Link copied to clipboard # Shutterstock vs iStock Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/shutterstock-shutterstock/getty-images-istock/export.csv) ShutterstockiStock[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **Shutterstock** [ 4.4/5(655) ](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews#reviews) **iStock** [ 3.5/5(117) ](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews#reviews) Pricing **Shutterstock** No pricing available **iStock** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Shutterstock** 5 months Based on 58 responses **iStock** Not enough reviews yet Return on Investment **Shutterstock** 13 months Based on 56 responses **iStock** Not enough reviews yet Perceived Cost **Shutterstock** $$$$$ **iStock** $$$$$ Average Discount **Shutterstock** 9% **iStock** Not enough reviews yet Pros & Cons **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) **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) Integrations **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) **iStock** Not enough data Screenshots **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) **iStock** No screenshot available Ratings Meets Requirements **Shutterstock** 8.9 8.9521 **iStock** 7.9 7.984 Ease of Use **Shutterstock** 9.1 9.1525 **iStock** 8.2 8.284 Ease of Setup **Shutterstock** 9.1 9.1172 **iStock** 7.6 7.622 Ease of Admin **Shutterstock** 9.0 9.0123 **iStock** 9.0 9.07 Quality of Support **Shutterstock** 8.4 8.4432 **iStock** 6.4 6.466 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Shutterstock** 8.7 8.7125 **iStock** 8.1 8.18 Product Direction (% positive) **Shutterstock** 8.0 8.0506 **iStock** 6.0 6.081 Features Stock Footage[Hide 7 FeaturesShow 7 Features](javascript:void(0);) 7.8 226 6.4 20 Pricing Free Footage 6.7(won by 1.1) 145 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 5.6 15 Pay Per Image 7.5(won by 2.4) 156 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 5.1 15 Subscription 8.0(won by 2.7) 172 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 5.3 15 Media Animation 7.7(won by 1.2) 120 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 6.5 9 4K High Definition 8.5(won by 1.7) 154 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) 6.8 10 360/VR Feature Not Available 5.0(won by default) 7 Agentic AI - Stock Footage Cross-system Integration 7.9(won by default) 36 Not enough data Stock Music[Hide 6 FeaturesShow 6 Features](javascript:void(0);) 8.7 112 Not enough data Media Sounds Effects 8.4(won by default) 77 Not enough data Genre Tagging 8.4(won by default) 76 Not enough data Pricing Royalty Free 8.4(won by default) 84 Not enough data Pay Per Track 8.0(won by default) 66 Not enough data Subscription 8.3(won by default) 75 Not enough data Agentic AI - Stock Music Cross-system Integration 8.3(won by default) 27 Not enough data User Insights Reviewers' Company Size [![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% [![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.) 62.2% 60.2% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 30.3% 31.0% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 7.5% 8.8% Reviewers' Industry [![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% [![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 ## Shutterstock vs iStock FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between iStock vs Shutterstock? Shutterstock stands out over iStock with higher reviewer ratings, stronger support, and a larger, more frequently praised content library. | [iStock](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews) | [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 3.5/5 (117 reviews) | 4.4/5 (656 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 7.6 | 9.1 | | 6.4 | 8.4 | | Images (4 all-time mentions) | Images (49 all-time mentions) | ### How do the pricing models of iStock and Shutterstock compare? Shutterstock is rated higher for value and cost satisfaction than iStock, with reviewers consistently citing better perceived value. - **iStock:** In recent reviews, many cite iStock's pricing as expensive, with recurring complaints about restrictive subscription limits and confusing billing. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers frequently mention Shutterstock's pricing as high, but satisfaction with the value is stronger, and the platform is seen as cost-efficient for frequent users. - **Switching reasons:** Several reviewers report switching from iStock to alternatives due to dissatisfaction with pricing transparency and customer support. ### What are the best alternatives to iStock and Shutterstock? Storyblocks, Adobe Stock, and Shutterstock are the top alternatives to iStock. