# PixelBead vs Pixel Beader

The clearest difference is update cadence: PixelBead at every 2 weeks against Pixel Beader's every 2 months. PixelBead also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PixelBead sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Pixel Beader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PixelBead ships an update every 2 weeks, Pixel Beader every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 15, 2026 and November 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PixelBead | Pixel Beader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelbead-bead-pattern-maker/id6761889951/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 45 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [笑海 吕](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883077978) | [Yu Yan](https://appshunter.io/developer/6780331102) |

## What reviewers say

### PixelBead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelbead-bead-pattern-maker/id6761889951)

Transform your photos into bead patterns quickly and easily. Automatically match colors, generate grids, and refine your designs with powerful editing tools. Supports popular bead brands and offers premium features for advanced users.

**Highlights:** Photo to bead pattern conversion, Automatic color matching and grid generation, Support for Perler, Hama, Artkal, Nabbi brands, Manual pattern editing tools, Bead usage statistics, High-resolution PDF/PNG export (Premium)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PixelBead Premium | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| PixelBead Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| PixelBead Lifetime Offer | $24.99 | one-time |
| PixelBead Lifetime | $29.99 | one-time |


### Pixel Beader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel-beader-bead-patterns/id6780332489)

Create custom bead patterns from scratch or by converting photos. Refine designs with drawing tools, layers, and reference images. Preview your creations in 3D and AR, and organize or share your projects.

**Highlights:** Bead-by-bead pattern design, Photo to pattern conversion, Interactive pattern previews, 3D and AR visualization, Pattern organization and sharing, Layer and reference image support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pixel Beader Pro Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Pixel Beader Pro Lifetime | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PixelBead free?

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

### Is Pixel Beader free?

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

### Do PixelBead or Pixel Beader have ads?

Neither PixelBead nor Pixel Beader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PixelBead or Pixel Beader?

PixelBead ships an update every 2 weeks, and Pixel Beader every 2 months. Most recently, PixelBead was updated on November 15, 2026 and Pixel Beader on November 13, 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.*