# PixelBead vs Handpix

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PixelBead at none against Handpix's 2. PixelBead also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Handpix sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. PixelBead asks for nothing beyond the download.

PixelBead ships an update every 2 weeks, Handpix weekly. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PixelBead | Handpix |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelbead-perler-and-pixel-art/id6763877787/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 54 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shanghai Interesting Soft Network Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1881898656) | [寻 刘](https://appshunter.io/developer/1870135135) |

## What reviewers say

### PixelBead

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelbead-perler-and-pixel-art/id6763877787)

Easily transform photos into bead patterns or pixel art designs. This tool offers a straightforward way to create clear templates for bead art and allows for drawing and editing your own pixel creations. Save and share your finished artwork with others.

**Highlights:** Photo to bead pattern conversion, Pixel art creator, Multiple grid sizes, Clear template guides, Save and share creations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Handpix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handpix-bead-pattern-maker/id6772273673)

Create intricate bead patterns with professional drawing tools, layer management, and realistic ironing previews. Easily convert photos to pixel art and export customizable designs for sharing or building.

**Highlights:** Professional drawing tools, Multi-layer support, Realistic ironing effect preview, Photo to pixel art conversion, Customizable pattern export, iCloud cross-device sync, Built-in pegboard for building

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Handpix Pro 月度会员 | $0.99 | per month |
| Handpix Pro 永久会员 | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PixelBead free?

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

### Is Handpix free?

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

### Do PixelBead or Handpix have ads?

Neither PixelBead nor Handpix shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PixelBead or Handpix?

PixelBead ships an update every 2 weeks, and Handpix weekly. Most recently, PixelBead was updated on October 25, 2026 and Handpix on October 25, 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.*