Pixelmator Classic iOS vs LumaFusion
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Pixelmator Classic iOS
A powerful, layer-based image editor for iOS and iPadOS. Create designs, paint, sketch, and retouch photos with a wide range of tools and effects. Optimized for the latest iOS features, it allows for detailed image manipulation and composition.
- Layer-based image editing
- Design creation with shapes and text
- Painting and sketching tools
- Photo retouching and enhancement
- Machine learning-powered subject selection
- Distort tools for image warping
- Export and share optimized images
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Pixelmator is a powerful, full-featured, layer-based image editor that lets you add shapes, images, and text to create beautiful image compositions, touch up and enhance images, sketch, and paint on iPad and iPhone alike. Designed exclusively for iOS and iPadOS, Pixelmator takes full advantage of the latest iOS and iPadOS 17 features and technologies, giving you innovative, fast, and powerful tools. Create Eye-Catching Designs - Combine words, shapes, and images to create breathtaking artwork right on your iPhone and iPad - Apply non-destructive layer styles like shadows, outlines, gradient fills, and more - Insert, group, and blend layers of an image - Easily add, combine, and customize shapes - Blend layers, shapes, and text using any of the blending modes - Use precise selection tools to edit areas of an image - Automatically select subjects in images with the machine learning-powered Select Subject - Crop, arrange, and rotate objects and layers with pixel-perfect precision - Easily remove the background of images or cut and paste objects from one image to another Add Shapes and Text - Create flyers, logos, and other compositions using vector shapes and their styling options - Customize Smart Shapes with easy-to-use controls - Add text and make it look gorgeous with 24 pre-designed text styles - Change the font, size, alignment, line spacing, use custom fonts, and more Paint and Sketch - Paint stunning images right on your iPhone and iPad - Choose from over artist-designed brushes and numerous painting techniques - Paint with near-natural wetness effect of watercolor and crayon brushes - Create stunning pixel art images with the custom-designed Pixel brush - Paint with incredible detail thanks to the double texture brush technology - Vary the speed of your stroke to change the thickness of some of the brushes - Easily select and fine-tune colors with a full-featured color picker - Instantly choose colors right from your image with the Eyedropper - Paint more naturally than ever with the Apple Pencil, featuring palm rejection, pressure, tilt, and acceleration sensitivity Edit and Enhance Photos - Get started with dozens of beautifully designed templates - Instantly improve your photos with single-tap color presets - Take full control over the tonal range of your image with levels and curves - Easily remove color casts and set the right white balance - Wipe away image imperfections, skin blemishes, and unwanted objects with the Repair tool - Duplicate areas of your image with the easy-to-use Clone tool - Pinch, bump, twirl, or warp areas of an image with powerful, Metal-based Distort tools - Blur, sharpen, lighten, or darken areas of an image - Choose from dozens of breathtaking effects to subtly improve or completely change the look of an image - Open and edit images of up to 256 megapixels Export and Share Images - Optimize images for the web using quality, color depth, and size settings - Export images to Files, iCloud, or open in other apps using a file format of your choice - Using the integrated share extension, easily share your artwork with friends and family using Mail, AirDrop, or post it to social platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook Compatibility - Open and save images using HEIF, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF formats - Work with multilayered Pixelmator Pro and Adobe Photoshop documents - Save your edited images directly to Photos - Create, edit, and keep all your images up to date on all your devices thanks to iCloud support - External keyboard support with over 70 keyboard shortcuts Built for iPhone and iPad - Pixelmator is meticulously thought through and created from the ground up for iPhone and iPad devices - Designed to take full advantage of powerful iOS and iPadOS features and technologies — iCloud Drive, Photos extension, Split View, and more - Thanks to Apple silicon, Metal, Core Image, and Core Animation, Pixelmator delivers state-of-the-art performance and real-time responsiveness
LumaFusion
This professional video editing app offers a fluid, intuitive touch-screen experience for storytellers. It provides advanced tools for multi-track editing, layered effects, color correction, and audio control, allowing users to create and share high-quality videos.
