11 Best Shutterstock Alternatives and AI Image Generators You Must Try in 2025

Finding the right visuals for your project doesn't have to be a pricey endeavor. While Shutterstock is a well-known platform for stock images, its high costs can prompt users to explore more affordable alternatives. This article highlights 11 excellent Shutterstock alternatives, combining AI image generators and stock photo websites, all offering high-quality images for your creative needs.

1. Photosonic by Writesonic: The AI Image Generator

AI image generators have surged in popularity due to their ability to create unique, custom images based on text prompts. Photosonic by Writesonic is a leader in this space, having generated over 960,000 images. Why are AI image generators becoming preferred alternatives to Shutterstock?

AI generators offer flexibility in customization, enabling you to specify details like race, gender, age, and more—ensuring that the image truly represents your brand. And in case the perfect stock image isn't available, you can generate a unique image instead. Photosonic uses a cutting-edge text-to-image AI model that allows motion artists, marketers, and designers to create flawless, high-quality visuals.

Key Features:

• Trained on millions of photos for realistic image generation
• 10 free image generations per day
• Integrates seamlessly with Writesonic's AI writer for marketing campaigns

How Photosonic Beats Shutterstock:

• Save $600+ weekly on image costs
• Save 10+ design man-hours every week
• Generate unique, original images to avoid the same overused stock photos
• No licensing issues—Photosonic’s images are royalty-free

Pricing:

• Free 15 credits daily for image generation

2. Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock provides a vast library of high-quality images, videos, and creative assets. Integrated into the Adobe Creative Cloud, this platform offers seamless access to images and enables direct editing within your projects.

Key Features:

• Free online editor for watermarked photo tests
• Advanced AI-powered search engine
• Royalty-free templates and assets
• Integration with Google Slides for easier presentation work

Pricing:

• Starts at $49.99/month, with a free one-month trial

3. Fotor

Fotor is an easy-to-use photo editing tool that doubles as a source for stock images. It includes customizable templates and advanced editing features, making it a great tool for both beginners and professionals.

Key Features:

• One-touch image enhancement tool
• AI tool Foto GoArt transforms photos into artwork
• Tutorials and guides for photo editing

Pricing:

• Monthly plan starts at $8.99, with annual pricing at $39.99

4. iStock by Getty Images

iStock, once known as iStockphoto, hosts an expansive collection of high-quality images and videos. It regularly updates its library, making it a go-to for premium visuals.

Key Features:

• Access to millions of exclusive images and videos
• Advanced search options with various filters
• Flexible pricing for individuals and businesses

Pricing:

• Free one-month trial, with premium plans starting at $70 for 10 images

5. Depositphotos

Depositphotos offers over 224 million files, including photos, vectors, videos, and illustrations, making it a great Shutterstock alternative. This platform is particularly popular with bloggers and small businesses.

Key Features:

• Flexible subscription and credit packs
• Reverse image search option
• Over 60 million images available

Pricing:

• Plans start at $9.99/month for 10 images

6. Pond5

Pond5 specializes in stock videos but also offers images, audio, and other creative assets. It provides pay-per-item, credit pack, or subscription payment options, allowing you to choose the best plan for your needs.

Key Features:

• A wide range of creative assets, including videos, photos, and sound effects
• Pay-per-item or subscription-based pricing
• Free previews of media

Pricing:

• Prices start at $5 for music tracks and $25 for video clips

7. Unsplash

Unsplash is one of the most popular free image platforms, offering millions of high-resolution photos contributed by photographers worldwide. All images are free to use, even for commercial purposes.

Key Features:

• Over 3 million free high-resolution images
• Commercial and personal use allowed
• Active contributor community

Pricing:

• Free to use

8. Pixabay

Pixabay hosts over 1.7 million images, vectors, and videos, all available under a royalty-free license. Whether you're working on a personal or commercial project, Pixabay provides high-quality content without any cost.

Key Features:

• Images, illustrations, and videos are all royalty-free
• Extensive collection of curated images and videos
• No need for attribution

Pricing:

• Free to use

9. Pexels

Pexels is a growing stock image site, offering free high-resolution photos and videos. It specializes in outdoor and people-centric imagery, with over 1,500 new images added each month.

Key Features:

• Free commercial and personal use images
• Large outdoor and landscape photo collection
• New images added monthly

Pricing:

• Free to use

10. Photocase

Photocase offers a unique collection of high-end stock photography, specializing in artistic and premium designs. It’s an excellent choice for editorial and commercial projects that require a distinctive look.

Key Features:

• Artistic and abstract stock images
• Individual image purchases available

Pricing:

• Packages start at $15, up to $45 per image

11. Envato

Envato provides an all-you-can-download subscription model, making it a cost-effective Shutterstock alternative for professionals. With over 21 million creative assets, Envato is a one-stop shop for designers, marketers, and content creators.

Key Features:

• Unlimited downloads of photos, videos, and templates
• Commercial licensing included
• Access to courses and tutorials

Pricing:

• Subscriptions start at $16.50/month, with a 30% discount for students

Conclusion

If you're searching for high-quality images without breaking the bank, these Shutterstock alternatives offer exceptional value. From AI-driven tools like Photosonic to large stock photo libraries like Adobe Stock, you're sure to find a platform that fits your creative needs. If you're ready to move away from expensive stock sites, start exploring these alternatives today and save both time and money.

FAQ

Q: Are the images from Photosonic by Writesonic copyright-free?
A: Yes, Photosonic generates unique, original images that are royalty-free, allowing you to use them without attribution or licensing concerns.

Q: Can I use images from Pexels and Pixabay for commercial projects?
A: Yes, both Pexels and Pixabay offer images that can be used for commercial purposes without the need for attribution.

Q: How does Envato’s subscription model work?
A: Envato offers unlimited downloads of creative assets, including photos, videos, and templates, under a flat-rate subscription model starting at $16.50 per month.