Comparison

Pixmaker vs PixelBean

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

Head to head
About

Pixmaker

Features
Read full description

PixMaker helps you create fuse bead and Perler bead art faster, easier, and with more confidence. Connect your PixMaker board to the app, choose or import a design, and follow the LED light guide step by step. Each light shows where to place your beads, so you can focus on creating instead of counting. PixMaker is designed for beginners, families, hobby makers, and advanced bead artists who want to create more detailed patterns with fewer mistakes. With the PixMaker app, you can: β€’ Connect your PixMaker board by Bluetooth β€’ Choose bead patterns and designs β€’ Import your own images β€’ Convert images into bead art patterns β€’ Follow the LED guide directly on the board β€’ Create larger and more detailed artwork faster β€’ Access tutorials, updates, and product support PixMaker makes bead art more visual, more accurate, and more enjoyable. Follow the lights and start creating.

About

PixelBean

Features
Read full description

"PixelBean" turns any photo into a pixel bead pattern in just a few taps. KEY FEATURES β€’ Smart color recognition: Upload an image and PixelBean automatically identifies colors and generates a pattern with matching bead color codes. β€’ Grid patterns: Clear row and column numbers plus color codes make every pattern easy to follow. β€’ Block-by-block beading: Sort by block or color, jump automatically, and move to the next block when you finish one. β€’ High-resolution export: Export HD PNG and PDF patterns for sharing or printing. β€’ Membership features: Ad-free use, high-resolution source images, batch export, and other advanced tools. WHO IT'S FOR Perfect for perler beads, pixel art, cross-stitch, and DIY craft lovers. No experience needed. HOW TO USE 1. Choose or take a photo. 2. Generate a pattern with matching color codes. 3. Start beading by color or block and follow the pattern as you go. 4. Export the finished pattern as a high-resolution image for saving or printing. MEMBERSHIP FEATURES β€’ Unlimited pattern generation β€’ Export HD PNG / PDF patterns β€’ Unlock block export (104 Γ— 104 for block-by-block printing) β€’ Freely zoom the workspace while following a pattern β€’ Full MARD color library (291 colors) β€’ Bulk bead-box management and deduct beads by pattern AUTO-RENEWABLE SUBSCRIPTIONS β€’ Monthly and yearly plans are auto-renewable subscriptions and renew automatically before the end of each period. β€’ To cancel: Settings β†’ Apple ID β†’ Subscriptions β†’ Cancel. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current period. β€’ Eligible new monthly subscribers may receive a 3-day free trial. β€’ All prices, durations, and trial details are shown on the App Store purchase confirmation screen. Every bead has its place, and every project has a record. Questions or feedback? Contact us at beadplix@163.com Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Pixmaker4 screens
PixelBean4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pixmaker at none against PixelBean's 3. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. PixelBean sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Pixmaker asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pixmaker ships an update every 4 days, PixelBean every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Β· 5 level
Pixmaker versus PixelBean: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPixmakerPixelBean
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 daysEvery 3 days β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size45 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPixply LTDδΊ‘εŽ ι‚“

In-app purchases

None

Pixmaker

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

PixelBean

Subscriptions2
  • θΏžη»­εŒ…ζœˆ3 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • θΏžη»­εŒ…εΉ΄$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • η»ˆθΊ«δΌšε‘˜$22.99

Questions

Is Pixmaker free?
Pixmaker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PixelBean free?
PixelBean is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Pixmaker or PixelBean have ads?
Neither Pixmaker nor PixelBean shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pixmaker or PixelBean?
Pixmaker ships an update every 4 days, and PixelBean every 3 days. Most recently, Pixmaker was updated on October 31, 2026 and PixelBean on November 10, 2026.

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