# Top 10 iStock Alternatives & Competitors
**Average Rating:** 3.5/5
**Total Number of Reviews:** 117
Research alternative solutions to iStock on G2, with real user reviews on competing tools. Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to iStock include videos and search. The best overall iStock alternative is Shutterstock. Other similar apps like iStock are Storyblocks, Adobe Stock, Vecteezy, and 123RF. iStock alternatives can be found in [Stock Photos Websites](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-photos) but may also be in [Stock Footage Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-footage) or [AI Video Generators](https://www.g2.com/categories/ai-video-generators).


## Best Paid & Free Alternatives to iStock
  - [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews)
  - [Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/products/storyblocks/reviews)
  - [Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-adobe-stock/reviews)
  - [Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/products/vecteezy/reviews)
  - [123RF](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews)
  - [PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/products/pixabay/reviews)
  - [Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/products/dreamstime/reviews)
  - [Magnific](https://www.g2.com/products/magnific/reviews)
  - [Pexels](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews)
  - [Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/products/unsplash/reviews)

## Top 10 Alternatives to iStock Recently Reviewed By G2 Community
Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how iStock stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Marketing and Advertising, Media Production, and Broadcast Media, and find the best product for your business.


  ### 1. [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews)
By Shutterstock
**Average Rating:** 4.4/5
**Total Reviews:** 656
Shutterstock is a leading global technology company offering a creative platform for high-quality assets, tools and services. Shutterstock offers a variety of plans for individuals, teams, and enterprise customers as well as creative editing and collaboration capabilities. The Shutterstock portfolio of brands includes Bigstock, Offset, PremiumBeat, Rex Features and Shutterstock Custom.


Reviewers say compared to iStock, Shutterstock is:
- Better at support
- Easier to set up
- Better at meeting requirements
Categories in common with iStock: [Stock Footage](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-footage), [Stock Photos](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-photos), [Stock Music](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-music)

**Compare:** [iStock vs Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/compare/shutterstock-shutterstock-vs-getty-images-istock)
**Compare Shutterstock with other alternatives:**
- [Shutterstock vs Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/compare/shutterstock-shutterstock-vs-storyblocks)
- [Shutterstock vs Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-shutterstock-shutterstock)
- [Shutterstock vs Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/compare/shutterstock-shutterstock-vs-vecteezy)
- [Shutterstock vs 123RF](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-shutterstock-shutterstock)
- [Shutterstock vs PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/compare/pixabay-vs-shutterstock-shutterstock)
- [Shutterstock vs Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-shutterstock-shutterstock)
- [Shutterstock vs Magnific](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-shutterstock-shutterstock)
- [Shutterstock vs Pexels](https://www.g2.com/compare/pexels-vs-shutterstock-shutterstock)
- [Shutterstock vs Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/compare/shutterstock-shutterstock-vs-unsplash)

  ### 2. [Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/products/storyblocks/reviews)
By Storyblocks
**Average Rating:** 4.6/5
**Total Reviews:** 425
Storyblocks is a marketplace for royalty-free stock media assets.


Reviewers say compared to iStock, Storyblocks is:
- Better at support
- Easier to set up
- Better at meeting requirements
Categories in common with iStock: [Stock Footage](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-footage), [Stock Photos](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-photos), [Stock Music](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-music)

**Compare:** [iStock vs Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/compare/storyblocks-vs-getty-images-istock)
**Compare Storyblocks with other alternatives:**
- [Storyblocks vs Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/compare/shutterstock-shutterstock-vs-storyblocks)
- [Storyblocks vs Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-storyblocks)
- [Storyblocks vs Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/compare/storyblocks-vs-vecteezy)
- [Storyblocks vs 123RF](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-storyblocks)
- [Storyblocks vs PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/compare/pixabay-vs-storyblocks)
- [Storyblocks vs Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-storyblocks)
- [Storyblocks vs Magnific](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-storyblocks)
- [Storyblocks vs Pexels](https://www.g2.com/compare/pexels-vs-storyblocks)
- [Storyblocks vs Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/compare/storyblocks-vs-unsplash)

