EyeEm 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 EyeEm and Shutterstock side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, EyeEm leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall 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:
EyeEm
Discover and license authentic stock photos and videos from a global community of creators.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Shutterstock
Stock images, photos, and videos
| At a Glance | EyeEm | Shutterstock |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan | From $29/mo, billed monthly Subscription plan |
Category | Stock Assets Creator Platforms | Graphic Design Image Editing |
Rating | n/a | 4.4/5 G2 4.4 1,196 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose EyeEm or Shutterstock?
Choose EyeEm if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want a tool that offers a diverse collection of authentic and unique imagery
- You want a tool that provides a platform for emerging photographers to gain exposure and earn money
Choose Shutterstock if
- You need graphic design features specifically.
In-Depth Analysis
EyeEm
Discover and license authentic stock photos and videos from a global community of creators.
Strengths
- Pro: Offers a diverse collection of authentic and unique imagery.
- Pro: Provides a platform for emerging photographers to gain exposure and earn money.
- Pro: User-friendly interface for both buyers and sellers.
- Pro: Strong community aspect with opportunities for learning and feedback.
Weaknesses
- Con: Commission rates for creators can be high.
- Con: Competition for creators can be intense.
- Con: Payout thresholds for creators can be high.
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: EyeEm vs Shutterstock
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| EyeEm | No plan prices on file | eyeem.com |
| 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 EyeEm pricing and Shutterstock pricing.
Key Takeaways
EyeEm
- Has a free plan
Shutterstock
- Worth considering for graphic design
What the data shows
On the data below, EyeEm leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Only Shutterstock has a published user rating (4.4/5 from 1,196 reviews); EyeEm has none we can show.
- Shutterstock starts at $29/mo, billed monthly; EyeEm has no public paid plan price on file.
- Only EyeEm has a free plan.
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 EyeEm and Shutterstock compare in 2026?
On the data below, EyeEm leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Only Shutterstock has a published user rating (4.4/5 from 1,196 reviews); EyeEm has none we can show. Shutterstock starts at $29/mo, billed monthly; EyeEm has no public paid plan price on file. Only EyeEm has a free plan.
What are EyeEm and Shutterstock used for?
EyeEm: Discover and license authentic stock photos and videos from a global community of creators. Shutterstock: Stock images, photos, and videos.
What does EyeEm cost vs Shutterstock?
EyeEm 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 EyeEm and Shutterstock?
EyeEm's main strength: offers a diverse collection of authentic and unique imagery. Shutterstock's main strength: massive library.
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