Adobe Lightroom vs Pixelmator Pro
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading photography solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose Adobe Lightroom if you need RAW photo editing and prefer comprehensive paid features. Choose Pixelmator Pro if you prioritize ML-powered editing and want plans starting at $49.99/once. Pixelmator Pro has a higher user rating (4.7 vs 4.3).
Adobe Lightroom vs Pixelmator Pro: At a Glance
| Criteria | Adobe Lightroom | Pixelmator Pro |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.3 | 4.7 |
| Pricing | $9.99/month | $49.99/once |
| Pricing Model | subscription | perpetual |
| Free Plan | ||
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Ios, Android | Mac |
| Category | Photography | Photography |
| Founded | 1982 | 2007 |
Feature Comparison: Adobe Lightroom vs Pixelmator Pro
| Feature | Adobe Lightroom | Pixelmator Pro |
|---|---|---|
| RAW photo editing | ||
| Non-destructive editing | ||
| Batch processing | ||
| Color correction | ||
| Lens corrections | ||
| Adobe Creative Cloud | ||
| Adobe Stock | ||
| Adobe Portfolio | ||
| Photoshop | ||
| Cloud sync encryption | ||
| Version control | ||
| Backup and restore | ||
| Windows support | ||
| Macos support | ||
| Ios support | ||
| ML-powered editing | ||
| RAW support | ||
| Layer styles | ||
| Color adjustments | ||
| Photos app | ||
| iCloud | ||
| Apple Silicon optimization | ||
| Sandboxed app | ||
| No data collection | ||
| Mac support |
Adobe Lightroom vs Pixelmator Pro: Pricing Breakdown
Adobe Lightroom Pricing
Model: subscription
- Lightroom + Photoshop
- 20GB cloud storage
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Portfolio website
Pixelmator Pro Pricing
Model: perpetual
- Full software access
- Free updates
- All features included
Pros and Cons
Adobe Lightroom
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.3/5)
- Available on 4 platforms (Windows, Macos, Ios, Android)
- Rich feature set with 15+ capabilities
- Strong RAW photo editing functionality
- Strong Non-destructive editing functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- May require time to learn advanced features
Pixelmator Pro
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.7/5)
- Rich feature set with 11+ capabilities
- Strong ML-powered editing functionality
- Strong Non-destructive editing functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- Limited platform support (Mac only)
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use Adobe Lightroom vs Pixelmator Pro?
Choose Adobe Lightroom if you:
- Need RAW photo editing
- Have a budget of $9.99/month+
- Work primarily on Windows and Macos
- Value Non-destructive editing
Choose Pixelmator Pro if you:
- Need ML-powered editing
- Have a budget of $49.99/once+
- Work primarily on Mac
- Value Non-destructive editing
Frequently Asked Questions: Adobe Lightroom vs Pixelmator Pro
Is Adobe Lightroom better than Pixelmator Pro?
It depends on your needs. Adobe Lightroom has a 4.3/5 user rating while Pixelmator Pro has 4.7/5. Adobe Lightroom excels in RAW photo editing and Non-destructive editing, while Pixelmator Pro stands out with ML-powered editing and Non-destructive editing. Consider your budget ($9.99/month vs $49.99/once), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, Adobe Lightroom or Pixelmator Pro?
Adobe Lightroom starts at $9.99/month. Pixelmator Pro starts at $49.99/once. Compare the specific plan features to determine the best value for your use case.
Can I use Adobe Lightroom and Pixelmator Pro together?
While both are photography tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core photography needs.
What are the main differences between Adobe Lightroom and Pixelmator Pro?
The key differences include: pricing model (subscription vs perpetual), platform support (Windows, Macos, Ios, Android vs Mac), and feature focus. Adobe Lightroom emphasizes RAW photo editing, Non-destructive editing, Batch processing while Pixelmator Pro focuses on ML-powered editing, Non-destructive editing, RAW support. User ratings differ slightly: 4.3 vs 4.7 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both Adobe Lightroom and Pixelmator Pro.