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [iStock](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews) | 3.5/5 (117) | Small-Business | Pricing is often cited as expensive and restrictive | Image quality and search filters | | [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) | 4.4/5 (656) | Small-Business | High cost but strong value for frequent users | Massive, high-quality content library | | [Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/products/storyblocks/reviews) | 4.6/5 (429) | Small-Business | — | Flexible, affordable access to stock video and audio | | [Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-adobe-stock/reviews) | 4.3/5 (194) | Small-Business | — | Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud and high-quality assets | ### Which Stock Photos features should I prioritize when comparing iStock and Shutterstock? Buyers should prioritize content quality, pricing structure, customer support, ease of use, and subscription flexibility when comparing iStock and Shutterstock. - **Content quality:** iStock (3 all-time mentions), Shutterstock (36 all-time mentions) - **Pricing structure:** iStock (5 all-time mentions for cost/expensive), Shutterstock (31 all-time mentions for expensive, 18 for cost) - **Customer support:** iStock (5 all-time mentions for poor support), Shutterstock (support rated 8.4 vs. iStock's 6.4) - **Ease of use:** iStock (8.2), Shutterstock (9.1) - **Subscription flexibility:** iStock (3 all-time mentions for subscription cost), Shutterstock (frequent recent mentions of value for frequent users) ### What are the pros and cons of iStock vs Shutterstock? Shutterstock's headline strength is its massive, high-quality content library, while iStock is most often praised for its search and filtering capabilities. - **iStock strengths:** Image quality (3 all-time mentions), search and filtering, consistent visuals, and straightforward UI. - **iStock trade-offs:** Cost and expensive pricing (5 all-time mentions each), restrictive subscriptions, confusing billing, and poor customer support (5 all-time mentions). - **Shutterstock strengths:** Images (49 all-time mentions), quality (36), video availability (36), ease of use (34), and collection size (22). - **Shutterstock trade-offs:** Expensive pricing (31 all-time mentions), repetitive content (12), and some complaints about subscription cancellation policies. ### Is iStock or Shutterstock better for small businesses? Shutterstock is the better fit for small businesses, with higher satisfaction among small-business reviewers and a stronger value perception. - **iStock:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers cite ease of use and quality, but frequently mention cost and support issues as barriers for small teams. - **Shutterstock:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers highlight the platform's extensive library, ease of use, and strong support as advantages for small businesses. ### Which Stock Photos platform has better integrations? Shutterstock and iStock are at parity for integrations, with no reviewer-cited integration advantages for either platform. - **iStock:** No reviewer-cited integrations in recent reviews. - **Shutterstock:** No reviewer-cited integrations in recent reviews. ### How do iStock and Shutterstock compare on customer support? Shutterstock outperforms iStock on Quality of Support by a material margin, with a score of 8.4 versus iStock's 6.4. - **iStock:** Reviewers frequently cite poor customer support, slow or unhelpful responses, and inflexible refund policies. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers consistently praise responsive and helpful support, with many noting quick resolutions and positive experiences. ### Which is easier to implement, iStock or Shutterstock? Shutterstock is easier to implement than iStock, with a 1.5-point higher Ease of Setup score (9.1 vs. 7.6). - **iStock:** Reviewers describe setup as generally straightforward but occasionally mention friction with account setup and billing. - **Shutterstock:** Reviewers consistently highlight simple, fast setup and immediate usability, with minimal onboarding required. ### Which product has better Subscription? Shutterstock is rated higher for Subscription satisfaction than iStock. - **iStock:** Subscription is a recurring theme in reviews, with 3 all-time mentions for subscription cost and frequent complaints about restrictive limits and confusing terms. - **Shutterstock:** Subscription is frequently cited as a strength, with reviewers noting flexibility and value for frequent users, and a higher overall satisfaction score for subscription-related experiences. Alternatives **Shutterstock Alternatives** ![Storyblocks](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/9a53858b24c39c32d87876ded80439b1/storyblocks.svg "Storyblocks") [ Storyblocks ](/products/storyblocks/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) ![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 Alternatives** ![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](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0e3009cc93667a83e5d6ce3ff3319598/123rf.jpg "123RF") [ 123RF ](/products/123rf/reviews)