  ### 3. [Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-adobe-stock/reviews)
By Adobe
**Average Rating:** 4.3/5
**Total Reviews:** 194
Adobe Stock is a comprehensive stock media service offering a vast collection of high-quality, royalty-free assets, including photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, audio files, templates, and 3D models. Designed to meet the diverse needs of creative professionals, Adobe Stock seamlessly integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, enabling users to search, preview, and license assets directly within their design environment. This integration streamlines the creative workflow, allowing for efficient project development without the need to switch between platforms. Key Features and Functionality: - Extensive Asset Library: Access millions of curated assets contributed by a global community of artists, ensuring a wide range of styles and subjects to suit various project requirements. - Seamless Integration: Adobe Stock is natively integrated into Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro, allowing users to browse and license assets directly within these applications. - Advanced Search Capabilities: Powered by Adobe Sensei, the platform offers intelligent search features, enabling users to filter assets by aesthetics, color, copy space, shot size, and more, facilitating the discovery of the perfect asset efficiently. - Flexible Licensing Options: Offers various subscription plans and credit packs to accommodate different usage needs, including options for individuals, teams, and enterprises. - Premium Content: Provides access to a Premium collection of hand-selected, high-quality images from leading photographers and agencies, catering to projects that require exceptional visual content. Primary Value and User Solutions: Adobe Stock addresses the challenge of sourcing high-quality, royalty-free assets by providing a vast and diverse library that integrates directly into the creative workflow. This integration reduces the time and effort required to find and license assets, enhancing productivity for designers, marketers, and content creators. By offering flexible licensing and a wide range of content types, Adobe Stock empowers users to create compelling, professional-grade projects efficiently.


Reviewers say compared to iStock, Adobe Stock is:
- Better at support
- Easier to set up
- Better at meeting requirements
Categories in common with iStock: [Stock Footage](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-footage), [Stock Photos](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-photos)

**Compare:** [iStock vs Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-getty-images-istock)
**Compare Adobe Stock with other alternatives:**
- [Adobe Stock vs Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-shutterstock-shutterstock)
- [Adobe Stock vs Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-storyblocks)
- [Adobe Stock vs Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-vecteezy)
- [Adobe Stock vs 123RF](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-adobe-adobe-stock)
- [Adobe Stock vs PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-pixabay)
- [Adobe Stock vs Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-dreamstime)
- [Adobe Stock vs Magnific](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-magnific)
- [Adobe Stock vs Pexels](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-pexels)
- [Adobe Stock vs Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-unsplash)

  ### 4. [Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/products/vecteezy/reviews)
By Eezy
**Average Rating:** 4.7/5
**Total Reviews:** 8,534
Vecteezy is a leading global provider of digital imagery like stock photos and vector art as well as creative other creative assets like stock video footage, icons, PSDs, templates, and more. Developed by an American company Eezy.com which is headquartered in Bowling Green, KY.


Reviewers say compared to iStock, Vecteezy is:
- Better at support
- Easier to set up
- Easier to do business with
Categories in common with iStock: [Stock Footage](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-footage), [Stock Photos](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-photos)

**Compare:** [iStock vs Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/compare/vecteezy-vs-getty-images-istock)
**Compare Vecteezy with other alternatives:**
- [Vecteezy vs Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/compare/shutterstock-shutterstock-vs-vecteezy)
- [Vecteezy vs Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/compare/storyblocks-vs-vecteezy)
- [Vecteezy vs Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-vecteezy)
- [Vecteezy vs 123RF](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-vecteezy)
- [Vecteezy vs PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/compare/pixabay-vs-vecteezy)
- [Vecteezy vs Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-vecteezy)
- [Vecteezy vs Magnific](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-vecteezy)
- [Vecteezy vs Pexels](https://www.g2.com/compare/pexels-vs-vecteezy)
- [Vecteezy vs Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/compare/unsplash-vs-vecteezy)

  ### 5. [123RF](https://www.g2.com/products/123rf/reviews)
By 123RF
**Average Rating:** 4.4/5
**Total Reviews:** 21
123RF is a comprehensive digital media platform offering over 240 million royalty-free assets, including photos, vectors, videos, audio files, and fonts. Established in 2005, it has evolved to integrate advanced AI tools, enhancing the creative process for users worldwide. Key Features and Functionality: - Extensive Media Library: Access to a vast collection of high-quality stock content suitable for various creative projects. - AI-Powered Tools: Features such as Image Generator, Sketch to Image, Image Upscaler, Generative Fill, Background Blur, Background Remix, Image Extender, Background Remover, Localize, and Image to Video, streamlining content creation and editing. - Flexible Subscription Plans: Offers the PLUS Plan for individuals, PLUS Team for small businesses, and PLUS Enterprise for larger organizations, each providing unlimited downloads and access to AI tools. - Credit System: Allows on-demand access to all assets with flexible usage options, catering to diverse project needs. Primary Value and Solutions: 123RF addresses the needs of creatives, marketers, and businesses by providing an all-in-one platform that combines an extensive stock media library with advanced AI tools. This integration simplifies the content creation process, enabling users to produce high-quality visuals efficiently. The flexible subscription and credit options ensure that users can choose plans that best fit their project requirements and budget constraints.


