Paint.NET vs Pixlr: Which One Is Better in 2024?

Paint.NET and Pixlr are essential tools for businesses and designers, offering cost-effective and feature-rich solutions for photo editing and design. We'll compare Paint.NET and Pixlr to determine which one excels in usability, features, and overall value for users.

A Quick Overview of Paint.NET and Pixlr

What is Paint.NET?

Paint.NET develops and maintains free image and photo editing software for Windows PCs. The software features an intuitive user interface, support for layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a variety of powerful tools.

One unique feature of Paint.NET is its origin as a college senior design project mentored by Microsoft, which sets it apart from competitors. Additionally, it is maintained by Rick Brewster and is offered for free, making it a cost-effective alternative to other digital photo editing software.

What is Pixlr?

Pixlr is a suite of user-friendly online photo editors, design tools, and AI tools available for browsers, mobile, and desktop. It offers a wide range of tools and features accessible through a web browser, catering to both beginners and experienced photo editors.

Pixlr's AI-powered tools, such as the AI Image Generator and AI Background Removal, provide advanced editing capabilities. Additionally, its accessibility across web browsers, iOS, and Android devices makes it a versatile choice for users on different platforms.

Features of Paint.NET and Pixlr

Similarities

Paint.NET and Pixlr share several key features that make them both excellent choices for photo editing. Both platforms are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced editors.

• Support for Layers: Both Paint.NET and Pixlr allow users to work with multiple layers, providing greater control over the editing process.
• Special Effects: Each platform offers a variety of special effects and filters to enhance images creatively.
• Intuitive User Interface: Both tools are designed with user-friendly interfaces, making them easy to navigate and use effectively.
• Accessibility: Paint.NET is available for Windows PCs, while Pixlr can be accessed via web browsers, iOS, and Android devices, ensuring flexibility for users on different platforms.
• Powerful Editing Tools: Both platforms provide a range of powerful tools for tasks such as brightness and contrast adjustments, retouching, and more.

Differences

While both Paint.NET and Pixlr offer robust photo editing capabilities, they cater to different user needs through distinct features.

• AI Tools: Pixlr boasts AI-powered tools like AI Image Generator and AI Background Removal, which Paint.NET lacks.
• Accessibility: Pixlr is accessible via web browsers, iOS, and Android, whereas Paint.NET is limited to Windows PCs.
• Design Tools: Pixlr includes design tools such as Photo Collage Maker and Mood Board Maker, which are not available in Paint.NET.
• Plug-ins: Paint.NET supports a wide range of plug-ins, enhancing its functionality, while Pixlr does not offer plug-in support.
• Community Support: Paint.NET has a strong community-driven development with numerous user-created tutorials and resources, unlike Pixlr.

User Interface and Usability

Paint.NET's user interface is straightforward, featuring a traditional layout with toolbars and menus that are easy to navigate. The software's user experience is bolstered by its active online community, which offers tutorials and plugins. However, its usability is limited to Windows PCs, which may restrict access for some users. The interface is functional but lacks the modern design elements found in newer software.

Pixlr, on the other hand, offers a more modern and intuitive user interface with clear labels and dropdown menus. The user experience is enhanced by AI-powered tools that simplify complex tasks, making it accessible across various platforms, including web browsers, iOS, and Android. Despite its advanced features, some users may find the interface overwhelming due to the sheer number of tools available.

Overall, Pixlr has a better user interface and usability compared to Paint.NET.

Collaboration

Paint.NET does not offer built-in collaborative tools, focusing instead on individual use. The software's active online community provides tutorials and plugins, which can indirectly support teamwork by sharing resources. However, the lack of real-time collaboration features limits its effectiveness for collaborative projects.

Pixlr, while offering a "Team" subscription plan, does not detail specific collaborative features on its webpage. The platform's emphasis remains on individual use with AI-powered tools. Without explicit collaboration tools, Pixlr's suitability for teamwork is unclear.

Overall, neither Paint.NET nor Pixlr stands out as superior for collaboration.

Paint.NET and Pixlr Pricing

Paint.NET offers a free classic desktop version, with an option to purchase from the Windows Store for added benefits like automatic updates. Users can also support the software through donations, with suggested amounts of $10 or $15. There are no subscription costs or discounts mentioned, making it a straightforward, cost-effective choice.

