Skip to content
Alternatives.toolsSubmit a tool
Pixlr logo

Pixlr alternatives

Top Photo Editing like Pixlr

The most popular alternative to Pixlr is Photopea, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Pixlr are Canva, Adobe Express, Adobe Photoshop, and GIMP.

Most alternatives to Pixlr are in the Photo Editing category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Pixlr alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
8 apps

All Pixlr alternatives

  1. Photopea

    Photopea is an image editor that runs entirely in the web browser and closely follows the Photoshop interface. It opens and saves PSD files, reads formats such as XCF, Sketch, XD, PDF and RAW, and supports layers, masks, adjustment layers, vector shapes and smart objects, with files processed locally. It is free to use with ads, and an optional Premium account removes ads and adds a few extras.

    8 Photopea alternatives

    Pros

    • Runs in the browser with no installation
    • Opens and saves PSD files, and reads XCF, Sketch and XD
    • Familiar interface that closely follows Photoshop

    Cons

    • The free version shows ads
    • Slower than desktop apps with large, complex files
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    Web
    Features
    AI image editingBackground removalLayersVector editing
    Visit websiteMore about Photopea

  2. Canva

    4.9(3.6M) · App Store

    Canva is an online design editor built around drag-and-drop templates for social media graphics, presentations, posters, videos and documents. It targets non-designers and marketing teams, with a large stock library, brand kits, real-time collaboration and Magic Studio AI tools for creating and editing images and text. It runs in the browser and as desktop and mobile apps.

    12 Canva alternatives

    Pros

    • Huge template library makes design accessible to non-designers
    • Real-time collaboration and brand kits for marketing teams
    • Available on web, desktop and mobile, with Magic Studio AI tools

    Cons

    • Many templates, assets and AI features sit behind the Pro plan
    • Popular templates can make designs look like everyone else’s
    • Limited precision for print production or advanced vector work
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic DesignPresentation Software
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Background removalBrand kitImage generationReal-time collaborationStock media libraryTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Canva

  3. Adobe Express

    4.8(368.9K) · App Store

    Adobe Express is a web and mobile design app for producing social media posts, flyers, logos, short videos and simple web pages from templates. It includes Adobe Stock assets, Adobe Fonts, brand kits, one-click background removal and Firefly generative AI. It is aimed at small businesses, students and marketers who need quick results without a full Creative Cloud workflow.

    11 Adobe Express alternatives

    Pros

    • Templates plus Adobe Stock and Adobe Fonts for quick, polished results
    • One-click background removal and Firefly generative AI
    • Brand kits and mobile apps keep content consistent on the go

    Cons

    • Premium templates, assets and generative credits require a paid plan
    • Less precise than Creative Cloud apps for detailed design work
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WebiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Background removalBrand kitImage generationStock media libraryTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Adobe Express

  4. Adobe Photoshop

    4.5(94.4K) · App Store

    Adobe Photoshop is a professional image editor used for retouching, compositing, graphic design and digital painting. It combines layers, masks, adjustment layers, Camera Raw processing and a large plugin ecosystem with Firefly-powered tools such as Generative Fill and object removal. It runs on Windows and macOS, with web, iPad and iPhone versions that sync through Creative Cloud.

    12 Adobe Photoshop alternatives

    Pros

    • Industry standard for retouching and compositing
    • Generative Fill and object removal powered by Firefly
    • Vast ecosystem of plugins and tutorials

    Cons

    • Subscription only, which adds up over time
    • Steep learning curve for beginners
    • Demanding on hardware with large files
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Photo EditingGraphic Design
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhone
    Features
    Background removalDigital paintingImage generationLayersPlugins & extensionsRAW photo editing
    Visit websiteMore about Adobe Photoshop

  5. GIMP

    GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open source image editor used for photo retouching, image composition and digital artwork. It offers layers, masks, selection tools, a wide range of filters and scripts and plugins in Python or Script-Fu. GIMP 3.0 added non-destructive filters and a refreshed interface, and it is a common Photoshop alternative for people who want to avoid subscriptions.

