Skip to content
iStock logo

Find and license high-quality stock photos, vectors, illustrations, and videos for your projects.

Visit Website
Reviews onG2
113 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free plan available, paid tiers above

Biggest pro

Extensive and diverse collection of media

Biggest con

Can be expensive for frequent use without a subscription

TL;DR - iStock

  • Vast library of royalty-free stock photos, vectors, and videos.
  • Ideal for businesses, marketers, and designers needing visual content.
  • Offers convenient licensing for professional use.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
3.5/5 across review platforms

What is iStock?

Editorial review
iStock is a leading online platform offering a vast library of royalty-free stock media, including photos, vector illustrations, and video clips. It caters to a wide range of users, from small businesses and marketers to designers and content creators, who need professional visual assets for their websites, marketing campaigns, presentations, and other creative projects. The platform provides a convenient way to search, preview, and license digital content, ensuring users have access to a diverse collection of high-quality visuals without the need for expensive custom photography or videography. Its extensive catalog is curated to meet various creative needs, making it a go-to resource for visual content.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Extensive and diverse collection of media
  • High-quality professional content
  • Royalty-free licensing simplifies usage
  • User-friendly search and browsing

Cons

  • Can be expensive for frequent use without a subscription
  • Credit system can be confusing for new users

Ratings Across the Web

3.5(113 reviews)

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Royalty-free stock photosVector illustrationsVideo clipsAdvanced search filtersContent curation

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

Pricing checked Jul 7, 2026

Free

Free

  • 1 user
  • 1 project
  • 100 MB storage
  • Basic features

Basic

$10 / month

  • 5 users
  • 5 projects
  • 1 GB storage
  • Advanced features

Pro

$25 / month

  • Unlimited users
  • Unlimited projects
  • 10 GB storage
  • All features
  • Priority support

How iStock's pricing compares

At $10/mo, iStock is the most affordable of its 3 direct competitors.

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Jul 7, 2026.

Reviews

Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT cover
$99Free with your review

Review iStock, get a free AI guide

Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.

Write a review
3.5/5

Across 113 verified user reviews on G2

Add your hands-on experience using the offer above to help the next buyer.

Best iStock Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

View full list →

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

Explore More

iStock FAQ

How does iStock support graphic designers?

iStock provides graphic designers with a vast library of royalty-free stock photos, vector illustrations, and videos. This allows them to easily find and license high-quality visual assets for their various design projects without needing custom photography or videography.

How does iStock compare to Getty Images?

iStock, like Getty Images, offers a comprehensive collection of high-quality stock media, including photos, vectors, and videos. Both platforms provide royalty-free licensing to simplify usage for creative projects.

What are the main limitations of using iStock?

iStock can be expensive for users who require frequent access to its content without a subscription plan. Additionally, its credit system for licensing assets may be confusing for new users unfamiliar with its structure.

Which teams benefit most from iStock?

iStock is ideal for marketing teams, content creators, and design agencies that regularly need professional visual assets. It provides a convenient resource for websites, marketing campaigns, and presentations.

Does iStock include a free tier?

Yes, iStock offers a free tier for users to access some content. Paid plans are available for those who require more extensive usage and additional features.

Can users find video content on iStock?

Yes, iStock's library includes a wide selection of high-quality video clips in addition to photos and vector illustrations. Users can license these royalty-free videos for various projects.

How does iStock simplify content licensing?

iStock simplifies content licensing by offering royalty-free media, which means users can typically use the licensed assets multiple times across different projects without additional fees. This streamlines the process for obtaining professional visuals.

Guides & Articles