Sign in

Browse by category

More

Comparison · Photo editing software

Photopea vs Pixelmator Pro: which is better in 2026?

Photopea86.5#5 in best photo editing softwarePixelmator Pro88.0#4 in best photo editing software

Pixelmator Pro ranks higher in our list of photo editing software (#4 against #5, score 88.0 against 86.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

  • 86.5
    Editorial score
    88.0
  • 1
    Platforms
    2
  • Yes
    Free to use
    No
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Photopea if you want

Quick browser edits and PSD files.

Opens PSD and RAW files in a browser with no install, which makes it the easiest route for quick edits. Speed depends on the device, and desktop editors handle very large files more predictably.

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 Pixelmator Pro runs on macOS.
  • Only Photopea runs on Web.
  • Photopea can be used for free; Pixelmator Pro requires payment.

Side by side

PhotopeaPixelmator Pro
Score86.588.0
Rank in list#5 of 8#4 of 8
PriceFreeFree to use; the site says all premium features cost nothingOne-time purchaseOne-time purchase on the Mac App Store; also part of Apple Creator Studio
Free to useYesNo
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWebWebmacOSiPadOSmacOS, iPadOS
Made byIvan KutskirApple
Best forQuick browser edits and PSD filesMac and iPad photo editing with AI tools
Strengths
  • Opens and saves PSD files with layers
  • Runs in the browser with no installation
  • One-time purchase on the Mac App Store
  • Background removal with one click
Limits
  • Speed depends on the device and browser
  • Works only on Mac and iPad
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Photopea vs Pixelmator Pro

Is Pixelmator Pro better than Photopea?
Pixelmator Pro ranks higher in our list of photo editing software (#4 against #5, score 88.0 against 86.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Photopea is best for: quick browser edits and PSD files. Pixelmator Pro is best for: mac and iPad photo editing with AI tools.
Which is cheaper, Photopea or Pixelmator Pro?
Photopea: Free to use; the site says all premium features cost nothing. Pixelmator Pro: One-time purchase on the Mac App Store; also part of Apple Creator Studio.
Do Photopea and Pixelmator Pro run on the same platforms?
Photopea supports Web. Pixelmator Pro supports macOS, iPadOS.