- Six video/audio/graphic tracks
- Layered effects and color correction
- Advanced audio control
- Multilayer titles and text
- Flexible aspect ratios and frame rates
- External monitor preview
- Speed ramping and enhanced keyframing
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LumaFusion: The Ultimate Storytelling Experience for Video Editing Welcome to the App Store’s “App of the Year” for 2021 and the recipient of the Editors’ Choice Award! The gold standard for storytellers worldwide. Offering a fluid, intuitive, touch-screen editing experience. PROFESSIONAL EDITING MADE EASY • Six video/audio or graphic tracks: Create multiple layer edits with smooth handling of 4K ProRes and HDR media. • Six Additional audio tracks: Build your soundscape. • The ultimate Timeline: Fluent editing using the world’s most flexible track-based AND magnetic timeline. • Loads of transitions: Keep your story moving. • External Monitor Preview: View on a big screen. • Markers, tags and notes: Stay organized. • Voiceover: Record VO while playing your movie. LAYERED EFFECTS AND COLOR CORRECTION • Green screen, luma, and chroma keys: For creative compositing. • Lock & Load Video Stabilizer: Steady your footage. • Powerful color correction: Create your own look. • Video Waveform, vector and histogram scopes. • LUTs: Import and apply multiple .cube or .3dl LUTs. • Unlimited keyframes: Animate effects with precision. • Customizable text and effect presets: Save and share your favorite animations and looks. • Grids and Guides: Precisely align elements with Title-Safe, Action-Safe and horizon line. ADVANCED AUDIO CONTROL • Graphic EQ, Parametric EQ and Voice Isolation: Fine-tune audio. • Keyframe audio levels, panning, and EQ: Craft seamless mixes. • Stereo and Dual-mono audio support: For interviews with multiple mics on one clip. • Audio Ducking: Balance your music and dialogue. • Third-party audio plugins: Enhance your sound. CREATIVE TITLES AND MULTILAYER TEXT • Multilayer titles: Combine shapes, images, and text into your graphic. • Customizable fonts, colors, borders, and shadows: Design eye-catching titles. • Import custom fonts: Strengthen your brand. • Save and share title presets: Perfect for collaboration. PROJECT FLEXIBILITY AND MEDIA LIBRARY • Aspect ratios for all uses: From widescreen cinema to social media. • Frame rates from 18fps to 240fps: Flexibility for any workflow. • Edit from Photos, Frame.io, and directly from USB-C drives: Access your content anywhere. • Import media from cloud storage: Wherever you store it. SHARE YOUR MASTERPIECES • Control resolution, quality, and format: • Share movies to social media, local storage or cloud storage. • Edit on multiple devices: Seamlessly transfer projects. ENHANCED FEATURES (purchase individually, or get them ALL as part of the Creator Pass subscription - see below) • Speed Ramping and Enhanced Keyframing - Create speed ramps, Bézier curves, and easing with this one-of-a-kind, easy to use feature. • XML Export: Send your project to Final Cut Pro for Mac • Multicam Studio: Synchronize 6 cameras or audio and tap to switch angles CREATOR PASS SUBSCRIPTION • Get full access to Storyblocks for LumaFusion: Millions of High-quality royalty-free music, SFX, and videos, PLUS get ALL the Enhanced Features above. EXCEPTIONAL FREE SUPPORT • Online tutorials: www.youtube.com/@LumaTouch • Reference Guide: luma-touch.com/lumafusion-reference-guide • Support: lumatouch.co/support
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Pixelmator Classic iOS at $9.99 against LumaFusion's $29.99. Pixelmator Classic iOS also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 27.0). LumaFusion's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (25K vs 1.2K). On review sentiment, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Pixelmator Classic iOS costs $9.99 and LumaFusion $29.99 up front. LumaFusion sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Pixelmator Classic iOS asks for nothing beyond the download.
LumaFusion holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LumaFusion has 25K ratings behind it against 1.2K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 54% of Pixelmator Classic iOS's written reviews are positive against 62% of LumaFusion's.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.
| Parameter | Pixelmator Classic iOS | LumaFusion |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 — better | $29.99 |
| Rating | 4.5 (1.2K ratings) | 4.7 (25K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 54.4% of reviews | 61.8% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 1.2K | 25K — better |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Best chart rank | #44 | #13 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 27.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 409 MB | 237 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Apple | Luma Touch LLC |
Customer experience
Pixelmator Classic iOS
LumaFusion
User reviews
Pixelmator Classic iOS
From 1.2K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 💻 Powerful and full-featured photo editor
- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
- 🎨 Excellent painting and drawing tools
- 🔄 Seamless iCloud integration
- 💰 Good value for the price
Room to improve
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- 📁 Clunky file management and navigation
- 🔍 Limited selection and customization of tools
- 🖌️ Lacking advanced features like layer masks
- 🖥️ Inferior to desktop version in functionality
LumaFusion
From 25K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Powerful mobile video editor
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Fast rendering and performance
- 🚀 Supports 4K and high-bitrate video
- 🚀 Extensive audio controls and effects
Room to improve
- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🐛 Export/rendering problems with longer videos
- 🐛 Audio sync issues
- 🐛 Glitches with certain file formats
- 🔒 Limited file management options
Bugs and requests
Pixelmator Classic iOS
Reported bugs
4 issues- Crashes when opening certain image files
- Saving and exporting issues, leading to data loss
- Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- Unreliable performance on older iPad models
Requested features
5 requests- Add more advanced editing tools (e.g. curves, gradients, vector shapes)
- Improve file management and organization
- Enhance brush and selection tool capabilities
- Provide better integration with other apps and cloud storage
- Add support for Apple Pencil and other stylus input
LumaFusion
Reported bugs
4 issues- Crashes when exporting longer videos
- Audio sync issues after editing
- Glitches with certain file formats
- Unreliable file management and media handling
Requested features
7 requests- Add speed ramping and curve-based speed adjustments
- Implement more advanced color grading features (e.g., color wheels, curves)
- Improve file management with folder support and better organization
- Add masking and rotoscoping tools
- Expand the number of video and audio tracks
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- Implement live photo/video support
- Add more transition and effect options
In-app purchases
Pixelmator Classic iOS
No in-app purchases
LumaFusion
- Creator Pass Monthly3 Days trial$9.991 Month
- Creator Pass Yearly7 Days trial$69.991 Year
- FCPXML Export$19.99
- Multicam Studio$19.99
- Speed Ramping & Keyframing$19.99
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- CoreMelt PaintX Plug-In$19.99
Questions
Is Pixelmator Classic iOS free?
Is LumaFusion free?
Which has better reviews, Pixelmator Classic iOS or LumaFusion?
Do Pixelmator Classic iOS or LumaFusion have ads?
Which is updated more often, Pixelmator Classic iOS or LumaFusion?
Which is more popular, Pixelmator Classic iOS or LumaFusion?
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