Head-to-head · Stock Video Websites
Pexels vs 123RF
Pexels leads on 2 checks, 123RF on 0, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Free planonly Pexels
- Most featuresPexels · 1 of 3
Our editors rank Pexels at #4 and 123RF at #8 for stock video websites; Pexels and 123RF have no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.
Pexels offers free plan; 123RF doesn't. Pexels offers api access; 123RF doesn't publish it.
Pexels is the better fit for free video with apps and API access. 123RF is the better fit for broad stock media and AI capabilities.
- Pexels fits best
Free video with apps and API access
- 123RF fits best
Broad stock media and AI capabilities
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. It never changes our verdict. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Pexels —/10 Visit ↗ | 123RF —/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | — | — |
| Ranking | #4 in Stock Video Websites | #8 in Stock Video Websites |
| Best for | Free video with apps and API access | Broad stock media and AI capabilities |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Pexels 1/3 · 123RF 0/3 | ||
| Commercial license | Not published | Not published |
| Editorial footage | Not published | Not published |
| API access | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Maximum resolution | Not published | Not published |
| License type | Not published | Not published |
| Buying model | Not published | Not published |
| Monthly downloads | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Pexels is a free stock media website for individuals, businesses, creators, and developers. Its searchable photo and video libraries are supported by curated content feeds, collections, creator profiles, and downloads for personal and… Read the review → |
123RF is a web-based stock content platform for creators, freelancers, agencies, businesses and marketing teams. Its library spans stock photos, vectors, videos, audio, fonts and editorial content, while its AI tools support image and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Pexels — where it wins
- Free searchable video and photo libraries
- RESTful JSON API for websites and applications
- Apps, browser tools, and design integrations
Where it doesn't
- Focused on media discovery and downloads rather than editing
- API users need development work to embed media
- Vector-themed results are not presented as a verified vector format
123RF — where it wins
- Covers photos, vectors, videos, audio, fonts and editorial content
- Includes AI generation, upscaling, generative fill and background removal
- Offers standard, extended and custom licensing plus API access
Where it doesn't
- The platform is available through the web only
- PLUS supports one user, while PLUS Team supports up to five
- There is no free plan; credit purchases are priced per image
- Pexels—/10 · Free plan
A free stock media library with apps, integrations, collections, and API access.
Visit PexelsFull verdict → - 123RF—/10 · Paid
A broad web-based stock library with AI creation, editing tools and flexible licensing.
Visit 123RFFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Coverr vs Pexels
- Coverr vs 123RF
- Storyblocks vs Pexels
- Storyblocks vs 123RF
- MotionElements vs Pexels
- MotionElements vs 123RF
- Pexels vs Mixkit
- Pixabay vs 123RF
All stock video websites comparisons → · Full ranking →
Guides on stock video websites
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026