Shutterstock Pricing 2026

Plans, hidden costs, and cheaper alternatives compared

Is Shutterstock worth the price?

65/10

Shutterstock's pricing is on the expensive side for individual users, especially the On-demand option at $49 for just 5 images.

The Subscription at $29/month for 10 images offers better value with rollover, but still higher than some competitors. This pricing is best for small businesses or individuals with consistent, but not high-volume, image needs.

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

On-demand

$49

5 images
Never expires
Standard license

Subscription

$29/month

10 images/month
Standard license
Rollover unused

Calculate your cost View full pricing

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Extended licenses cost extra

Video/music separate subscriptions

Team plans have higher per-seat costs

Which Plan Do You Need?

Small businesses

Occasional image needs

Designers with budget

How Shutterstock Compares to Competitors

Compared to Adobe Stock, Shutterstock's subscription is slightly more expensive; Adobe offers 10 assets/month for $29.99, but often with more flexible asset types. For budget users, Freepik offers a premium subscription for around $15/month with unlimited downloads, making Shutterstock's $29/month for 10 images less competitive for high volume.

Shutterstock Pricing FAQ

How much does Shutterstock cost?

Shutterstock starts at $29/month on the Subscription plan. It offers 2 paid tiers ranging from $29/month up to $29/month.

Does Shutterstock have a free plan?

Shutterstock does not offer a permanent free plan. However, a free trial is available.

Does Shutterstock offer a free trial?

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

What is the cheapest Shutterstock paid plan?

The cheapest paid plan for Shutterstock is "Subscription" at $29/month. Key features include: 10 images/month, Standard license, Rollover unused.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Shutterstock?

Yes. Popular alternatives to Shutterstock include Canva, Crello, Designs.ai, Clipdrop. Free alternatives include Canva, Crello, Designs.ai. Compare them side-by-side on Toolradar.