Pixlr provides multiple subscription plans: Plus at $1.99/month, Premium at $7.99/month, and Team at $12.99/month, with significant discounts for annual billing. Additionally, Pixlr offers free upgrades for educational institutions and various promotions. This tiered pricing structure caters to different user needs, making Pixlr a more flexible option.

Overall, Pixlr's pricing is more flexible and offers more options compared to Paint.NET.

Comparing Paint.NET and Pixlr to Piktochart

Piktochart transforms complex ideas into captivating visuals that inform and engage your audience. With Piktochart AI, you can create stunning infographics, reports, and presentations in seconds, perfectly aligned with your brand. No design experience required.

Pros of Piktochart

• Ease of Use: Piktochart's intuitive drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy for anyone to create stunning visuals without any design experience.
• Variety of Templates: With a wide range of templates for infographics, presentations, flyers, posters, and reports, users can quickly find the perfect starting point for their projects.
• Content Repurposing: Piktochart allows users to turn long videos into customized bite-sized clips, making it easier to share content across different platforms.
• Automatic Subtitles: The platform automatically adds subtitles to videos, which can be customized for social media, enhancing accessibility and engagement.
• Continuous Improvement: Piktochart actively considers and implements user feedback, ensuring the platform evolves to meet user needs effectively.

Piktochart's Pricing

• Free: $0 (Free forever)
• Pro: $14 per member/month, billed annually (Regular Price: $29 per member/month)
• Business: $24 per member/month, billed annually (Regular Price: $49 per member/month)
• Enterprise: Custom Pricing (Contact for details)
• Campus: Custom Pricing (Minimum 3000 seats, Contact for details)

What Are Others Saying?

Paint.NET Reviews

Overall, users have given Paint.NET a rating of 4.1 out of 5. While many appreciate its ease of use and free access, frustrations include frequent crashes and missing features.

• "EVERY single time I try saving my edited file it crashes. It even crashes if I try to make an unusual or less common edit it crashes." - David BeCraft, 1/5
• "Missing features such as 3D Viewer, Texture editor, and some extra tools." - Evgenii ilev, 3/5
• "Lack of a blur brush for blurring the edges of pixels." - Being Frank, 3/5

Find more of Paint.NET reviews on G2!

Pixlr Reviews

Pixlr has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. Users appreciate its ease of use and powerful features but are frustrated by limited features in the free version and slow loading times.

• "An OG in BG Removal" - Verified User in Graphic Design, 4/5
• "Pixlr Review" - Naufil S., 3/5
• "Pixlr is a creative online photo editing tool with certain limitations" - Asna F., 3/5

Find more of Pixlr reviews on G2!

Piktochart Reviews

Our users have given Piktochart an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. They appreciate its ease of use and powerful features. Here are some of the sentiments shared by our users:

• "Piktochart is very easy and simple to use online graphics creation tool." - Andrea V.
• "Piktochart offers good looking pre-built templates for creating graphics." - Ganesh P.
• "Easily Create Social Images and Infographics to Boost Business Services." - Rachel L.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why a consumer might want to use Paint.NET over Pixlr:

• Consumers who prefer a free, powerful photo editing tool with an active online community for support and plugins might choose Paint.NET. This is ideal for Windows PC users who need a straightforward, no-cost solution.

Why a consumer might want to use Pixlr over Paint.NET:

• Consumers looking for advanced AI-powered tools and cross-platform accessibility might opt for Pixlr. This suits users who need a versatile, web-based photo editor available on multiple devices.

Why a consumer might want to use Piktochart over Pixlr and Paint.NET:

• Consumers who need to create a wide range of visual content, including infographics, presentations, and videos, might prefer Piktochart. This is perfect for professionals and small teams seeking an all-in-one design tool with AI capabilities.

Paint.NET, Pixlr, or Piktochart: Which is the best platform for you?

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned designer, Paint.NET, Pixlr, and Piktochart each offer unique strengths to meet your needs. While Paint.NET and Pixlr provide excellent photo editing capabilities, we believe Piktochart stands out for its versatility and ease of use in creating a wide range of visual content. For those looking to transform complex ideas into captivating visuals effortlessly, Piktochart is the ideal choice.