Getty Images vs Pixabay: 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 Pixabay side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Pixabay 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
Pixabay
Discover and share stunning royalty-free images, videos, and music.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | Getty Images | Pixabay |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Not published | Free plan |
Category | Stock Assets Graphic Design | Stock Assets Graphic Design |
Rating | 3.5/5 G2 3.5 112 reviews | 4.5/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.6 227 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Getty Images or Pixabay?
Choose Getty Images if
- You want huge selection of professional and unique content
- You want content is legally cleared for various uses
Choose Pixabay if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want completely free to use for all purposes
- You want extensive and diverse collection of media
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
Pixabay
Discover and share stunning royalty-free images, videos, and music.
Strengths
- Pro: Completely free to use for all purposes.
- Pro: Extensive and diverse collection of media.
- Pro: No attribution required, simplifying usage.
- Pro: High-quality content from a global community.
- Pro: Easy to navigate and search.
Weaknesses
- Con: Content quality can vary.
- Con: Sponsored images from other stock sites are sometimes displayed.
- Con: Specific or niche content might be harder to find compared to paid platforms.
Key features
Key Takeaways
Getty Images
- Choose if you want access a vast library of high-quality stock photography, video, and music for creative projects
Pixabay
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 3.5/5
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, Pixabay leads on higher user rating and a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Pixabay has the higher user rating (3.5/5 from 112 reviews for Getty Images, 4.5/5 from 227 reviews for Pixabay).
- Only Pixabay 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 Pixabay compare in 2026?
On the data below, Pixabay leads on higher user rating and a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Pixabay has the higher user rating (3.5/5 from 112 reviews for Getty Images, 4.5/5 from 227 reviews for Pixabay). Only Pixabay has a free plan.
What are Getty Images and Pixabay used for?
Getty Images: Access a vast library of high-quality stock photography, video, and music for creative projects. Pixabay: Discover and share stunning royalty-free images, videos, and music.
What does Getty Images cost vs Pixabay?
Getty Images has no public paid-plan price on file. Pixabay has no public paid-plan price on file.
What's the main difference between Getty Images and Pixabay?
Getty Images's main strength: huge selection of professional and unique content. Pixabay's main strength: completely free to use for all purposes.