Photoshop is powerful, but it’s no longer the only serious option on a Mac. With Pixelmator now owned by Apple and Affinity offering subscription‑free tools, many users can replace Photoshop entirely. Here’s who can, and who shouldn’t.

Why Photoshop Is the First Adobe App People Question

When Mac users think about cancelling Adobe, Photoshop is usually the first app they look at.

That’s because:

• It’s expensive on its own
• Many people use only a fraction of its features
• Modern Mac apps now cover most everyday workflows

The key question isn’t “Is Photoshop good?”
It’s “Do you still need Photoshop specifically?”

Photoshop in Australia: The Cost Reality

For Australian users, Photoshop pricing adds up quickly.

Approximate cost (AU):

• Photoshop single app: ~A$36 per month
• Photography Plan (Photoshop + Lightroom): ~A$31 per month

That’s ~A$370–430 per year, for a single app.

For users who mainly edit photos, create graphics, or prepare images for web and print, that cost is increasingly hard to justify.

Pixelmator Pro: Apple’s Photoshop Alternative

Why Pixelmator Pro Matters More Now

Pixelmator Pro is no longer just a third‑party alternative.

It is now owned and developed by Apple, which changes its long‑term position significantly.

Approx cost (AU):

• One‑time purchase: ~A$75–80
• Included with Apple Creator Studio

What Pixelmator Pro Does Well

• Fast, smooth performance on Apple Silicon
• Clean, modern macOS‑native interface
• Strong machine‑learning tools for:
  • Object removal
  • Subject selection
  • Image upscaling
• Excellent for:
  • Photo editing
  • Web graphics
  • Social media assets
  • Light design work

For many Mac users, Pixelmator Pro already covers 80–90% of typical Photoshop use.

Where Photoshop Still Wins

Pixelmator Pro does not fully replace Photoshop if you rely on:

• Complex compositing
• Advanced masking edge cases
• Heavy plugin workflows
• Agency‑standard PSD pipelines

Affinity Photo: The Subscription‑Free Power Tool

Why Affinity Photo Is Still Popular

Affinity Photo has built a loyal following by offering serious power without a subscription.

Approx cost (AU):

• One‑time purchase: ~A$90–100

What Affinity Photo Does Well

• Advanced layer‑based editing
• Strong retouching and compositing tools
• PSD file support
• Excellent for:
  • Photographers
  • Designers
  • Power users who want control

Affinity Photo feels closer to “classic Photoshop” than Pixelmator does.

Where Photoshop Still Wins

Photoshop still leads in:

• AI‑assisted workflows
• Industry training and tutorials
• Massive plugin ecosystem

Affinity Photo is powerful, but less forgiving for beginners.

Pixelmator vs Affinity: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Pixelmator Pro if you:

• Want a Mac‑first experience
• Prefer a clean, modern interface
• Value speed and simplicity
• Are already considering Apple Creator Studio

Choose Affinity Photo if you:

• Want maximum control
• Prefer a Photoshop‑like workflow
• Do complex image manipulation
• Want a one‑time purchase with no subscription

Both are excellent. The better choice depends on how you work.

Who Should Not Cancel Photoshop (Yet)

Despite the alternatives, some users genuinely still need Photoshop.

You should probably keep Photoshop if you:

• Work in an agency or studio that mandates it
• Exchange layered PSDs daily with clients
• Rely on specific third‑party plugins
• Teach or train using Adobe tools
• Work across macOS and Windows

This series isn’t about forcing everyone off Adobe — it’s about making informed choices.

A Common Middle‑Ground Setup

Many Mac users now run a hybrid workflow, such as:

• Pixelmator Pro or Affinity Photo for daily work
• Photoshop installed but rarely opened
• Adobe subscription downgraded or paused

This alone can save hundreds of dollars per year.

Where This Fits in the Bigger Picture

Photoshop is still excellent software.

But in 2026, on a Mac, it is no longer unavoidable.

With Apple owning Pixelmator Pro and bundling it into Apple Creator Studio, Photoshop is now:

• A specialist tool
• Not a default requirement

For many Mac users, Photoshop is no longer worth the price.

If your work is:

• Photo editing
• Content creation
• Web or social graphics
• Small business marketing

You can almost certainly replace Photoshop or at least stop paying for it every month.