Pexels
8.3#3 in stock photo websitesFree planFree planAndroidiOSWebAPI
VisitPexels vs Shutterstock
Shutterstock
7.3#12 in stock photo websitesWebAPI
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Pexels | Shutterstock |
|---|---|---|
| API access | Anyone with a Pexels account can request an API key and receive it instantly. | Yes |
| Editorial assets | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Illustration assets | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Pexels identifies Canva, Typeform, Sketch and Airtable as API partners. | The Shutterstock API provides library search and licensing within third-party applications and is integrated with Google, Facebook, IBM, and Wix, among others. |
| Product | Pexels is a free stock photo and video website and app for designers, bloggers and anyone seeking downloadable visuals. | Shutterstock provides licensed photos, vectors, illustrations, video, 3D models, music, and sound effects through a searchable creative platform. |
Pexels plans
- FreeFree
Shutterstock plans
- Image downloadsPriced on request
- Image downloads—
- Image packsPriced on request
- Image packs—
- Image pack$29, paid once
- Image downloads (10 per month)$300 a year
Pick Pexels if…
Pexels suits people looking for reusable photos and videos, as well as developers who need programmatic library access. Its apps, extension, and design-tool integrations also suit people who want to work with visuals across those tools.
Pick Shutterstock if…
Shutterstock suits creators seeking licensed media across image, video, audio, and 3D categories, including users who need editing tools or third-party app integrations.