Head-to-head · Stock Photo Websites
Adobe Stock vs Pexels
Adobe Stock leads on 0 checks, Pexels on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAdobe Stock · 9.2/10
- Free planonly Pexels
- Free trialonly Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock scores higher on our rubric for stock photo websites: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
Pexels offers free plan; Adobe Stock doesn't.
Adobe Stock is the better fit for creative Cloud users needing stock assets. Pexels is the better fit for free photos and video with strong integrations.
- Adobe Stock fits best
Creative Cloud users needing stock assets
- Pexels fits best
Free photos and video with strong integrations
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Side by side
| Feature | Adobe Stock 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Pexels 9.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 9.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in Stock Photo Websites | #4 in Stock Photo Websites |
| Best for | Creative Cloud users needing stock assets | Free photos and video with strong integrations |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | Docs |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 6 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Adobe Stock 4/4 · Pexels 4/4 | ||
| Vector assets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Illustration assets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Editorial assets | ✓ | ✓ |
| API access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Monthly downloads | 10 /mo | Not checked yet |
| Included team seats | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Adobe Stock is a web-based stock content service for designers, businesses, and other creative users. Its library covers photos, videos, illustrations, vector graphics, templates, 3D assets, audio, and editorial content. Users can search… Read the review → |
Pexels is a free stock media website for individuals, businesses, creators, and developers. Its library combines searchable photos and videos contributed by a global creator community, with downloads for personal and commercial projects… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Adobe Stock — where it wins
- Integrates with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, and After Effects
- Offers visual search, watermarked previews, and Creative Cloud Libraries
- Supports subscriptions, credit packs, and API licensing workflows
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- API access is restricted to approved enterprise customers and partners
- Annual plans are paid monthly and limit monthly asset allowances
Pexels — where it wins
- Free downloads for personal and commercial projects under the Pexels license
- Searchable photo and video libraries with curated feeds and collections
- Integrations across Canva, Figma, Google Slides, Office, and developer workflows
Where it doesn't
- Focused on stock photos and video rather than broader asset-production workflows
- API access is aimed at developers embedding media into websites and applications
- Desktop workflows depend on web access, browser extensions, and integrations
- Adobe Stock9.2/10 · 7-day trial
A broad stock library with strong Creative Cloud and API workflows.
Visit Adobe StockFull verdict → - Pexels9.0/10 · Free plan
A free stock media library with useful integrations, mobile apps, and API access.
Visit PexelsFull verdict →
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- Pixabay vs Pexels
All stock photo websites comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update