# Subtilizer vs PIXEL86

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Subtilizer at none against PIXEL86's 2. Subtilizer also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). PIXEL86's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 22 months) and ratings volume (40 vs 5). On price, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PIXEL86 sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Subtilizer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Subtilizer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PIXEL86 has 40 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Subtilizer ships an update every 22 months, PIXEL86 every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Subtilizer | PIXEL86 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subtilizer/id1386177976/reviews)** | [4.7 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel86-retro-media-editor/id1641007991/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **40** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 22 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1 MB | 87 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Itoh Tomoaki](https://appshunter.io/developer/871816883) | [Peter Tretyakov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1072835768) |

## What reviewers say

### Subtilizer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subtilizer/id1386177976)

This application allows users to apply subtle image processing effects like posterization, detail filtering, and edge enhancement. It transforms images into a more refined aesthetic. The tool is designed for creative image manipulation.

**Highlights:** Posterization effect, Detail filtering, Edge enhancement, Subtle image conversion

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### PIXEL86

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel86-retro-media-editor/id1641007991)

Transform photos and videos with vintage pixel art aesthetics. Apply true black-and-white dithering, custom color palettes, and unique dithering styles to create retro media. Supports video editing and sharing your creations.

**Highlights:** True B/W dithering, Video editing support, Customizable color palettes, Three dithering styles (Natural, Pattern, Flat), Vintage-inspired aesthetics, Social media sharing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| License Discount | $9.99 | one-time |
| Perpetual License | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Subtilizer free?

Subtilizer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is PIXEL86 free?

PIXEL86 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Subtilizer or PIXEL86?

Subtilizer is rated higher. Subtilizer averages 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while PIXEL86 averages 4.7 from 40 ratings.

### Do Subtilizer or PIXEL86 have ads?

PIXEL86 shows ads; Subtilizer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Subtilizer or PIXEL86?

Subtilizer ships an update every 22 months, and PIXEL86 every 5 days. Most recently, Subtilizer was updated on October 3, 2026 and PIXEL86 on September 30, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*