Reviewers say compared to iStock, 123RF is:
- Better at support
- Easier to do business with
- Easier to set up
Categories in common with iStock: [Stock Footage](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-footage), [Stock Photos](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-photos), [Stock Music](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-music)

**Compare:** [iStock vs 123RF](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-getty-images-istock)
**Compare 123RF with other alternatives:**
- [123RF vs Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-shutterstock-shutterstock)
- [123RF vs Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-storyblocks)
- [123RF vs Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-adobe-adobe-stock)
- [123RF vs Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-vecteezy)
- [123RF vs PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-pixabay)
- [123RF vs Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-dreamstime)
- [123RF vs Magnific](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-magnific)
- [123RF vs Pexels](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-pexels)
- [123RF vs Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-unsplash)

  ### 6. [PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/products/pixabay/reviews)
By Pixabay
**Average Rating:** 4.4/5
**Total Reviews:** 164
Pixabay is a comprehensive online platform offering over 5.8 million high-quality, royalty-free images, videos, music, and sound effects. Founded in 2010, it serves as a valuable resource for creatives seeking diverse media content for personal and commercial projects. Key Features and Functionality: - Extensive Media Library: Access a vast collection of photos, illustrations, vector graphics, videos, music tracks, and sound effects, all available for free download. - User-Friendly Interface: Easily search and navigate through content with intuitive filters and categories, enhancing the user experience. - Flexible Licensing: Content is released under the Pixabay Content License, allowing free use without attribution, with certain restrictions to ensure ethical usage. - Community Engagement: Join a vibrant community of creators by uploading your own content, participating in discussions, and collaborating with others. Primary Value and Solutions: Pixabay addresses the need for accessible, high-quality media by providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional stock media services. It empowers users—including designers, marketers, educators, and content creators—to enhance their projects without the burden of licensing fees or attribution requirements, fostering creativity and efficiency in content production.


Reviewers say compared to iStock, PixaBay is:
- Easier to set up
- Better at support
- Easier to do business with
Categories in common with iStock: [Stock Footage](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-footage), [Stock Photos](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-photos)

**Compare:** [iStock vs PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/compare/pixabay-vs-getty-images-istock)
**Compare PixaBay with other alternatives:**
- [PixaBay vs Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/compare/pixabay-vs-shutterstock-shutterstock)
- [PixaBay vs Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/compare/pixabay-vs-storyblocks)
- [PixaBay vs Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-pixabay)
- [PixaBay vs Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/compare/pixabay-vs-vecteezy)
- [PixaBay vs 123RF](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-pixabay)
- [PixaBay vs Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-pixabay)
- [PixaBay vs Magnific](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-pixabay)
- [PixaBay vs Pexels](https://www.g2.com/compare/pexels-vs-pixabay)
- [PixaBay vs Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/compare/pixabay-vs-unsplash)

  ### 7. [Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/products/dreamstime/reviews)
By Dreamstime
**Average Rating:** 4.3/5
**Total Reviews:** 646
Dreamstime is a marketplace for stock photos and royalty-free images.


Reviewers say compared to iStock, Dreamstime is:
- Better at support
- Easier to set up
- More usable
Categories in common with iStock: [Stock Photos](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-photos)

**Compare:** [iStock vs Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-getty-images-istock)
**Compare Dreamstime with other alternatives:**
- [Dreamstime vs Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-shutterstock-shutterstock)
- [Dreamstime vs Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-storyblocks)
- [Dreamstime vs Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-dreamstime)
- [Dreamstime vs Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-vecteezy)
- [Dreamstime vs 123RF](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-dreamstime)
- [Dreamstime vs PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-pixabay)
- [Dreamstime vs Magnific](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-magnific)
- [Dreamstime vs Pexels](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-pexels)
- [Dreamstime vs Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-unsplash)

  ### 8. [Magnific](https://www.g2.com/products/magnific/reviews)
By Magnific
**Average Rating:** 4.7/5
**Total Reviews:** 176
Magnific is a search engine that helps users find high-quality photos, vector images, illustrations and PSD files for their creative projects.


