Adobe Stock vs Pixabay: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Adobe Stock and Pixabay comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Adobe Stock
Access a vast library of royalty-free creative assets for all your projects.
Best for you if:
- • You need graphic design features specifically
- • Vast library of royalty-free photos, videos, illustrations, and audio.
- • Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud for efficient workflows.
Pixabay
Discover and share stunning royalty-free images, videos, and music.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need stock assets features specifically
- • Vast library of royalty-free stock assets.
- • Includes images, videos, and music.
| At a Glance |  Adobe Stock |  Pixabay |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Graphic Design | Stock Assets |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Adobe Stock | Pixabay |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Graphic DesignStock Assets | Stock Assets |
How Adobe Stock and Pixabay Compare
Adobe Stock
Access a vast library of royalty-free creative assets for all your projects.
Paid
Pixabay
Discover and share stunning royalty-free images, videos, and music.
Free tier available
Adobe Stock is a graphic design tool. Pixabay is in stock assets.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Pixabay has a free tier. Adobe Stock is paid only.
Go with: Pixabay
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Adobe Stock
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Adobe Stock
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Adobe Stock is paid. Pixabay is freemium. Pixabay lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Adobe Stock is a graphic design tool. Pixabay is in stock assets. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Adobe Stock
- Our pick for this comparison
Pixabay
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for stock assets
The Bottom Line
Adobe Stock is our pick. Pixabay has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Stock or Pixabay better?
Adobe Stock scores high/100 in our evaluation. Adobe Stock is paid and Pixabay is freemium.
What are Adobe Stock and Pixabay used for?
Adobe Stock: Access a vast library of royalty-free creative assets for all your projects.. Pixabay: Discover and share stunning royalty-free images, videos, and music..
What does Adobe Stock cost vs Pixabay?
Adobe Stock is a paid tool. Pixabay is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.