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Shutterstock vs Adobe Stock Comparison

Last updated:

Shutterstock

2.4(2,180 reviews)

Starting at $29 /Month

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Introducing Shutterstock: a cutting-edge SaaS platform that empowers your creativity. With a global reach, we offer a plethora of premium assets and innovative editing and collaboration tools for individuals, teams, and…

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…

Adobe Stock leads on user satisfaction with a 3.1-star rating across 83 reviews.

Shutterstock vs Adobe Stock — at a glance

FeatureShutterstockAdobe Stock
Rating2.4 / 53.1 / 5
Reviews2,18083
Starting price$29 /Month$29.99
Free trial Yes Yes
Free version No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessIndividuals, Large Enterprises, Medium Business
CategoryStock Photos Websites Stock Photos Websites
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesOnlineOnline
CertificationsGDPRGDPR
Data residencyGlobalGlobal

Key differences between Shutterstock and Adobe Stock

  • Pricing: Shutterstock starts at $29 /Month, while Adobe Stock starts at $29.99.
  • Target audience: Shutterstock is built for Large Enterprises and Medium Business, while Adobe Stock targets Individuals and Large Enterprises.
  • User satisfaction: Adobe Stock scores higher with a 3.1-star average.
  • Deployment: Shutterstock supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Adobe Stock supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.

Shutterstock vs Adobe Stock — 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.

Shutterstock - Stock Photos Websites
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert
Adobe Stock - New SaaS Software
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Talk to an expert

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Shutterstock

Best for mid-to-large creative teams needing extensive stock assets with collaboration tools.

Choose if
  • You require a vast global library of premium stock images and assets.
  • Your team needs integrated editing and collaboration features within the platform.
  • You want robust API capabilities to integrate stock assets into your workflows.
Consider alternatives if
  • You are a freelancer or individual looking for low-cost, straightforward stock images.
  • Your company needs highly specialized or niche image libraries not covered by Shutterstock.

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.

Shutterstock: Best for mid-to-large creative teams needing extensive stock assets with collaboration tools. Adobe Stock: Best for Adobe users needing high-quality stock media with seamless app integration.

Description

Introducing Shutterstock: a cutting-edge SaaS platform that empowers your creativity. With a global reach, we offer a plethora of premium assets and innovative editing and collaboration ... Read More about Shutterstock

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

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $29 , Billed Yearly
  • Starts from $29.99

Free Trial Availability

  • Free Trial available

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

3.1

(83)

Best Company Size

51-500 employees500+ employees
Small BusinessLarge Enterprises
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Get pricing help

Software Demo

Demo

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How do Shutterstock and Adobe Stock Compare on Features?

Total Features

0 Features

5 Features

Unique Features

No features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare Shutterstock and Adobe Stock 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 , Billed Yearly
      • $29.99

      Pricing Plans

      • Shutterstock

        • 10 Images

        • Standard license

        • Autorenewal with easy opt-out

        Show more +

      • On-demand packs

        • 5 Images

        • Standard license

        • Enhanced license

        Show more +

      • Teams

        • 2 users

        • 750 images/month, up to 2 team members

        • Create designs with professional editing features

        Show more +

      • Browse all 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

      Pricing Page

      Shutterstock pricing
      Adobe Stock pricing

      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

      Shutterstock User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      2.4

      (based on 2180 reviews)

      Rating Distribution

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      122

      36

      11

      11

      53

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

      Overall user sentiment is mixed to negative, with many users expressing dissatisfaction despite the platform's extensive features.

      What buyers like

      • Large and diverse image library
      • API integration
      • Mobile app functionality

      Common complaints

      • Pricing complexity
      • User experience issues

      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

      Pros and Cons

      • Extensive global library of premium stock assets

      • Robust API integration capabilities

      • Professional image editing and collaboration tools

      • Relatively low user rating (2.4/5) indicating user dissatisfaction

      • Pricing details are not fully transparent or standardized

      • 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

      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

      No screenshots available.

      Landing Page Content Tagger Preview

      1 Screenshots

      Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      Top Alternatives to Shutterstock and Adobe Stock in 2026

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

      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, Shutterstock or Adobe Stock?
      Adobe Stock edges out the other on user ratings (3.1 vs 2.4). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do Shutterstock and Adobe Stock offer a free trial?
      Yes, both Shutterstock and Adobe Stock offer a free trial.
      What is the starting price of Shutterstock vs Adobe Stock?
      Shutterstock starts at $29 /Month. Adobe Stock starts at $29.99.
      What are the top alternatives to Shutterstock?
      Top alternatives to Shutterstock include StockAI, Imgartfis Creator, Getimg.ai, 123RF, Pexels.
      What are the top alternatives to Adobe Stock?
      Top alternatives to Adobe Stock include Adobe Bridge, Qualified, Storyblocks, StockAI, Vimeo Stock.

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