Link copied to clipboard # 123RF vs Shutterstock Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/123rf/shutterstock-shutterstock/export.csv) 123RFShutterstock[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **123RF** [ 4.4/5(22) ](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews#reviews) **Shutterstock** [ 4.4/5(655) ](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews#reviews) Pricing **123RF** No pricing available **Shutterstock** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **123RF** Not enough reviews yet **Shutterstock** 5 months Based on 58 responses Return on Investment **123RF** Not enough reviews yet **Shutterstock** 13 months Based on 56 responses Perceived Cost **123RF** $$$$$ **Shutterstock** $$$$$ Average Discount **123RF** Not enough reviews yet **Shutterstock** 9% 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) **Shutterstock** [ Images (49) ](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1919311&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Quality (36) ](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1919404&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Expensive (31) ](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1917668&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Cost (18) ](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1918587&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **123RF** Not enough data **Shutterstock** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_0d6021e1f6253f85ed0eb22a67eb101b/adobe-photoshop.png "Product Avatar Image") Photoshop ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_7777b3dffcf633e3b8b328a0f135c7c5/adobe-premiere-pro.png "Product Avatar Image") Premiere Pro ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-premiere-pro/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/integrations) Screenshots **123RF** No screenshot available **Shutterstock** ![Shutterstock screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/1297768/Shutterstock-Editorial.png) Ratings Meets Requirements **123RF** 8.6 8.616 **Shutterstock** 8.9 8.9521 Ease of Use **123RF** 9.3 9.316 **Shutterstock** 9.1 9.1525 Ease of Setup **123RF** 9.3 9.37 **Shutterstock** 9.1 9.1172 Ease of Admin **123RF** 9.7 9.75 **Shutterstock** 9.0 9.0123 Quality of Support **123RF** 8.2 8.212 **Shutterstock** 8.4 8.4432 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **123RF** 9.8 9.87 **Shutterstock** 8.7 8.7125 Product Direction (% positive) **123RF** 8.4 8.415 **Shutterstock** 8.0 8.0506 Features Stock Footage[Hide 7 FeaturesShow 7 Features](javascript:void(0);) Not enough data 7.8 226 Pricing Free Footage Not enough data 6.7(won by default) 145 Pay Per Image Not enough data 7.5(won by default) 156 Subscription Not enough data 8.0(won by default) 172 Media Animation Not enough data 7.7(won by default) 120 4K High Definition Not enough data 8.5(won by default) 154 360/VR Not enough data Feature Not Available Agentic AI - Stock Footage Cross-system Integration Not enough data 7.9(won by default) 36 Stock Music[Hide 6 FeaturesShow 6 Features](javascript:void(0);) Not enough data 8.7 112 Media Sounds Effects Not enough data 8.4(won by default) 77 Genre Tagging Not enough data 8.4(won by default) 76 Pricing Royalty Free Not enough data 8.4(won by default) 84 Pay Per Track Not enough data 8.0(won by default) 66 Subscription Not enough data 8.3(won by default) 75 Agentic AI - Stock Music Cross-system Integration Not enough data 8.3(won by default) 27 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% [![Shutterstock](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/19dd39b419f93df66c0f7f5549667c3b/shutterstock-shutterstock.svg "Shutterstock")](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) Shutterstock Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 62.2% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 30.3% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 7.5% Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 95.2% 62.2% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 4.8% 30.3% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 0% 7.5% 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% [![Shutterstock](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/19dd39b419f93df66c0f7f5549667c3b/shutterstock-shutterstock.svg "Shutterstock")](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) Shutterstock Marketing and Advertising 18.3% Graphic Design 9.1% Design 6.3% Computer Software 4.9% Information Technology and Services 4.9% Other 56.6% FAQs ## 123RF vs Shutterstock FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between 123RF vs Shutterstock? Shutterstock stands out for its massive content library and higher all-time reviewer-cited strengths, while 123RF is noted for ease of use and value among small businesses. | [123RF](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews) | [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.4/5 (21 reviews) | 4.4/5 (656 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 9.2 | 9.1 | | 8.2 | 8.4 | | Ease of Use | Images (49 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of 123RF and Shutterstock compare? 123RF and Shutterstock are rated at parity for value, with both showing similar reviewer satisfaction on price and cost dimensions. - **123RF:** In recent reviews, buyers highlight affordable options and reasonable subscription plans, but some mention that prices can feel high for individual images or premium plans. