Link copied to clipboard # Alamy vs Shutterstock Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/alamy/shutterstock-shutterstock/export.csv) AlamyShutterstock[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **Alamy** [ 3.5/5(10) ](https://www.g2.com/products/alamy/reviews#reviews) **Shutterstock** [ 4.4/5(655) ](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews#reviews) Pricing **Alamy** No pricing available **Shutterstock** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Alamy** Not enough reviews yet **Shutterstock** 5 months Based on 58 responses Return on Investment **Alamy** Not enough reviews yet **Shutterstock** 13 months Based on 56 responses Perceived Cost **Alamy** Not enough reviews yet **Shutterstock** $$$$$ Average Discount **Alamy** Not enough reviews yet **Shutterstock** 9% Pros & Cons **Alamy** Not enough data **Shutterstock** [ Images (50) ](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 **Alamy** 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 **Alamy** ![Alamy 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/1867460/Alamy_Creative_and_Editorial_Collections.png) **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 **Alamy** 7.0 7.09 **Shutterstock** 8.9 8.9521 Ease of Use **Alamy** 7.2 7.29 **Shutterstock** 9.1 9.1525 Ease of Setup **Alamy** Not enough data **Shutterstock** 9.1 9.1172 Ease of Admin **Alamy** Not enough data **Shutterstock** 9.0 9.0123 Quality of Support **Alamy** 7.3 7.38 **Shutterstock** 8.4 8.4432 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Alamy** Not enough data **Shutterstock** 8.7 8.7125 Product Direction (% positive) **Alamy** 4.8 4.89 **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 [![Alamy](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/87c6691b504ea729c9174e6267c7675c/alamy.jpg "Alamy")](https://www.g2.com/products/alamy/reviews) Alamy Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 80.0% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 20.0% 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.) 80.0% 62.2% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 20.0% 30.3% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 0% 7.5% Reviewers' Industry [![Alamy](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/87c6691b504ea729c9174e6267c7675c/alamy.jpg "Alamy")](https://www.g2.com/products/alamy/reviews) Alamy Public Relations and Communications 40.0% Transportation/Trucking/Railroad 10.0% Online Media 10.0% Marketing and Advertising 10.0% Leisure, Travel & Tourism 10.0% Other 20.0% [![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 ## Alamy vs Shutterstock FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Shutterstock vs Alamy? Shutterstock stands out for its higher reviewer satisfaction, broader content library, and ease of use, while Alamy is recognized for its strict focus on authentic, original photography. | [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) | [Alamy](https://www.g2.com/products/alamy/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.4/5 (656 reviews) | 3.6/5 (11 reviews) | | — | — | | 9.1 | — | | 8.4 | 7.6 | | Massive, high-quality image and video library | Strict focus on authentic, original photography | ### How do the pricing models of Shutterstock and Alamy compare? Shutterstock is rated higher for price satisfaction, with reviewers expressing more positive value sentiment compared to Alamy. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers frequently mention that Shutterstock's pricing is on the higher side, but they appreciate the value provided by its vast, high-quality library and time-saving features. - **Alamy:** Reviewers note that Alamy offers reasonable prices for high-quality, authentic images, but some mention that per-download fees can add up for large projects. - **Switching reasons:** Recent reviews indicate that contributors and buyers sometimes switch from Shutterstock to Alamy for more authentic, less edited images, while others leave Alamy due to stricter quality control and slower approval processes. ### What are the best alternatives to Shutterstock and Alamy? The top three alternatives to Shutterstock and Alamy are Storyblocks, Adobe Stock, and iStock. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) | 4.4/5 (656 reviews) | Pricing is considered high but justified by the extensive, high-quality library | Massive, high-quality image and video library | | [Alamy](https://www.g2.com/products/alamy/reviews) | 3.6/5 (11 reviews) | Reasonable prices for authentic images, but per-download fees can add up | Strict focus on authentic, original photography | | [Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/products/storyblocks/reviews) | 4.6/5 (429 reviews) | — | — | | [Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-adobe-stock/reviews) | 4.3/5 (194 reviews) | — | — | | [iStock](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews) | 3.5/5 (117 reviews) | — | — | ### Which Stock Photos features should I prioritize when comparing Shutterstock and Alamy? Buyers comparing Shutterstock and Alamy should prioritize content quality, library size, ease of use, licensing clarity, and pricing satisfaction. - **Content