Getty Images vs Pexels: 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 Getty Images and Pexels side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Pexels leads on higher user rating and 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:
Getty Images
Access a vast library of high-quality stock photography, video, and music for creative projects.
Best for you if:
- • You want huge selection of professional and unique content
Pexels
Free stock photos and videos for any project
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Getty Images requires payment)
| At a Glance | Getty Images | Pexels |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Not published | Free 100% free |
Category | Stock Assets Graphic Design | Stock Assets Graphic Design |
Rating | 3.5/5 G2 3.5 112 reviews | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 112 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Getty Images or Pexels?
Choose Getty Images if
- You want huge selection of professional and unique content
- You want content is legally cleared for various uses
Choose Pexels if
- You want a fully free tool (Getty Images requires payment)
- You want free photos and videos
- You want high quality content
In-Depth Analysis
Getty Images
Access a vast library of high-quality stock photography, video, and music for creative projects.
Strengths
- Pro: Huge selection of professional and unique content
- Pro: Content is legally cleared for various uses
- Pro: High resolution and quality of assets
- Pro: Reputable and trusted source for visual media
Weaknesses
- Con: Can be expensive for individual users or small businesses
- Con: Licensing models can be complex
- Con: Subscription plans may not suit all usage needs
Key features
Pexels
Free stock photos and videos for any project
Pexels offers an incredibly generous pricing model, as it is entirely free.
Strengths
- Pro: Free photos and videos
- Pro: High quality content
- Pro: No attribution required
- Pro: Easy search
Weaknesses
- Con: Popular content overused
- Con: Less curated than premium sites
- Con: Limited advanced filters
Key features
Plans and prices: Getty Images vs Pexels
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Getty Images | No plan prices on file | gettyimages.com/pricing |
| Pexels |
| pexels.com read Oct 7, 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 Getty Images pricing and Pexels pricing.
Key Takeaways
Getty Images
- Choose if you want access a vast library of high-quality stock photography, video, and music for creative projects
Pexels
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 3.5/5
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, Pexels leads on higher user rating and a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Pexels has the higher user rating (3.5/5 from 112 reviews for Getty Images, 4.6/5 from 112 reviews for Pexels).
- Only Pexels 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 Getty Images and Pexels compare in 2026?
On the data below, Pexels leads on higher user rating and a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Pexels has the higher user rating (3.5/5 from 112 reviews for Getty Images, 4.6/5 from 112 reviews for Pexels). Only Pexels has a free plan.
What are Getty Images and Pexels used for?
Getty Images: Access a vast library of high-quality stock photography, video, and music for creative projects. Pexels: Free stock photos and videos for any project.
What does Getty Images cost vs Pexels?
Getty Images has no public paid-plan price on file. Pexels is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 7, 2026.
What's the main difference between Getty Images and Pexels?
Getty Images's main strength: huge selection of professional and unique content. Pexels's main strength: free photos and videos.