Reviewers say compared to iStock, Magnific is:
- Better at support
- Easier to set up
- Easier to do business with
Categories in common with iStock: [Stock Photos](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-photos)

**Compare:** [iStock vs Magnific](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-getty-images-istock)
**Compare Magnific with other alternatives:**
- [Magnific vs Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-shutterstock-shutterstock)
- [Magnific vs Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-storyblocks)
- [Magnific vs Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-magnific)
- [Magnific vs Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-vecteezy)
- [Magnific vs 123RF](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-magnific)
- [Magnific vs PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-pixabay)
- [Magnific vs Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-magnific)
- [Magnific vs Pexels](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-pexels)
- [Magnific vs Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-unsplash)

  ### 9. [Pexels](https://www.g2.com/products/pexels/reviews)
By Pexels
**Average Rating:** 4.6/5
**Total Reviews:** 113
High-resolution photo marketplace.


Reviewers say compared to iStock, Pexels is:
- Better at support
- Easier to set up
- More usable
Categories in common with iStock: [Stock Footage](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-footage), [Stock Photos](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-photos)

**Compare:** [iStock vs Pexels](https://www.g2.com/compare/pexels-vs-getty-images-istock)
**Compare Pexels with other alternatives:**
- [Pexels vs Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/compare/pexels-vs-shutterstock-shutterstock)
- [Pexels vs Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/compare/pexels-vs-storyblocks)
- [Pexels vs Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-pexels)
- [Pexels vs Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/compare/pexels-vs-vecteezy)
- [Pexels vs 123RF](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-pexels)
- [Pexels vs PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/compare/pexels-vs-pixabay)
- [Pexels vs Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-pexels)
- [Pexels vs Magnific](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-pexels)
- [Pexels vs Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/compare/pexels-vs-unsplash)

  ### 10. [Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/products/unsplash/reviews)
By Unsplash
**Average Rating:** 4.7/5
**Total Reviews:** 106
Unsplash is a platform offering a vast collection of high-resolution images contributed by a global community of photographers. With over 6 million photos available, Unsplash provides free access to a diverse range of visuals suitable for various creative projects. The platform is designed to fuel creativity by offering unrestricted use of its extensive image library, making it an invaluable resource for designers, marketers, and content creators. Key Features: - Extensive Image Library: Access to over 6 million high-quality, high-resolution images across various categories and styles. - Community-Driven Content: A diverse range of photography styles and categories contributed by a global community of over 400,000 photographers. - Free and Flexible Usage: Images are free to use for both personal and commercial projects without the need for permission or attribution, though credit is appreciated. - Curated Collections: Users can explore and create collections of images tailored to specific themes or projects. - Developer Integration: An API that allows developers to integrate Unsplash images into applications, enhancing user experience with quality visuals. Primary Value and Solutions: Unsplash addresses the challenge of sourcing high-quality, royalty-free images by providing an extensive, easily accessible library. This empowers users to enhance their creative projects without the constraints of licensing fees or attribution requirements. By fostering a community of photographers and offering a platform for free image sharing, Unsplash democratizes access to professional-grade photography, enabling individuals and businesses to elevate their visual content effortlessly.


Reviewers say compared to iStock, Unsplash is:
- Easier to set up
- Better at support
- Easier to do business with
Categories in common with iStock: [Stock Photos](https://www.g2.com/categories/stock-photos)

**Compare:** [iStock vs Unsplash](https://www.g2.com/compare/unsplash-vs-getty-images-istock)
**Compare Unsplash with other alternatives:**
- [Unsplash vs Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/compare/shutterstock-shutterstock-vs-unsplash)
- [Unsplash vs Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/compare/storyblocks-vs-unsplash)
- [Unsplash vs Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/compare/adobe-adobe-stock-vs-unsplash)
- [Unsplash vs Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/compare/unsplash-vs-vecteezy)
- [Unsplash vs 123RF](https://www.g2.com/compare/123rf-vs-unsplash)
- [Unsplash vs PixaBay](https://www.g2.com/compare/pixabay-vs-unsplash)
- [Unsplash vs Dreamstime](https://www.g2.com/compare/dreamstime-vs-unsplash)
- [Unsplash vs Magnific](https://www.g2.com/compare/magnific-vs-unsplash)
- [Unsplash vs Pexels](https://www.g2.com/compare/pexels-vs-unsplash)


