator Pro
- Is Pixelmator Pro better than Adobe Lightroom?
- Pixelmator Pro ranks higher in our list of photo editing software (#4 against #6, score 88.0 against 85.0). Adobe Lightroom is best for: photographers who edit raw files on several devices. Pixelmator Pro is best for: Mac and iPad photo editing with AI tools.
- Which is cheaper, Adobe Lightroom or Pixelmator Pro?
- Adobe Lightroom: Creative Cloud subscription with cloud storage; a free trial is offered. Pixelmator Pro: One-time purchase on the Mac App Store; also part of Apple Creator Studio.
- Do Adobe Lightroom and Pixelmator Pro run on the same platforms?
- Adobe Lightroom supports Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, Web. Pixelmator Pro supports macOS, iPadOS.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
