CGTrader vs Shutterstock: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for CGTrader and Shutterstock side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
CGTrader
The world's largest marketplace for licensable stock and custom 3D models.
Best for you if:
- • You want extensive library of 3D models across numerous categories
Shutterstock
Stock images, photos, and videos
Best for you if:
- • You want massive library
| At a Glance | CGTrader | Shutterstock |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Not published | From $29/mo, billed monthly Subscription plan |
Category | Stock Assets E-commerce | Graphic Design Image Editing |
Rating | 4.5/5 G2 4.5 29 reviews | 4.4/5 G2 4.4 1,196 reviews |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose CGTrader or Shutterstock?
Choose CGTrader if
- You want extensive library of 3D models across numerous categories
- You want large and active community of 3D designers
- You work in stock assets, not graphic design
Choose Shutterstock if
- You want massive library
- You want high quality content
- You work in graphic design, not stock assets
In-Depth Analysis
CGTrader
The world's largest marketplace for licensable stock and custom 3D models.
Strengths
- Pro: Extensive library of 3D models across numerous categories
- Pro: Large and active community of 3D designers
- Pro: Specialized services for enterprise clients and AR applications
- Pro: Supports both stock and custom 3D model needs
Weaknesses
- Con: Customer support is limited to Monday to Friday business hours
- Con: Pricing for models is not explicitly stated as free, implying paid content
Key features
Shutterstock
Stock images, photos, and videos
Shutterstock's pricing is on the expensive side for individual users, especially the On-demand option at $49 for just 5 images.
Strengths
- Pro: Massive library
- Pro: High quality content
- Pro: Editorial content
- Pro: Flexible licensing
Weaknesses
- Con: Expensive for heavy use
- Con: Common images overused
- Con: Complex pricing
Key features
Plans and prices: CGTrader vs Shutterstock
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CGTrader | No plan prices on file | cgtrader.com/plans |
| Shutterstock |
| shutterstock.com read Sep 30, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on CGTrader pricing and Shutterstock pricing.
Key Takeaways
CGTrader
- Choose if you want the world's largest marketplace for licensable stock and custom 3D models
Shutterstock
- Choose if you want stock images, photos, and videos
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.5/5 from 29 reviews for CGTrader, 4.4/5 from 1,196 reviews for Shutterstock).
- Shutterstock starts at $29/mo, billed monthly; CGTrader has no public paid plan price on file.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do CGTrader and Shutterstock compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.5/5 from 29 reviews for CGTrader, 4.4/5 from 1,196 reviews for Shutterstock). Shutterstock starts at $29/mo, billed monthly; CGTrader has no public paid plan price on file.
What are CGTrader and Shutterstock used for?
CGTrader: The world's largest marketplace for licensable stock and custom 3D models. Shutterstock: Stock images, photos, and videos.
What does CGTrader cost vs Shutterstock?
CGTrader has no public paid-plan price on file. Shutterstock's cheapest paid plan is Subscription at $29/mo, billed monthly. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Sep 30, 2026.
What's the main difference between CGTrader and Shutterstock?
CGTrader's main strength: extensive library of 3D models across numerous categories. Shutterstock's main strength: massive library.