Link copied to clipboard # 123RF vs iStock Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/123rf/getty-images-istock/export.csv) 123RFiStock[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **123RF** [ 4.4/5(22) ](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews#reviews) **iStock** [ 3.5/5(117) ](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews#reviews) Pricing **123RF** No pricing available **iStock** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **123RF** Not enough reviews yet **iStock** Not enough reviews yet Return on Investment **123RF** Not enough reviews yet **iStock** Not enough reviews yet Perceived Cost **123RF** $$$$$ **iStock** $$$$$ Average Discount **123RF** Not enough reviews yet **iStock** Not enough reviews yet Pros & Cons **123RF** [ Ease of Finding (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2020973&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Ease of Use (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2020975&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ High Premium Cost (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2020976&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Pricing Issues (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2020978&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **iStock** [ Images (4) ](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1204903&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Quality (3) ](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1204832&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Cost (5) ](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1204658&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Expensive (5) ](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1204705&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Ratings Meets Requirements **123RF** 8.6 8.616 **iStock** 7.9 7.984 Ease of Use **123RF** 9.3 9.316 **iStock** 8.2 8.284 Ease of Setup **123RF** 9.3 9.37 **iStock** 7.6 7.622 Ease of Admin **123RF** 9.7 9.75 **iStock** 9.0 9.07 Quality of Support **123RF** 8.2 8.212 **iStock** 6.4 6.466 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **123RF** 9.8 9.87 **iStock** 8.1 8.18 Product Direction (% positive) **123RF** 8.4 8.415 **iStock** 6.0 6.081 Features Stock Footage[Hide 7 FeaturesShow 7 Features](javascript:void(0);) Not enough data 6.4 20 Pricing Free Footage Not enough data 5.6(won by default) 15 Pay Per Image Not enough data 5.1(won by default) 15 Subscription Not enough data 5.3(won by default) 15 Media 360/VR Not enough data 5.0(won by default) 7 Animation Not enough data 6.5(won by default) 9 4K High Definition Not enough data 6.8(won by default) 10 Agentic AI - Stock Footage Cross-system Integration Not enough data Not enough data Show 1 feature category with incomplete data Stock Music[Hide 6 FeaturesShow 6 Features](javascript:void(0);) Not enough data Not enough data Media Sounds Effects Not enough data Not enough data Genre Tagging Not enough data Not enough data Pricing Royalty Free Not enough data Not enough data Pay Per Track Not enough data Not enough data Subscription Not enough data Not enough data Agentic AI - Stock Music Cross-system Integration Not enough data Not enough data User Insights Reviewers' Company Size [![123RF](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0e3009cc93667a83e5d6ce3ff3319598/123rf.jpg "123RF")](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews) 123RF Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 95.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 4.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 0% [![iStock](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_866db67bfdbf973da16c24dd7965b41b/getty-images-istock.jpg "iStock")](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews) iStock Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 60.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 31.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 8.8% Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 95.2% 60.2% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 4.8% 31.0% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 0% 8.8% Reviewers' Industry [![123RF](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0e3009cc93667a83e5d6ce3ff3319598/123rf.jpg "123RF")](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews) 123RF Public Relations and Communications 19.0% Marketing and Advertising 14.3% Graphic Design 9.5% Wholesale 4.8% Retail 4.8% Other 47.6% [![iStock](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_866db67bfdbf973da16c24dd7965b41b/getty-images-istock.jpg "iStock")](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews) iStock Marketing and Advertising 17.7% Graphic Design 6.2% Non-Profit Organization Management 4.4% Media Production 3.5% Photography 2.7% Other 65.5% FAQs ## 123RF vs iStock FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 15, 2026 ### What is the difference between 123RF vs iStock? 123RF stands out from iStock with higher reviewer satisfaction across ratings, setup, and support, while iStock is noted for its image quality and content variety. | | [123RF](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews) | [iStock](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews) | | --- | --- | --- | | G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.4/5 (21 reviews) | 3.5/5 (117 reviews) | | Largest Segment | Small-Business | Small-Business | | Ease of Setup score | 9.2 | 7.6 | | Quality of Support score | 8.2 | 6.4 | | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Easy to find images | Image quality and content variety | ### How do the pricing models of 123RF and iStock compare? 123RF is rated higher for value than iStock, with a stronger Price/Cost satisfaction score. - **123RF:** In recent reviews, buyers highlight affordable options and reasonable subscription plans, though some mention the price per photo could be lower. - **iStock:** Reviewers frequently cite high costs, expensive subscriptions, and restrictive credit systems as drawbacks, with 5 all-time mentions of cost and 5 of expensive pricing. - **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers mention switching from iStock due to pricing issues and dissatisfaction with subscription and refund policies. ### What are the best alternatives to 123RF and iStock? The top 3 alternatives to 123RF and iStock are Shutterstock, Storyblocks, and Adobe Stock. