Pexels 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 Pexels and Pixabay 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:
Pexels
Free stock photos and videos for any project
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Pixabay requires payment)
Pixabay
Discover and share stunning royalty-free images, videos, and music.
Best for you if:
- • You want completely free to use for all purposes
| At a Glance | Pexels | Pixabay |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free plan |
Category | Stock Assets Graphic Design | Stock Assets Graphic Design |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 112 reviews | 4.5/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.6 227 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Pexels or Pixabay?
Choose Pexels if
- You want a fully free tool (Pixabay requires payment)
- You want free photos and videos
- You want high quality content
Choose Pixabay if
- You want completely free to use for all purposes
- You want extensive and diverse collection of media
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Plans and prices: Pexels vs Pixabay
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pexels |
| pexels.com read Oct 7, 2026 |
| Pixabay | No plan prices on file | pixabay.com |
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 Pexels pricing and Pixabay pricing.
Key Takeaways
Pexels
- Choose if you want free stock photos and videos for any project
Pixabay
- Choose if you want discover and share stunning royalty-free images, videos, and music
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 (4.6/5 from 112 reviews for Pexels, 4.5/5 from 227 reviews for Pixabay).
- Both have 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 Pexels and Pixabay 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 (4.6/5 from 112 reviews for Pexels, 4.5/5 from 227 reviews for Pixabay). Both have a free plan.
What are Pexels and Pixabay used for?
Pexels: Free stock photos and videos for any project. Pixabay: Discover and share stunning royalty-free images, videos, and music.
What does Pexels cost vs Pixabay?
Pexels is free. Pixabay has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 7, 2026.
What's the main difference between Pexels and Pixabay?
Pexels's main strength: free photos and videos. Pixabay's main strength: completely free to use for all purposes.