# Shutterstock vs iStock Comparison --- ## AI Generated Summary - **G2 reviewers report** that Shutterstock excels in overall user satisfaction, boasting a significantly higher G2 Score compared to iStock. Users appreciate the platform's extensive library of stock photos, videos, and graphics, which they find invaluable for various business needs. - **Users say** that Shutterstock's interface is particularly user-friendly, with a clean design and powerful search filters that make it easy to find and download high-quality content. In contrast, while iStock offers a good selection, some users feel it doesn't match the intuitive experience provided by Shutterstock. - **Reviewers mention** that Shutterstock has a robust support system, reflected in its higher quality of support ratings. Users have highlighted the helpfulness of the customer service team, which contrasts with iStock's lower ratings in this area, where some users have expressed frustration with response times. - **According to verified reviews** , iStock is praised for its time-saving capabilities, especially for graphic designers who appreciate the variety and quality of images available. However, users also note that Shutterstock's extensive library often provides more options for specific needs, making it a preferred choice for many. - **Users highlight** that both platforms cater well to small businesses, but Shutterstock has a slight edge in terms of market presence and user engagement, as evidenced by its higher number of recent reviews. This suggests a more active user base and ongoing improvements to the platform. - **Reviewers note** that while iStock has its strengths, such as a solid search feature that offers suggestions, Shutterstock's overall product direction and innovation are viewed more positively. Users appreciate the continuous updates and new features that enhance their experience on Shutterstock. | | Shutterstock | iStock | |---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 3.5 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 656 | 117 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (62.1% of reviews) | Small-Business (60.2% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### Shutterstock Pros: - Images (49 reviews) - Quality (36 reviews) Cons: - Expensive (31 reviews) - Cost (18 reviews) ### iStock Pros: - Images (4 reviews) - Quality (3 reviews) Cons: - Cost (5 reviews) - Expensive (5 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | Shutterstock | iStock | |---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 8.9 (522 reviews) | 7.9 (84 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 9.1 (526 reviews) | 8.2 (84 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 9.1 (173 reviews) | 7.6 (22 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | 9.0 (123 reviews) | 9.0 (7 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 8.4 (433 reviews) | 6.4 (66 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.7 (125 reviews) | 8.1 (8 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.0 (507 reviews) | 6.0 (81 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### Shutterstock #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available ### iStock #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Stock Footage | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Shutterstock** | 7.8/10 | 226 | | **iStock** | 6.4/10 | 20 | #### Pricing | Feature | Shutterstock | iStock | |---|---|---| | **Free Footage** | 6.7 (146 reviews) | 5.6 (15 reviews) | | **Pay Per Image** | 7.5 (157 reviews) | 5.1 (15 reviews) | | **Subscription** | 8.0 (173 reviews) | 5.3 (15 reviews) | #### Media | Feature | Shutterstock | iStock | |---|---|---| | **360/VR** | Feature Not Available | 5.0 (7 reviews) | | **Animation** | 7.7 (121 reviews) | 6.5 (9 reviews) | | **4K High Definition** | 8.6 (155 reviews) | 6.8 (10 reviews) | #### Agentic AI - Stock Footage | Feature | Shutterstock | iStock | |---|---|---| | **Cross-system Integration** | 8.0 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | ### Stock Music | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **Shutterstock** | 8.7/10 | 112 | | **iStock** | N/A | N/A | #### Media | Feature | Shutterstock | iStock | |---|---|---| | **Sounds Effects** | 8.5 (78 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Genre Tagging** | 8.5 (77 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Pricing | Feature | Shutterstock | iStock | |---|---|---| | **Royalty Free** | 8.4 (85 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Pay Per Track** | 8.0 (67 reviews) | Not enough data | | **Subscription** | 8.3 (76 reviews) | Not enough data | #### Agentic AI - Stock Music | Feature | Shutterstock | iStock | |---|---|---| | **Cross-system Integration** | 8.3 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (3):** [Stock Music Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-music), [Stock Footage Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-footage), [Stock Photos Websites](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-photos) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | Shutterstock | iStock | |---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 62.1% | 60.2% | | **Mid-Market** | 30.4% | 31.0% | | **Enterprise** | 7.5% | 8.8% | ### By Industry #### Shutterstock - **Marketing and Advertising:** 18.3% - **Graphic Design:** 9.1% - **Design:** 6.3% - **Computer Software:** 4.9% - **Information Technology and Services:** 4.9% - **Consumer Services:** 4.5% - **Health, Wellness and Fitness:** 2.7% - **Financial Services:** 2.3% - **Media Production:** 2.0% - **Higher Education:** 2.0% - **Other:** 43.0% #### iStock - **Marketing and Advertising:** 17.7% - **Graphic Design:** 6.2% - **Non-Profit Organization Management:** 4.4% - **Media Production:** 3.5% - **Photography:** 2.7% - **Information Technology and Services:** 2.7% - **Telecommunications:** 2.7% - **Design:** 2.7% - **Construction:** 2.7% - **Public Relations and Communications:** 2.7% - **Other:** 52.2% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to Shutterstock - [Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/products/storyblocks/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (423 reviews) - [123RF](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (21 reviews) - [Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/products/vecteezy/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (8519 reviews) - [Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-adobe-stock/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (194 reviews) - [PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/products/pixabay/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (164 reviews) - [Pexels](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (113 reviews) - [JumpStory](https://www.g2.com/products/jumpstory/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (69 reviews) - [Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/products/dreamstime/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (646 reviews) - [Flickr](https://www.g2.com/products/flickr/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (332 reviews) - [Magnific](https://www.g2.com/products/magnific/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (175 reviews) ### Alternatives to iStock - [Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/products/storyblocks/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (423 reviews) - [Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-adobe-stock/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (194 reviews) - [Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/products/vecteezy/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (8519 reviews) - [123RF](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (21 reviews) - [PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/products/pixabay/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (164 reviews) - [Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/products/dreamstime/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (646 reviews) - [Magnific](https://www.g2.com/products/magnific/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (175 reviews) - [Pexels](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (113 reviews) - [Flickr](https://www.g2.com/products/flickr/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (332 reviews) - [Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/products/unsplash/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (106 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### Shutterstock - Title: [Can I download the videos from Shutterstock which are greater than 3minutes](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-i-download-the-videos-from-shutterstock-which-are-greater-than-3minutes) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "NO, because it is basically use for crate background video for our real video." - Title: [Does anyone have an issue with this site? It's been super helpful to me.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/does-anyone-have-an-issue-with-this-site-it-s-been-super-helpful-to-me) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "I downloaded three images from a 10-image trial account. Next day, my account was suspended. They replied: "Your Shutterstock account has been terminated and..." - Title: [are you wantl get earn from your photography hobbys ?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/are-you-wantl-get-earn-from-your-photography-hobbys) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Comment deleted by user." - Title: [Why is my photo so difficult for the shutterstock to accept?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/42554-why-is-my-photo-so-difficult-for-the-shutterstock-to-accept) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Please simplify the requirements, because it is very difficult for beginners to accept photos" - Title: [Can you please make an in between price range around $200](https://www.g2.com/discussions/26411-can-you-please-make-an-in-between-price-range-around-200) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Shutterstock will work with you on a plan that will reduce the cost of each image. " ### iStock - Title: [What is the best software for inventory management?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-software-for-inventory-management) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Hello. Our company has installed software from NetSuite, but we are also in the process of looking for a more convenient solution for forecasting and..." --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/shutterstock-shutterstock-vs-getty-images-istock)