Pixlr
Procreate
| Feature | Pixlr | Procreate |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $1.99/mo | From $12.99/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 |
| Best For | casual-editors, social-media-managers, small-businesses, students | digital-artists, illustrators, concept-artists, hobbyists |
| Founded | 2008 | 2011 |
| Photo Editing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ai Background Removal | ✓ | ✗ |
| Generative Fill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Batch Editing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Templates | ✓ | ✗ |
| Collage Maker | ✓ | ✗ |
| Digital Painting | ✗ | ✓ |
| Brushes | ✗ | ✓ |
| Layers | ✗ | ✓ |
| Animation Assist | ✗ | ✓ |
| Time Lapse | ✗ | ✓ |
| Color Tools | ✗ | ✓ |
| Apple Pencil Support | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Pixlr Pros
- Works entirely in browser
- AI tools are fast and effective
- Very affordable premium plans
- Both simple (Express) and advanced (Editor) modes
✗ Pixlr Cons
- Ads on free version
- Less powerful than Photoshop
- Internet required for all work
✓ Procreate Pros
- One-time purchase price (no subscription)
- Incredibly responsive and natural brush engine
- Massive brush library with custom brush creation
- Animation assist for frame-by-frame animation
✗ Procreate Cons
- iPad-only (no desktop or Android version)
- No vector support (raster only)
- Limited text and layout tools
The Verdict
Pixlr is built for casual editors and social media managers, with a focus on photo-editing and ai-background-removal. Procreate targets digital artists and illustrators and leads with digital-painting and brushes.
On pricing, Pixlr is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $1.99/mo compared to $12.99/mo for Procreate. That $11/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Pixlr has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Procreate requires a paid subscription from day one.
Procreate edges out on user ratings (4.8 vs 4.2). While both are well-regarded, that gap reflects real differences in user satisfaction worth considering.
Feature-wise, Procreate offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Pixlr takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
Bottom line: Procreate has a slight overall edge — but if works entirely in browser matters most to you, Pixlr may still be the right call.