quality:** Shutterstock (36 all-time mentions for quality), Alamy (reviewers highlight authentic, original photography) - **Library size:** Shutterstock (22 all-time mentions for collection size), Alamy (reviewers note a wide array of options) - **Ease of use:** Shutterstock (34 all-time mentions for ease of use, 9.1 Ease of Use score), Alamy (7.3 Ease of Use score) - **Licensing clarity:** Shutterstock (multiple recent reviews cite clear licensing as a benefit), Alamy (reviewers mention strict guidelines and authenticity requirements) - **Pricing satisfaction:** Shutterstock (pricing/cost issues mentioned in 31 reviews), Alamy (reviewers note reasonable prices but mention per-download costs) ### What are the pros and cons of Shutterstock vs Alamy? Shutterstock's headline strength is its massive, high-quality content library, while Alamy's is its strict focus on authentic, original photography. - **Shutterstock strengths:** Massive image and video library (49 all-time mentions for images, 36 for video availability), high content quality (36 mentions), ease of use (34 mentions), and powerful search filters (28 mentions). - **Shutterstock trade-offs:** Pricing is frequently cited as expensive (31 mentions), with some reviewers noting repetitive content (12 mentions) and complicated subscription terms. - **Alamy strengths:** Reviewers highlight Alamy's focus on authentic, real-world photography and strict quality standards, making it a preferred platform for contributors seeking originality. - **Alamy trade-offs:** Reviewers mention a strict and sometimes unpredictable quality control process, slower approval times, and per-download fees that can add up for large projects. ### Is Shutterstock or Alamy better for small businesses? Shutterstock is the better fit for small businesses, supported by higher satisfaction scores and positive small-business reviewer sentiment. - **Shutterstock:** Small-business reviewers consistently praise Shutterstock for its ease of use, vast content library, and time-saving features, despite noting higher pricing. - **Alamy:** Small-business reviewers appreciate Alamy's authentic image selection but mention stricter quality controls and less predictable approval processes. ### Which Stock Photos platform has better integrations? Shutterstock is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing positive experiences integrating it into their workflows. - **Shutterstock:** Recent reviews mention smooth integration with creative tools and workflows, though no specific third-party tools are named in the data. - **Alamy:** No reviewer-cited integrations are mentioned. ### How do Shutterstock and Alamy compare on customer support? Shutterstock scores higher on Quality of Support (8.4 vs. 7.6), indicating stronger reviewer satisfaction with support experiences. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers frequently describe support as responsive and helpful, though some mention delays with billing or licensing inquiries. - **Alamy:** Reviewers note that support is generally available and helpful, but some contributors report slow or unresponsive experiences, especially regarding account closure or quality control questions. ### Which is easier to implement, Shutterstock or Alamy? Shutterstock is rated higher for Ease of Setup, with a 9.1 score and consistently positive reviewer sentiment. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers describe setup as quick and straightforward, with most citing easy onboarding and immediate access to content. - **Alamy:** Reviewers mention that the platform is easy to use once set up, but strict quality control and approval processes can slow initial implementation for contributors. ### Which product has better Subscription? Shutterstock is favored for Subscription, with higher satisfaction and more frequent reviewer mentions of subscription features. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers frequently mention subscription options, with 31 all-time mentions of pricing and 11 of pricing issues, and cite flexible plans and clear licensing as benefits. - **Alamy:** Reviewers mention per-download pricing and express a desire for more flexible subscription or package options. Alternatives **Alamy Alternatives** ![Adobe Stock](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c92ae2255a769e0f012c9d6c6b5c9ede/adobe-adobe-stock.svg "Adobe Stock") [ Adobe Stock ](/products/adobe-adobe-stock/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) ![Dreamstime](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/7bba4fac527d844793c3c749b04e640c/dreamstime.svg "Dreamstime") [ Dreamstime ](/products/dreamstime/reviews) ![Storyblocks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9a53858b24c39c32d87876ded80439b1/storyblocks.svg "Storyblocks") [ Storyblocks ](/products/storyblocks/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) ![123RF](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0e3009cc93667a83e5d6ce3ff3319598/123rf.jpg "123RF") [ 123RF ](/products/123rf/reviews) ![Vecteezy](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c09fcde10f2fcbf011dbe92edadac585/vecteezy.svg "Vecteezy") [ Vecteezy ](/products/vecteezy/reviews)