Comparison

Atkinson vs Image2pixel

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Atkinson

This app processes photos using the Atkinson dithering algorithm, originally used for black and white displays on old Macintosh computers. It creates small file-sized images with options for square cropping, rounded corners, and white borders, offering a real-time preview of the effect.

Highlights
  • Atkinson dithering algorithm processing
  • Square photo output
  • Toggleable rounded corners
  • White border option
  • Real-time preview
Features
Read full description

Transform your photos with the iconic Atkinson dithering algorithm — the same technique used on the original Macintosh by Bill Atkinson. Create stunning retro-style images with a single tap. # What is Atkinson Dithering? Atkinson dithering was the algorithm behind the classic 1-bit graphics of early Macintosh computers. It converts photos i nto beautiful two-tone pixel patterns, producing images with a distinctive vintage charm and remarkably small file sizes. # Features - Real-time Atkinson dithering preview through your camera - 7 retro-tech color palettes: Terminal Green, Amber Monitor, Original Macintosh, Game Boy, Apple II Green, White Phospho r, and classic black & white - 5 iconic frames inspired by computing history: MacPaint, Classic Mac window, Terminal, White Frame, and frameless - Adjustable brightness control - Rounded corner option - Square photo output optimized for social media - Lightweight PNG output with tiny file sizes # Color Palettes Go beyond black and white. Choose from color palettes inspired by legendary displays — the green glow of VT100 terminals, the warm amber of IBM monitors, the creamy screen of the original Macintosh, and more. # Retro Frames Wrap your dithered photos in frames inspired by classic software. The MacPaint frame features pixel-perfect tool palettes and menu bars, just like Bill Atkinson's legendary paint program. The Classic Mac frame recreates the iconic window chrome of early Macintosh. # Perfect for - Retro and vintage photo enthusiasts - Pixel art lovers - Social media posts with a unique aesthetic - Anyone who appreciates the beauty of 1-bit graphics

About

Image2pixel

Features
Read full description

Image2pixel - Pixel Art Generator Transform your favorite photos into exquisite pixel art creations. Whether you're a gaming enthusiast, designer, or pixel art lover, Image2pixel helps you effortlessly create retro-style pixel art. Main Features • One-Click Pixelation: Simply select a photo to instantly convert it into pixel art.
 • Custom Pixel Size: Adjust pixel sizes from 2 to 16 to create different styles of pixel effects.
 • Color Control: Set the number of colors, from 2 to 64, to create artwork ranging from simple to complex.
 • Grayscale Mode: Switch to a black and white effect with one click to create retro-style pixel art.
 • Grid Line Display: Show/hide grid lines for precise editing and viewing.
 • High-Quality Export: Save high-resolution pixel art to your photo album. • Fuse Bead Palettes & Pattern Export Use Cases • Create retro-style pixel characters and scenes for game projects.
 • Design unique social media avatars and backgrounds.
 • Transform precious photos into works of art.
 • Create retro-style wallpapers and decorative patterns.
 • Turn photos into fun 8-bit style images. • Turn photos into fun Perler Beads/Fuse Beads Pattern. Image2pixel - Effortlessly create pixel art and unleash your retro creativity!

Screenshots

Atkinson4 screens
Image2pixel4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Atkinson at Free against Image2pixel's $1.99. Atkinson also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). Image2pixel's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). On device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Atkinson is free to download; Image2pixel costs $1.99 up front. Atkinson sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Image2pixel asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Atkinson ships an update monthly, Image2pixel every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on June 5, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Atkinson versus Image2pixel: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAtkinsonImage2pixel
PriceFree — better$1.99
Rating3.3 (6 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews71.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings6 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 6 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTsutomu Koyachi玉祥 余

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Atkinson

Subscriptions2
  • Standard Month$0.991 Month
  • Standard Year$9.991 Year
None

Image2pixel

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Atkinson free?
Atkinson is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Image2pixel free?
Image2pixel costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Atkinson or Image2pixel have ads?
Atkinson shows ads; Image2pixel does not.
Which is updated more often, Atkinson or Image2pixel?
Atkinson ships an update monthly, and Image2pixel every 6 days. Most recently, Atkinson was updated on June 5, 2026 and Image2pixel on September 15, 2026.

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