Shutterstock vs iStock Comparison
Shutterstock
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…
iStock
Starting at Contact for pricing
- Free Trial
- Large Enterprises
- Small Business
Introducing iStock - an exceptional stock content platform offering unparalleled quality at flexible rates. With the tagline "Incredible Stock. Flexible Pricing," iStock is your go-to destination for original royalty-fre…
Shutterstock leads on user satisfaction with a 2.4-star rating across 2,180 reviews.
Shutterstock vs iStock — at a glance
| Feature | Shutterstock | iStock |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2.4 / 5 | — |
| Reviews | 2,180 | — |
| Starting price | $29 /Month | Contact for pricing |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Large Enterprises, Small Business, Medium Business |
| Category | Stock Photos Websites | Stock Photos Websites |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac | Browser Based (Cloud), Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS |
| API | Available | Available |
| Support modes | Online | Business Hours, Online |
| Certifications | GDPR | GDPR |
| Data residency | Global | Global |
Key differences between Shutterstock and iStock
- Pricing: Shutterstock starts at $29 /Month. iStock pricing is not publicly listed.
- Deployment: Shutterstock supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; iStock supports Browser Based (Cloud), Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.
Shutterstock vs iStock — find the better fit before you commit.
Which tool fits your team best
Which is actually cheaper for your team size
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.
Biggest differences
Features
Pricing
Buying details
Security
Buyer feedback
Integrations
Product tour
Other options
Talk to an expert Talk to an expert | Talk to an expert Talk to an expert |
Biggest differences
Start here before you go deeper into features.
Best for mid-to-large creative teams needing extensive stock assets with collaboration tools.
- 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.
- 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.
Best for agencies needing high-quality, original royalty-free stock assets.
- You require a broad range of content types including photos, videos, and audio.
- You value artistic, original stock content over generic imagery.
- You prefer flexible pricing models and subscription options.
- Your company needs highly specialized or niche stock content.
- You need extensive customization or exclusive licensing agreements.
Shutterstock: Best for mid-to-large creative teams needing extensive stock assets with collaboration tools. iStock: Best for agencies needing high-quality, original royalty-free stock assets.
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 | Introducing iStock - an exceptional stock content platform offering unparalleled quality at flexible rates. With the tagline "Incredible Stock. Flexible Pricing," iStock is your go-to ... Read More about iStock |
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User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | 51-500 employees500+ employees | 1-50 employees51-500 employees |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Software Demo
Demo |
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Compare Shutterstock and iStock 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.
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Other Details
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Get help choosing | Get help choosing |
Security & Compliance
Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.
HIPAA | ✗ No | ✗ No |
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GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | 🌐 Global | 🌐 Global |
Shutterstock User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | 2.4 (based on 2180 reviews) | No reviews available for the product |
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Rating Distribution | No reviews available for this product | |
Media and Screenshots
Videos |  2 Videos |  2 Videos |
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Top Alternatives to Shutterstock and iStock in 2026
Alternatives |
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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, Shutterstock or iStock?
- Shutterstock edges out the other on user ratings (2.4 vs -1.0). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
- Do Shutterstock and iStock offer a free trial?
- Yes, both Shutterstock and iStock offer a free trial.
- What is the starting price of Shutterstock vs iStock?
- Shutterstock starts at $29 /Month. iStock starts at Contact for pricing.
- 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 iStock?
- Top alternatives to iStock include Depositphotos, UnlimPhotos, 123RF, Artgrid, Shutterstock.