Adobe Lightroom vs Pixelmator Pro
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Photo editing and organization for photographers.
Powerful, native image editor for Mac.
The verdict
Both Adobe Lightroom and Pixelmator Pro are credible photo editing tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Adobe Lightroom if you want a lower starting price (from $9.99/mo), a longer free trial (7 days) and broader platform coverage. Photo editing and organization for photographers.
Pixelmator Pro - Powerful, native image editor for Mac.
Adobe Lightroom vs Pixelmator Pro: side by side
| Dimension | Adobe Lightroom | Pixelmator Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $9.99/moWinner | From $49.99 once |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | 7 daysWinner | - |
| Pricing model | Subscription | One-time |
| Best for | Photographers | Photographers, Mac Users |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, iOS, AndroidWinner | Mac |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
Adobe Lightroom key facts
- Vendor
- Adobe
- Pricing
- Subscription - From $9.99/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (7 days)
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
- Best for
- Photographers
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2007
- Headquarters
- San Jose, CA, USA
Pixelmator Pro key facts
- Vendor
- Apple
- Pricing
- One-time - From $49.99 once
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Mac
- Best for
- Photographers, Mac Users
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2007
- Headquarters
- Vilnius, Lithuania
Frequently asked questions
Is Adobe Lightroom better than Pixelmator Pro?
Neither is universally better - Pixelmator Pro edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Adobe Lightroom or Pixelmator Pro cheaper?
Adobe Lightroom is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $9.99/mo. Adobe Lightroom starts at from $9.99/mo; Pixelmator Pro starts at from $49.99 once.
Can Adobe Lightroom replace Pixelmator Pro?
Yes for most teams - both are photo editing tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.
Side-by-side software breakdowns and pricing changes - in your inbox monthly.