iStock Pricing 2026

Plans, hidden costs, and cheaper alternatives compared

Reviews onG2

3 plans tracked·Updated Jul 2026

Is iStock worth the price?

85/10

iStock's pricing appears fair, especially with a robust free tier and a competitive Pro plan at $25/month.

The Basic plan at $10/month offers a good step up for growing teams. This structure is best for individuals and small to medium businesses needing quality stock assets without breaking the bank.

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

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

Calculate your cost View full pricing

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Credit pack purchases for specific licenses

Extended license fees for certain uses

Higher costs for premium content

Subscription auto-renewal if not cancelled

Which Plan Do You Need?

Individuals starting new projects

Small teams needing advanced features

Businesses requiring unlimited assets

How iStock Compares to Competitors

Compared to Shutterstock, iStock's Pro plan at $25/month is very competitive, as Shutterstock's similar plans can start higher. Adobe Stock also offers more expensive credit-based models or higher monthly fees for comparable access, making iStock a more budget-friendly option for many users.

iStock Pricing FAQ

How much does iStock cost?

iStock starts at $10/month on the Basic plan. It offers 2 paid tiers ranging from $10/month up to $25/month. A free plan is also available with limited features.

Does iStock have a free plan?

Yes. iStock offers a free plan called "Free". It includes: 1 user, 1 project, 100 MB storage.

Does iStock offer a free trial?

Yes, iStock offers a free trial. No credit card is typically required to start the trial, though this may vary.

What is the cheapest iStock paid plan?

The cheapest paid plan for iStock is "Basic" at $10/month. Key features include: 5 users, 5 projects, 1 GB storage.

Is there a cheaper alternative to iStock?

Yes. Popular alternatives to iStock include Getty Images, Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Dreamstime. Free alternatives include Dreamstime, Depositphotos. Compare them side-by-side on Toolradar.