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers frequently cite high costs and expensive premium content, with several noting that pricing can be a barrier for small businesses or infrequent users. - **Switching reasons:** Recent reviews mention switching from Shutterstock to alternatives due to price increases and rigid subscription cancellation policies. ### What are the best alternatives to 123RF and Shutterstock? The top three alternatives to 123RF and Shutterstock are Storyblocks, iStock, 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) | Small-Business | Affordable options, reasonable subscription plans | Ease of Use | | [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) | 4.4/5 (656) | Small-Business | High cost, expensive premium content | Images (49 all-time mentions) | | [Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/products/storyblocks/reviews) | 4.6/5 (429) | Small-Business | — | — | | [iStock](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews) | 3.5/5 (117) | Small-Business | — | — | | [Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-adobe-stock/reviews) | 4.3/5 (194) | Small-Business | — | — | ### Which Stock Photos features should I prioritize when comparing 123RF and Shutterstock? Buyers comparing 123RF and Shutterstock should prioritize content library size, ease of use, pricing satisfaction, search functionality, and support quality. - **Content Library Size:** Shutterstock is cited for its massive collection (49 all-time mentions for images, 36 for video availability, 22 for collection size), while 123RF receives fewer mentions for breadth. - **Ease of Use:** 123RF scores 9.2 and Shutterstock 9.1 on Ease of Use; both are highly rated, with 34 all-time mentions for Shutterstock. - **Pricing Satisfaction:** Both products have recurring mentions of pricing issues, but 123RF is noted for affordable options in recent reviews, while Shutterstock has 31 all-time mentions for being expensive. - **Search Functionality:** Shutterstock has 28 all-time mentions for easy search and 20 for ease of finding, while 123RF is also praised for easy search in recent reviews. - **Support Quality:** 123RF scores 8.2 and Shutterstock 8.4 on Quality of Support, indicating near parity. ### What are the pros and cons of 123RF vs Shutterstock? Shutterstock's headline strength is its massive, high-quality content library, while 123RF is praised for ease of use and affordability. - **123RF strengths:** Reviewers highlight ease of use, easy search, and affordable options for small businesses. - **123RF trade-offs:** Some reviewers mention high premium costs and pricing issues, as well as a narrower selection compared to larger competitors. - **Shutterstock strengths:** 49 all-time mentions for images, 36 for quality, 36 for video availability, 34 for ease of use, 29 for photos, and 28 for easy search. Reviewers consistently praise the breadth, quality, and variety of the content library. - **Shutterstock trade-offs:** 31 all-time mentions for being expensive, 18 for cost, 12 for repetitive content, and 11 for pricing issues. Reviewers also note rigid subscription cancellation policies and occasional difficulty finding unique visuals. ### Is 123RF or Shutterstock better for small businesses? 123RF is better suited for small businesses, with strong small-business segment representation and positive sentiment on affordability and ease of use. - **123RF:** Small-Business is the largest segment, and reviewers frequently cite affordable options and ease of use as key benefits for small teams and nonprofits. - **Shutterstock:** Small-Business is also the largest segment, but reviewers often mention high costs and subscription rigidity as challenges for small businesses. ### Which Stock Photos platform has better integrations? Shutterstock and 123RF are at parity for integrations, with no reviewer-cited integration themes or tool mentions for either product. - **123RF:** No reviewer-cited integrations in recent reviews. - **Shutterstock:** No reviewer-cited integrations in recent reviews. ### How do 123RF and Shutterstock compare on customer support? Shutterstock and 123RF are at near parity on Quality of Support, with scores of 8.4 and 8.2 respectively. - **123RF:** Reviewers describe support as generally responsive and helpful, with scores of 6-7 out of 10 in recent reviews. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers note support is usually quick to respond, but some mention issues with subscription cancellation and billing; scores range from 2 to 7 out of 10, with most recent reviews at 6 or 7. ### Which is easier to implement, 123RF or Shutterstock? 123RF and Shutterstock are at near parity for Ease of Setup, with scores of 9.2 and 9.1 respectively. - **123RF:** Reviewers consistently describe setup as easy and straightforward, with scores of 6-7 out of 10 in recent reviews. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers highlight simple and fast implementation, with most recent reviews scoring setup at 7 out of 10. ### Which product has better Subscription? Shutterstock is more frequently cited for its Subscription feature, with reviewers noting both strengths and trade-offs. - **123RF:** Reviewers mention reasonable subscription plans and the ability to purchase on-demand credits, with positive sentiment on flexibility for small businesses. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers frequently mention subscription options, with 31 all-time mentions for expensive pricing and several citing rigid cancellation policies and auto-renewal issues, but also note the flexibility and breadth of subscription plans for accessing premium content. Alternatives **123RF Alternatives** ![iStock](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_866db67bfdbf973da16c24dd7965b41b/getty-images-istock.jpg "iStock") [ iStock ](/products/getty-images-istock/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) **Shutterstock Alternatives** ![Storyblocks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9a53858b24c39c32d87876ded80439b1/storyblocks.svg "Storyblocks") [ Storyblocks ](/products/storyblocks/reviews) ![iStock](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_866db67bfdbf973da16c24dd7965b41b/getty-images-istock.jpg "iStock") [ iStock ](/products/getty-images-istock/reviews) ![Vecteezy](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c09fcde10f2fcbf011dbe92edadac585/vecteezy.svg "Vecteezy") [ Vecteezy ](/products/vecteezy/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)