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [123RF](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews) | 4.4/5 (21 reviews) | Small-Business | Affordable, reasonable subscription plans | Easy to find images | | [iStock](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews) | 3.5/5 (117 reviews) | Small-Business | Expensive, restrictive credit system | Image quality and content variety | | [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) | 4.4/5 (656 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | | [Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/products/storyblocks/reviews) | 4.6/5 (429 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | | [Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-adobe-stock/reviews) | 4.3/5 (194 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | ### Which Stock Photos features should I prioritize when comparing 123RF and iStock? Buyers comparing 123RF and iStock should prioritize ease of use, image quality, pricing satisfaction, support quality, and content variety. - **Ease of Use:** 123RF scores 9.2, iStock 8.2. - **Image Quality:** iStock is cited for image quality in 3 all-time mentions; 123RF is praised for quality in recent reviews. - **Pricing Satisfaction:** 123RF scores higher on value, with reviewers noting affordable options; iStock has 5 all-time mentions of cost as a trade-off. - **Support Quality:** 123RF scores 8.2, iStock 6.4. - **Content Variety:** iStock is cited for content variety and abundance in recent reviews; 123RF is noted for a wide selection in recent reviews. ### What are the pros and cons of 123RF vs iStock? 123RF's headline strength is ease of use and affordability, while iStock is recognized for image quality and content variety. - **123RF strengths:** Easy to find images, wide selection, affordable subscription plans, and easy search (all-time mentions: 1 each). - **123RF trade-offs:** High premium cost and pricing issues (all-time mentions: 1 each), some reviewers note repetitive images. - **iStock strengths:** Image quality (3 all-time mentions), content quality (2), content abundance (1), and ease of finding images (1). - **iStock trade-offs:** Cost (5 all-time mentions), expensive pricing (5), poor customer support (5), payment and subscription issues (4 and 3), and restrictive credit system (1). ### Is 123RF or iStock better for small businesses? 123RF is the better fit for small businesses, with higher satisfaction among small-business reviewers and a stronger value perception. - **123RF:** Largest segment is Small-Business, with reviewers highlighting affordability and ease of use for small teams. - **iStock:** Largest segment is Small-Business, but reviewers frequently cite high costs and restrictive subscription policies as pain points for smaller organizations. ### Which Stock Photos platform has better integrations? 123RF and iStock are at parity for integrations, with no reviewer-cited integration advantages for either platform. - **123RF:** No integrations mentioned in recent reviews. - **iStock:** No integrations mentioned in recent reviews. ### How do 123RF and iStock compare on customer support? 123RF outperforms iStock on Quality of Support by a material margin, with scores of 8.2 versus 6.4. - **123RF:** Reviewers describe support as responsive and helpful, with multiple positive mentions and a score of 8.2. - **iStock:** Reviewers frequently cite poor customer support, with 5 all-time mentions and a score of 6.4. ### Which is easier to implement, 123RF or iStock? 123RF is easier to implement than iStock, with a 1.6-point higher Ease of Setup score (9.2 vs 7.6). - **123RF:** Reviewers consistently describe setup as straightforward and quick, with high satisfaction scores. - **iStock:** Reviewers note a generally easy setup process but mention occasional confusion with account setup and subscription management. Alternatives **123RF Alternatives** ![Shutterstock](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/19dd39b419f93df66c0f7f5549667c3b/shutterstock-shutterstock.svg "Shutterstock") [ Shutterstock ](/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) ![Adobe Stock](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c92ae2255a769e0f012c9d6c6b5c9ede/adobe-adobe-stock.svg "Adobe Stock") [ Adobe Stock ](/products/adobe-adobe-stock/reviews) ![Storyblocks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9a53858b24c39c32d87876ded80439b1/storyblocks.svg "Storyblocks") [ Storyblocks ](/products/storyblocks/reviews) ![Dreamstime](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7bba4fac527d844793c3c749b04e640c/dreamstime.svg "Dreamstime") [ Dreamstime ](/products/dreamstime/reviews) **iStock Alternatives** ![Shutterstock](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/19dd39b419f93df66c0f7f5549667c3b/shutterstock-shutterstock.svg "Shutterstock") [ Shutterstock ](/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) ![Storyblocks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9a53858b24c39c32d87876ded80439b1/storyblocks.svg "Storyblocks") [ Storyblocks ](/products/storyblocks/reviews) ![Adobe Stock](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c92ae2255a769e0f012c9d6c6b5c9ede/adobe-adobe-stock.svg "Adobe Stock") [ Adobe Stock ](/products/adobe-adobe-stock/reviews) ![Vecteezy](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c09fcde10f2fcbf011dbe92edadac585/vecteezy.svg "Vecteezy") [ Vecteezy ](/products/vecteezy/reviews) ## 123RF vs iStock When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found 123RF easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with 123RF overall. - Reviewers felt that 123RF meets the needs of their business better than iStock. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that 123RF is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of 123RF over iStock.