---
## iStock Alternatives FAQs

### Which Stock Photos tools do reviewers recommend instead of iStock?

Reviewers consistently recommend [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) for its massive, high-quality library of images, videos, vectors, and music, along with excellent search filters, ease of use, and clear licensing. It is praised for its integration capabilities and customer support. [Storyblocks](https://www.g2.com/products/storyblocks/reviews) is favored for its unlimited downloads subscription model, vast stock video, audio, and template library, and seamless integration with Adobe editing tools, making it ideal for video production workflows. [Adobe Stock](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-adobe-stock/reviews) is highly recommended for its extensive, high-quality asset library and native integration with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, enabling efficient in-app asset licensing and editing. [Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/products/vecteezy/reviews) is noted for its large collection of free and premium stock photos, vectors, and videos, with strong ease of use and legal guarantees. These alternatives are preferred over iStock due to better usability, broader content variety, more flexible subscription models, and superior customer support as reflected in G2 reviews.



### How does iStock compare to Shutterstock?

According to G2 data, [iStock](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews) has an average rating of 3.5/5 from 117 reviews, whereas [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) holds a significantly higher average rating of 4.4/5 based on 656 reviews. Shutterstock leads iStock by 1.0 points in Better at Meeting Requirements (8.9 vs 7.9), 0.9 points in More Usable (9.1 vs 8.2), 1.5 points in Easier to Set Up (9.1 vs 7.6), and 2.0 points in Better at Support (8.4 vs 6.4). Both platforms score equally in Easier to Admin (9.0). Shutterstock also has a 0.6-point advantage in Easier to Do Business With (8.7 vs 8.1). Users praise Shutterstock for its massive, high-quality image and video library, ease of use, powerful search filters, and clear licensing. iStock users appreciate its consistent image quality, variety, and straightforward UI but frequently cite expensive pricing and poor customer support as major drawbacks. Shutterstock reviews mention pricing as a concern but highlight superior content variety and usability. Both platforms face criticism for pricing and subscription issues, but Shutterstock's customer support and overall user experience are rated notably higher.



### What are the best alternatives to iStock?

The best alternatives to iStock based on G2 user ratings and review counts are [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) (4.4/5 stars, 656 reviews), [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, 193 reviews), and [Vecteezy](https://www.g2.com/products/vecteezy/reviews) (4.7/5 stars, 8,470 reviews). These platforms offer higher user satisfaction and significantly larger review volumes than iStock's 3.5/5 stars from 117 reviews, indicating stronger market preference and reliability.



### Why do users choose Shutterstock over iStock?

Users choose [Shutterstock](https://www.g2.com/products/shutterstock-shutterstock/reviews) over [iStock](https://www.g2.com/products/getty-images-istock/reviews) primarily due to Shutterstock's higher satisfaction in meeting requirements (8.9 vs 7.9), usability (9.1 vs 8.2), setup ease (9.1 vs 7.6), and notably better support (8.4 vs 6.4). With 656 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, Shutterstock offers a vast and diverse library of high-quality images, videos, and vectors, complemented by powerful search filters and clear licensing, which streamline creative workflows. Users also value Shutterstock's user-friendly interface and frequent feature updates, including AI tools. In contrast, iStock's smaller review base (117 reviews, 3.5 stars) reflects concerns over expensive pricing, restrictive subscription models, and poor customer service. Shutterstock's stronger customer support and more flexible, reliable platform experience drive user preference despite higher costs, making it the preferred choice for professionals seeking comprehensive, high-quality stock media solutions according to G2 data.




## Explore Articles
- [What's the best-managed file transfer tool for software firms](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-s-the-best-managed-file-transfer-tool-for-software-firms)
- [Best account-level reporting software for marketing ROI](https://www.g2.com/discussions/best-account-level-reporting-software-for-marketing-roi)
- [Top platforms for client self-service and document access](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-top-platforms-for-client-self-service-and-document-access)
- [What are the most recommended payroll services for offices?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-most-recommended-payroll-services-for-offices)
- [Which ESB middleware minimizes custom development and reduces integration timelines?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-esb-middleware-minimizes-custom-development-and-reduces-integration-timelines)
- [Easy-to-use session replay tools for non-tech businesses](https://www.g2.com/discussions/easy-to-use-session-replay-tools-for-non-tech-businesses)

## Spotlight Categories
- [Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/managed-detection-and-response-mdr)
- [ERP Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp-systems)
- [Sales Training and Onboarding Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sales-training-and-onboarding)