# Pixie+ vs Photoest

The clearest difference is ads: Photoest at none against Pixie+'s shown. Photoest also leads on review sentiment (75% vs 67%) and iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). Pixie+'s advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pixie+ sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Photoest sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pixie+ | Photoest |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixie-plus-y2k-digicam/id6774289960/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **38** | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 70 MB | 177 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ryusei Okamoto](https://appshunter.io/developer/1775109038) | [雨 龙](https://appshunter.io/developer/1836934906) |

## What reviewers say

### Pixie+

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixie-plus-y2k-digicam/id6774289960)

Capture photos with an authentic Y2K digicam aesthetic. This app offers 16 free filters, including film stock emulations, and a retro UI. Relive the early 2000s photo style with a simple, nostalgic camera experience.

**Highlights:** 16 free Y2K-inspired filters, Authentic digicam UI with D-pad controls, Optional date stamp overlay, Polaroid-style in-app gallery, Front/rear camera toggle, Save and share photos easily

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pixie+ Pro (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Pixie+ Pro (Yearly) | $19.99 | per year |


### Photoest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photoestcolorpop/id6776661427)

This app allows you to capture or import photos, then transform them into selective-color images. You can isolate specific areas to remain in color while the rest of the image turns black and white, with tools for precise editing and creative additions.

**Highlights:** Selective color editing, Photo capture and import, Stroke-based color adjustment, Sticker and shape additions, Undo/redo functionality, Save to Photos library

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Photoest Pro Annual | $8.99 | per year |
| Photoest Pro Lifetime - 20% Off | $9.99 | one-time |
| Photoest Pro Lifetime | $12.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pixie+ free?

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

### Is Photoest free?

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

### Do Pixie+ or Photoest have ads?

Pixie+ shows ads; Photoest does not.

### Which is updated more often, Pixie+ or Photoest?

Pixie+ ships an update weekly, and Photoest weekly. Most recently, Pixie+ was updated on November 5, 2026 and Photoest on November 5, 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.*