Shutterstock vs Pexels 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…
Pexels
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.
Shutterstock vs Pexels — at a glance
| Feature | Shutterstock | Pexels |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 2.4 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Reviews | 2,180 | 55 |
| Starting price | $29 /Month | Contact for pricing |
| Free trial | Yes | No |
| Free version | No | No |
| Best for | Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business | Individuals, Freelancers / Consultants, Medium Business |
| Category | Stock Photos Websites | Stock Photos Websites |
| Platforms | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac | SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS |
| API | Available | Available |
| Support modes | Online | Online |
| Certifications | GDPR | GDPR |
| Data residency | Global | Global |
Key differences between Shutterstock and Pexels
- Pricing: Shutterstock starts at $29 /Month. Pexels pricing is not publicly listed.
- Free trial: Shutterstock offers a free trial; Pexels does not.
- Target audience: Shutterstock is built for Large Enterprises and Medium Business, while Pexels targets Individuals and Freelancers / Consultants.
- User satisfaction: Pexels scores higher with a 4.1-star average.
- Deployment: Shutterstock supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Pexels supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS.
Shutterstock vs Pexels — 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 |
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 free, high-quality stock photos and videos for small teams and creators.
- 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.
- Your enterprise requires exclusive or licensed stock content for commercial use.
- You need advanced search, filtering, or integration with digital asset management systems.
Shutterstock: Best for mid-to-large creative teams needing extensive stock assets with collaboration tools. Pexels: Best free, high-quality stock photos and videos for small teams and creators.
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 | 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 |
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Entry Level Pricing |
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Free Trial Availability |
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User RatingsBased on verified Spotsaas reviews | ||
Best Company Size | 51-500 employees500+ employees | 1-50 employees51-200 employees |
Get pricing help | Get pricing help |
Software Demo
Demo |
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How do Shutterstock and Pexels Compare on Features?
Total Features | 0 Features | 3 Features |
|---|---|---|
Unique Features | No features | No unique features |
Get Quote | Get Quote |
Compare Shutterstock 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.
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Pricing Page |  | Pricing information not available |
Other Details
Organization Types supported |
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Platforms Supported |
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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 |
|---|---|---|
GDPR | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Encryption | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
Data Residency | 🌐 Global | 🌐 Global |
Shutterstock User Reviews & Rating Comparison
User Ratings | 2.4 (based on 2180 reviews) | |
|---|---|---|
Rating Distribution | ||
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
Common complaints
| 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
Common complaints
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Pros and Cons |
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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
Videos |  2 Videos |  2 Videos |
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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 Pexels?
- Pexels edges out the other on user ratings (4.1 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 Pexels offer a free trial?
- Shutterstock offers a free trial. Pexels does not.
- What is the starting price of Shutterstock vs Pexels?
- Shutterstock starts at $29 /Month. Pexels 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 Pexels?
- Top alternatives to Pexels include Qualified, StockAI, Workvivo, Artgrid, Death to Stock.