Pixlr vs Procreate
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Pixlr and Procreate are credible photo editing tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Pixlr if you want a lower starting price (free – $1.99/mo), a free plan to start on and broader platform coverage. Easy online photo editing with AI.
Choose Procreate if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.8/5). Powerful illustration for iPad.
Pixlr vs Procreate: side by side
| Dimension | Pixlr | Procreate |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $1.99/moWinner | From $12.99 once |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | One-time |
| Best for | Casual Users, Smb | Illustrators, Artists |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, AndroidWinner | Ios |
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.8/5Winner |
Pixlr key facts
- Vendor
- Pixlr
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $1.99/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Casual Users, Smb
- Editor rating
- 4.3 / 5
- Founded
- 2008
- Headquarters
- Sweden
Procreate key facts
- Vendor
- Savage Interactive
- Pricing
- One-time — From $12.99 once
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Ios
- Best for
- Illustrators, Artists
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Hobart, Australia
Frequently asked questions
Is Pixlr better than Procreate?
Neither is universally better — Procreate 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 Pixlr or Procreate cheaper?
Pixlr is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $1.99/mo. Pixlr starts at free – $1.99/mo; Procreate starts at from $12.99 once.
Can Pixlr replace Procreate?
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.