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Adobe Stock vs Pexels Comparison

Last updated:

Adobe Stock

3.1(83 reviews)

Starting at $29.99

  • Free Trial
  • Individuals
  • Large Enterprises

Adobe Stock is a powerful creative Cloud platform with incredible quality content. With this service, users can access an immense library of 4K, HD stock videos, as well as motion graphic templates and loops ideal for an…

Pexels

4.1(55 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Individuals
  • Freelancers / Consultants

Pexels is your go-to source for high quality stock imagery and videography from a dynamic worldwide community of talented individuals. With the help of our innovating network of creators, users can now bring their ideas…

Pexels leads on user satisfaction with a 4.1-star rating across 55 reviews.

Adobe Stock vs Pexels — at a glance

FeatureAdobe StockPexels
Rating3.1 / 54.1 / 5
Reviews8355
Starting price$29.99Contact for pricing
Free trial Yes No
Free version No No
Best forIndividuals, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessIndividuals, Freelancers / Consultants, Medium Business
CategoryStock Photos Websites Stock Photos Websites
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesOnlineOnline
CertificationsGDPRGDPR
Data residencyGlobalGlobal

Key differences between Adobe Stock and Pexels

  • Pricing: Adobe Stock starts at $29.99. Pexels pricing is not publicly listed.
  • Free trial: Adobe Stock offers a free trial; Pexels does not.
  • User satisfaction: Pexels scores higher with a 4.1-star average.
  • Deployment: Adobe Stock supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Pexels supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.

Adobe Stock vs Pexels — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Stock Photos Websites tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Adobe Stock - New SaaS Software
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Pexels - New SaaS Software
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Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Adobe Stock

Best for Adobe users needing high-quality stock media with seamless app integration.

Choose if
  • You require direct access to 4K and HD stock videos within Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
  • Your team values testing watermarked images inside design projects before licensing.
  • You work in creative agencies or marketing teams using Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your budget is very limited and you need free or low-cost stock content.
  • You need highly specialized or niche stock media not covered by mainstream libraries.

Pexels

Best free, high-quality stock photos and videos for small teams and creators.

Choose if
  • You need cost-free access to a wide variety of quality visuals.
  • You are a freelancer or small marketing team seeking simple, streamlined usage.
  • You want community-sourced, diverse imagery without subscription commitments.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your enterprise requires exclusive or licensed stock content for commercial use.
  • You need advanced search, filtering, or integration with digital asset management systems.

Adobe Stock: Best for Adobe users needing high-quality stock media with seamless app integration. Pexels: Best free, high-quality stock photos and videos for small teams and creators.

Description

Adobe Stock is a powerful creative Cloud platform with incredible quality content. With this service, users can access an immense library of 4K, HD stock videos, as well as motion graphic ... Read More about Adobe Stock

Pexels is your go-to source for high quality stock imagery and videography from a dynamic worldwide community of talented individuals. With the help of our innovating network of creators, ... Read More about Pexels

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $29.99
  • Not Available

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

3.1

(83)

4.1

(55)

Best Company Size

Small BusinessLarge Enterprises
1-50 employees51-200 employees
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Software Demo

Demo

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How do Adobe Stock and Pexels Compare on Features?

Total Features

5 Features

3 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

Get Quote
Get Quote

Compare Adobe Stock and Pexels on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Starting From

      • $29.99
      • Not Available

      Pricing Plans

      • Individuals 1

        • 10 Standard assets a month

        • Rollover up to 120 unused licenses

        • Standard assets include (high-res) photos, vectors, illustrations, and music tracks

      • Individual 2

        • 40 Standard assets a month

        • Rollover up to 480 unused licenses

        • Standard assets include (high-res) photos, vectors, illustrations, and music tracks

      • Individual 3

        • 750 Standard assets a month

        • Standard assets include (high-res) photos, vectors, illustrations, and music tracks

      • Browse all pricing plans
      • Not Available

      Pricing Page

      Adobe Stock pricing

      Pricing information not available

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Medium Business
      • Large Enterprises
      • Small Business
      • Individuals
      • Freelancers
      • Medium Business
      • Large Enterprises
      • Small Business
      • Individuals
      • Freelancers

      Platforms Supported

      • Mobile - iOS
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Browser Based (Cloud)

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Available
      • Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      HIPAA

      ✗ No

      GDPR

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Data Encryption

      ✓ Yes

      Data Residency

      🌐 Global
      🌐 Global

      Adobe Stock User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      Rating Distribution

      122

      36

      11

      11

      53

      100

      16

      6

      4

      4

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

      Users appreciate Adobe Stock's integration and content quality but express concerns about pricing and value.

      What buyers like

      • Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
      • Content quality
      • Ease of licensing and downloading

      Common complaints

      • Pricing and cost
      • Limited pricing transparency

      Buyer sentiment

      Users appreciate the free, high-quality stock images and videos but note limitations in search functionality and lack of premium content.

      What buyers like

      • Free access
      • Quality of visuals
      • Ease of use

      Common complaints

      • Limited search features
      • Lack of premium/exclusive content

      Pros and Cons

      • Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud applications

      • High-quality 4K and HD stock videos and images

      • Ability to test watermarked images directly within design projects

      • Relatively high cost compared to some competitors

      • Limited pricing transparency due to quotation-based and subscription models

      • Free access to high-quality photos and videos

      • Wide variety of visuals contributed by a global community

      • Ease of use with no cost barrier

      • Limited advanced search and filtering options

      • No exclusive or premium content tiers

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      Negative Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      Media and Screenshots

      Screenshots

      Landing Page Content Tagger Preview

      1 Screenshots

      No screenshots available.

      Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      Top Alternatives to Adobe Stock and Pexels in 2026

      Expand your shortlist

      Add another option to compare side by side

      Search by product name to compare pricing, fit, and buyer feedback in one view.

      Compare similar software options

      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, Adobe Stock or Pexels?
      Pexels edges out the other on user ratings (4.1 vs 3.1). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do Adobe Stock and Pexels offer a free trial?
      Adobe Stock offers a free trial. Pexels does not.
      What is the starting price of Adobe Stock vs Pexels?
      Adobe Stock starts at $29.99. Pexels starts at Contact for pricing.
      What are the top alternatives to Adobe Stock?
      Top alternatives to Adobe Stock include Adobe Bridge, Qualified, Storyblocks, StockAI, Vimeo Stock.
      What are the top alternatives to Pexels?
      Top alternatives to Pexels include Qualified, StockAI, Workvivo, Artgrid, Death to Stock.

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