Pexels 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 Pexels and Shutterstock side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Pexels 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:
Pexels
Free stock photos and videos for any project
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Shutterstock requires payment)
Shutterstock
Stock images, photos, and videos
Best for you if:
- • You want massive library
| At a Glance | Pexels | Shutterstock |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | From $29/mo, billed monthly Subscription plan |
Category | Stock Assets Graphic Design | Graphic Design Image Editing |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 112 reviews | 4.4/5 G2 4.4 1,196 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Pexels or Shutterstock?
Choose Pexels if
- You want a fully free tool (Shutterstock requires payment)
- You want free photos and videos
- You want high quality content
- 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
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
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: Pexels vs Shutterstock
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pexels |
| pexels.com read Oct 7, 2026 |
| 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 Pexels pricing and Shutterstock pricing.
Key Takeaways
Pexels
- Has a free plan
Shutterstock
- Choose if you want stock images, photos, and videos
What the data shows
On the data below, Pexels leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.6/5 from 112 reviews for Pexels, 4.4/5 from 1,196 reviews for Shutterstock).
- Shutterstock starts at $29/mo, billed monthly; Pexels has no public paid plan price on file.
- 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 Pexels and Shutterstock compare in 2026?
On the data below, Pexels leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.6/5 from 112 reviews for Pexels, 4.4/5 from 1,196 reviews for Shutterstock). Shutterstock starts at $29/mo, billed monthly; Pexels has no public paid plan price on file. Only Pexels has a free plan.
What are Pexels and Shutterstock used for?
Pexels: Free stock photos and videos for any project. Shutterstock: Stock images, photos, and videos.
What does Pexels cost vs Shutterstock?
Pexels is free. Shutterstock's cheapest paid plan is Subscription at $29/mo, billed monthly. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 7, 2026.
What's the main difference between Pexels and Shutterstock?
Pexels's main strength: free photos and videos. Shutterstock's main strength: massive library.