Comparison

Pixel Beader 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

Pixel Beader

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
Read full description

Design your own bead patterns. Follow them as you make. Pixel Beader is a bead pattern design and editing tool. Start with a blank pegboard or convert a favorite photo, then refine the shapes and colors to create something of your own. DESIGN AND EDIT Draw bead by bead, replace colors, pick colors, and erase. Use rectangular selection, lasso, and undo to refine your pattern. Layers, underlays, and floating reference windows help you work with reference images. Draw with Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad. TURN PHOTOS INTO PATTERNS Import a photo and adjust the grid size, sampling method, and color count. Check color codes and bead quantities, then continue editing your pattern. FOLLOW WHILE YOU MAKE Use interactive patterns to check color codes and highlighted rows and columns while placing physical beads. Interactive patterns require membership. PREVIEW IN 3D AND AR Simulate the fused finish and explore your creation from different angles in 3D. On supported devices, use AR to preview it in your surroundings. ORGANIZE AND SHARE Organize patterns in folders, save favorites, and recover deleted work from Recently Deleted. Export pattern images and 3D snapshots, or share project files that can be imported and edited again. FREE AND MEMBERSHIP The free version supports boards and patterns up to 104Γ—104. Optional monthly or lifetime membership unlocks projects up to 208Γ—208 and interactive pattern previews. PRIVACY AND DEVICE SUPPORT Photo processing and project data stay on your device and are not uploaded to a server. Apple Pencil features require a compatible iPad and Apple Pencil. AR requires an ARKit-compatible device. Support: missouryy@icloud.com Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Β© 2026 Yu Yan

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

Pixel Beader4 screens
PixelBean4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: PixelBean at every 3 days against Pixel Beader's every 2 months. PixelBean also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Pixel Beader sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and PixelBean sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Pixel Beader ships an update every 2 months, PixelBean every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Β· 6 level
Pixel Beader versus PixelBean: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPixel BeaderPixelBean
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews100.0% of reviewsβ€”
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 days β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemiumβ€”
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” better
Requires iOS26.015.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size15 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYu YanδΊ‘εŽ ι‚“

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Pixel Beader

Subscriptions1
  • Pixel Beader Pro Monthly$0.991 Month
One-time1
  • Pixel Beader Pro Lifetime$9.99
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 Pixel Beader free?
Pixel Beader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PixelBean free?
PixelBean is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Pixel Beader or PixelBean have ads?
Neither Pixel Beader nor PixelBean shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Pixel Beader or PixelBean?
Pixel Beader ships an update every 2 months, and PixelBean every 3 days. Most recently, Pixel Beader was updated on October 31, 2026 and PixelBean on November 10, 2026.

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