Pexels is an excellent provider of stock images and footage.
If you’ve ever needed stock photos for any reason, you may well have encountered Pexels on your travels; it’s a great site, and many professionals and amateurs alike use it for a variety of different purposes.
However, there may come a time when Pexels just isn’t providing the service you require for some reason. Don’t despair; there are plenty of other options!
When it comes to finding a high-quality Pexels alternative, a number of factors are crucial.
Any great Pexels alternative must, for instance, have a wide variety of photos available. It must also have a smooth, easy download process, competitive pricing, and high-quality images.
Let’s take a look at some of the best options out there and help you find the Pexels alternative that’s right for you!
1. Unsplash
When it comes to the best Pexels alternative, Unsplash has to be on the list.
The site has tons of different pictures and renders across lots of different subjects, so whether you’re looking for a lonely lighthouse, a bustling city, or a jaw-dropping natural scene, you’ll find it on Unsplash.
Bear in mind, however, that Unsplash doesn’t have any videos; it’s a photo-focused site, so you won’t find any moving images here. However, if you’re looking for stills, this is probably the best Pexels alternative you’re likely to find.
2. Shutterstock
Shutterstock is one of the most comprehensive stock image and video sites on the internet right now.
Not only does it offer a huge range of photos and videos, but you’ll also find music, sound effects, and plenty of other elements you can use to transform your content into something truly special.
For some, Shutterstock might be just a little intimidating, so this might not be the ideal Pexels alternative if you want something simple and straightforward. Its content is top-notch, though.
3. Coverr
Coverr offers free stock videos that you can use in your projects, and it does a great job of doing so.
Naturally, thanks to the fact that Coverr’s selection is free, you might not find the same breadth of subject matter or style that you would on, say, Pexels or Shutterstock.
Despite that, though, Coverr is an excellent resource for creatives and professionals alike, and if you do want to contribute, there’s a premium tier available that removes ads from browsing and adds higher-quality options.
4. iStock
Describing itself as “the original stock content site”, iStock offers videos, photos, vector graphics, and illustrations aplenty.
Using its AI-powered search, you can easily and quickly pin down the kind of content you want and grab it without hassle, and there are a wide range of photos and videos up for grabs as well.
iStock doesn’t have a free tier, so you will need to pay a subscription fee or buy some credits for the content you use, but the quality on offer is without peer.
5. Flickr
Although it might sound like a social media platform, Flickr is, in fact, a stock image site.
Much like Unsplash, Flickr doesn’t offer any kind of video content, but it’s a more communal experience than you’re likely to find elsewhere in the stock world, making it a great Pexels alternative if you want more crowdsourced images.
That does mean the quality can vary a little, but if you know where to look (and Flickr’s excellent search facility will help you with that), you’ll find what you’re looking for.
6. VistaCreate
Are you looking for a tool that offers not only stock content, but also the software to help you make something from it? If so, VistaCreate is for you.
This is a holistic, comprehensive graphic design suite that includes lots of photos and other creative assets, as well as the templates to help you make them into something special.
It’s also very competitively priced, making it an ideal solution if you’re not too experienced in the graphic design world.
7. Adobe Stock
For many years, Adobe has been a household name in software, so it stands to reason the company’s stock site would also be high-quality.
Indeed, that proves to be the case; Adobe Stock has lots of images, videos, and photos for you to use, and there’s a free 30-day trial available so you can see whether you like what’s on offer or not.
As with many other stock options, you can also choose to purchase credit packs if you’d prefer not to be beholden to a subscription.
8. Pixabay
With over 4 million images at your fingertips, Pixabay is a great Pexels alternative if you want to be spoiled for choice.
It’s not just pictures, either; you’ll also find videos and music on Pixabay, much of it contributed by the incredibly generous and talented Pixabay community.
Whether you’re after GIFs, vector graphics, videos, or any other creative element, the chances are you’ll be able to find it on Pixabay, so give it a look if you want a grassroots-style alternative to Pexels.
9. Storyblocks
Perhaps the most unique option on the list in terms of pricing, Storyblocks offers unlimited downloads rather than a pay-per-clip system.
You’ll need to opt for the $30-per-month Unlimited All Access subscription tier for this privilege, but once you do, you’ll get unlimited HD and 4K footage downloads, as well as plenty of photos, music, and even After Effects templates.
The content on Storyblocks is high-quality, too, so you’re getting the real deal.
10. Getty
We’ll level with you: Getty is definitely not for those who want a lower-cost stock image site.
This is one of the most highly-regarded professional stock image repositories in the world, and it’s used by organisations as diverse as the BBC, Bloomberg, and MLB, as well as Sony Pictures, UEFA, and many others.
You’re going to be paying a hefty premium for Getty, but if you’ve got money to burn and you want the best images around, then there’s no better alternative.
