Burst vs Shutterstock: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Burst and Shutterstock 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:
Burst
Download thousands of high-resolution, royalty-free stock photos for commercial and personal use.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Offers over 20,000 free, high-resolution stock photos.
- • All images are royalty-free and available for commercial use without attribution.
Shutterstock
Stock images, photos, and videos
Best for you if:
- • Stock photo marketplace
- • Photos, videos, and music
| At a Glance |  Burst |  Shutterstock |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Burst | Shutterstock |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Graphic DesignStock Assets | Graphic DesignStock Assets |
How Burst and Shutterstock Compare
Burst
Download thousands of high-resolution, royalty-free stock photos for commercial and personal use.
Free
Shutterstock
Stock images, photos, and videos
Paid
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Burst is free. Shutterstock is paid.
Go with: Burst
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Burst
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Burst
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Burst is free. Shutterstock is paid. Go with Burst if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are graphic design tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Burst
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Shutterstock
The Bottom Line
Burst is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burst or Shutterstock better?
Burst scores high/100 in our evaluation. Burst is free and Shutterstock is paid.
What are Burst and Shutterstock used for?
Burst: Download thousands of high-resolution, royalty-free stock photos for commercial and personal use.. Shutterstock: Stock images, photos, and videos.
What does Burst cost vs Shutterstock?
Burst is completely free. Shutterstock is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.