Link copied to clipboard # Pexels vs Shutterstock Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/pexels/shutterstock-shutterstock/export.csv) PexelsShutterstock[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **Pexels** [ 4.6/5(113) ](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews#reviews) **Shutterstock** [ 4.4/5(655) ](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews#reviews) Pricing **Pexels** No pricing available **Shutterstock** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Pexels** Not enough reviews yet **Shutterstock** 5 months Based on 58 responses Return on Investment **Pexels** Not enough reviews yet **Shutterstock** 13 months Based on 56 responses Perceived Cost **Pexels** $$$$$ **Shutterstock** $$$$$ Average Discount **Pexels** Not enough reviews yet **Shutterstock** 9% Pros & Cons **Pexels** [ Affordable (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1843095&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Collection Quality (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1843404&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Repetitive (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1842901&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Repetitive Content (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1843008&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **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 **Pexels** 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 **Pexels** 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 **Pexels** 9.2 9.287 **Shutterstock** 8.9 8.9521 Ease of Use **Pexels** 9.7 9.788 **Shutterstock** 9.1 9.1525 Ease of Setup **Pexels** 9.7 9.710 **Shutterstock** 9.1 9.1172 Ease of Admin **Pexels** Not enough data **Shutterstock** 9.0 9.0123 Quality of Support **Pexels** 8.8 8.858 **Shutterstock** 8.4 8.4432 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Pexels** Not enough data **Shutterstock** 8.7 8.7125 Product Direction (% positive) **Pexels** 9.0 9.083 **Shutterstock** 8.0 8.0506 Features Stock Footage[Hide 7 FeaturesShow 7 Features](javascript:void(0);) 8.3 40 7.8 226 Pricing Free Footage 9.1(won by 2.4) 37 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 6.7 145 Pay Per Image 7.0 23 7.5(won by 0.5) 156 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Subscription 7.9 18 8.0(won by 0.1) 172 Media Animation 8.4(won by 0.7) 26 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 7.7 120 4K High Definition 9.5(won by 1.0) 32 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 8.5 154 360/VR 8.2(won by default) 19 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 [![Pexels](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_08cc4908743faa23a928ec55a48c7827/pexels.jpg "Pexels")](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews) Pexels Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 72.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 19.8% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 8.1% [![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.) 72.1% 62.2% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 19.8% 30.3% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 8.1% 7.5% Reviewers' Industry [![Pexels](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_08cc4908743faa23a928ec55a48c7827/pexels.jpg "Pexels")](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews) Pexels Marketing and Advertising 25.2% Information Technology and Services 9.0% Design 8.1% Computer Software 7.2% Graphic Design 7.2% Other 43.2% [![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 ## Pexels vs Shutterstock FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Pexels vs Shutterstock? Pexels stands out for its higher user satisfaction scores and free content, while Shutterstock is recognized for its vast, high-quality library and professional-grade assets. | [Pexels](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews) | [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.6/5 (113 reviews) | 4.4/5 (656 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 9.7 | 9.1 | | 8.8 | 8.4 | | Free, high-quality images and videos | Massive, high-quality library of professional assets | ### How do the pricing models of Pexels and Shutterstock compare? Pexels is considered the stronger value due to its free content and higher satisfaction with price-related dimensions. - **Pexels:** Reviewers consistently highlight the platform's free, high-quality images and videos, making it a top choice for budget-conscious users. - **Shutterstock:** Many reviewers cite high costs and expensive subscription plans as trade-offs, though they acknowledge the quality and breadth of the library. - **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers mention moving away from Shutterstock due to price increases and restrictive subscription policies. ### What are the best alternatives to Pexels and Shutterstock? The top 3 alternatives to Pexels and Shutterstock are Storyblocks, PixaBay, and iStock. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Pexels](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews) | 4.6/5 (113) | Small-Business | Free content, strong value | Free, high-quality images and videos | | [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) | 4.4/5 (656) | Small-Business | Expensive, premium content | Massive, high-quality library of professional assets | | [Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/products/storyblocks/reviews) | 4.6/5 (429) | Small-Business | — | Extensive stock video and audio library | | [PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/products/pixabay/reviews) | 4.4/5 (164) | Small-Business | — | Wide variety of free images | | [iStock](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews) | 3.5/5 (117) | Small-Business | — | Brand recognition and professional content | ### Which Stock Photos features should I prioritize when comparing Pexels and Shutterstock? Buyers should prioritize content quality, pricing model, collection size, ease of use, and support when comparing Pexels and Shutterstock. - **Content quality:** Pexels (2 all-time mentions), Shutterstock (36 all-time mentions) - **Pricing model:** Pexels is free and highly rated for value; Shutterstock is frequently cited as expensive (31 all-time mentions for "Expensive") - **Collection size:** Pexels (1 all-time mention), Shutterstock (22 all-time mentions) - **Ease of use:** Pexels (9.7), Shutterstock (9.1) - **Support:** Pexels (8.8), Shutterstock (8.4) ### What are the pros and cons of Pexels vs Shutterstock? Pexels' headline strength is its free, easy-to-use platform, while Shutterstock's is its vast, professional-grade content library. - **Pexels strengths:** Free content, high-quality images and videos, easy navigation, strong support, and user-friendly interface (multiple all-time mentions for "Free Content", "Ease of Use", "Quality"). - **Pexels trade-offs:** Limited variety for niche searches, repetitive content, and fewer advanced filtering options (recent reviews and 1 all-time mention for "Repetitive"). - **Shutterstock strengths:** Massive, high-quality library, professional-grade assets, advanced search filters, and broad content types including vectors and videos (49 all-time mentions for "Images", 36 for "Quality", 36 for "Video Availability"). - **Shutterstock trade-offs:** High cost, expensive subscription plans, and some complaints about repetitive or overused content (31 all-time mentions for "Expensive", 12 for "Repetitive"). ### Is Pexels or Shutterstock better for small businesses? Pexels is the better fit for small businesses due to its free model and strong small-business reviewer sentiment. - **Pexels:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers consistently praise its free, high-quality content and ease of use for small teams. - **Shutterstock:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers note the platform's professional assets but frequently cite cost as a barrier for small businesses. ### Which Stock Photos platform has better integrations? Reviewers indicate parity between Pexels and Shutterstock for integrations, with no clear leader. - **Pexels:** Reviewers mention integration with Canva and other design tools in recent reviews. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers reference integration with design and marketing tools, but no specific third-party tools are cited with high frequency. ### How do Pexels and Shutterstock compare on customer support? Pexels and Shutterstock are rated near parity on Quality of Support, with Pexels at 8.8 and Shutterstock at 8.4. - **Pexels:** Reviewers highlight responsive and caring support, with several citing positive experiences resolving issues. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers describe generally helpful support, though some mention slow responses and challenges with billing or subscription cancellations. ### Which is easier to implement, Pexels or Shutterstock? Pexels and Shutterstock are rated at parity for Ease of Setup, with Pexels at 9.7 and Shutterstock at 9.1. - **Pexels:** Reviewers consistently describe the platform as easy to set up and use, requiring little to no training. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers report straightforward setup and quick onboarding, with most able to start using the platform immediately. ### Which product has better Subscription? Shutterstock is more frequently cited for Subscription features, but reviewers express mixed satisfaction due to cost and cancellation policies. - **Pexels:** No subscription model; reviewers highlight the benefit of free access to content. - **Shutterstock:** Subscription is a focus feature with frequent mentions in reviews, but many reviewers cite high costs and restrictive cancellation terms as trade-offs. Alternatives **Pexels Alternatives** ![Storyblocks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9a53858b24c39c32d87876ded80439b1/storyblocks.svg "Storyblocks") [ Storyblocks ](/products/storyblocks/reviews) ![PixaBay](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_2b9911c5a74d477e3886980b13ab419a/pixabay.png "PixaBay") [ PixaBay ](/products/pixabay/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) ![Unsplash](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1548786514/unsplash.svg "Unsplash") [ Unsplash ](/products/unsplash/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)