    12 GIMP alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, open source and available on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Layers, masks, filters and scripting in Python or Script-Fu
    • Non-destructive filters since version 3.0

    Cons

    • Interface and workflows differ from Photoshop, which slows switchers
    • Fewer AI and generative tools than commercial editors
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    AI image editingDigital paintingLayersNon-destructive editingPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about GIMP

  6. Paint.NET

    Paint.NET is a free image editor for Windows that began as a student project to replace Microsoft Paint and grew into a capable photo editing tool. It supports layers, blend modes, unlimited history and a wide set of effects and adjustments, and a large community library of plugins adds new effects and file formats. It is appreciated for its fast startup and simple interface.

    6 Paint.NET alternatives

    Pros

    • Free, quick to start and simple to use
    • Layers, blend modes and unlimited history
    • Large library of community plugins

    Cons

    • Available only on Windows
    • Lacks the advanced tools of professional editors
    Cost / License
    FreeProprietary
    Categories
    Photo Editing
    Platforms
    Windows
    Features
    AI image editingLayersPlugins & extensions
    Visit websiteMore about Paint.NET

  7. VistaCreate

    4.7(3.1K) · App Store

    VistaCreate, formerly Crello, is an online graphic design editor owned by Vista, the printing company. It provides ready-made templates for social posts, ads, flyers and animated graphics, a stock library of photos, videos and illustrations, brand kits and a background remover. Finished designs can be ordered as prints through Vista, which makes it practical for small businesses.

    6 VistaCreate alternatives

    Pros

    • Ready-made templates for social posts, ads and animated graphics
    • Stock library of photos, videos and illustrations included
    • Designs can be ordered as prints directly through Vista

    Cons

    • Fewer advanced and collaboration features than Canva
    • Premium assets and features require a paid plan
    • Limited control for detailed or precise design work
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Graphic Design
    Platforms
    WebiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AnimationBackground removalBrand kitStock media libraryTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about VistaCreate

  8. Remini

    4.6(356.1K) · App Store

    Remini, owned by Bending Spoons, is a mobile and web app that uses AI to enhance photos and videos: it sharpens blurry or low-resolution images, restores old pictures and improves faces. It can also generate AI portraits of you in different styles from a few selfies, including professional headshots. The app can be used for free with limits, and a subscription unlocks more processing and features.

    8 Remini alternatives

    Pros

    • Sharpens blurry or low-resolution photos in a tap
    • Restores old pictures and enhances faces
    • Available on iOS, Android and the web

    Cons

    • Free version is limited, with frequent prompts to subscribe
    • Face enhancement can look artificial or alter features
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    AI Headshot GeneratorsPhoto Editing
    Platforms
    WebiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Photo enhancementProfessional headshotsUpscaling
    Visit websiteMore about Remini

Pixlr vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Pixlr, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Pixlr vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsBackground removalImage generationLayersTemplates
PixlrFreemiumWeb, iPhone, Android
PhotopeaFreemiumWeb
CanvaFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
Adobe ExpressFreemiumWeb, iPhone, Android
Adobe PhotoshopFree trialWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone
GIMPFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux

Pixlr alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Pixlr?

The most popular alternative to Pixlr is Photopea: Browser-based image editor that opens PSD and many other design files. Other great alternatives are Canva, Adobe Express, Adobe Photoshop, and GIMP.

Is there a free alternative to Pixlr?

Yes, 7 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Photopea, Canva, Adobe Express, and GIMP.

Is there an open source alternative to Pixlr?

Yes, one open source alternative is listed: GIMP.

Is Pixlr free?

Pixlr has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Pixlr with its alternatives

Sponsored listings and products made by the publisher of this site are always labeled. How we rank · Know a good alternative? Submit it