Head-to-head · Stock Media Software
Unsplash vs iStock
Unsplash leads on 0 checks, iStock on 0, and 2 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
- Highest scoreUnsplash · 8.8/10
- Free planonly Unsplash
- Free trialonly Unsplash
Unsplash scores higher on our rubric for stock media software: 8.8 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
Unsplash is the better fit for free photo users who may need paid downloads. iStock is the better fit for buyers needing images, editorial assets and video.
- Unsplash fits best
Free photo users who may need paid downloads
- iStock fits best
Buyers needing images, editorial assets and video
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Side by side
| Feature | Unsplash 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | iStock 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #6 in Stock Media Software | #7 in Stock Media Software |
| Best for | Free photo users who may need paid downloads | Buyers needing images, editorial assets and video |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | — | $29/user/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Free trial | 90 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | Web |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Specs | ||
| Asset formats | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Free downloads | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Paid download limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| License scope | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Video resolution | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Team seats | 1 | 1 |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Unsplash is an image discovery platform for people looking for photos and illustrations for personal, commercial, or editorial projects. Users can search and browse visuals, download free items under the Unsplash license, and organize… Read the review → |
iStock brings royalty-free photos, illustrations, vectors, editorial content and video into a web-based stock-media library. It suits solo buyers and small businesses that need creative assets, with editorial filtering for finding… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Unsplash — where it wins
- Free photo and illustration downloads under the Unsplash license
- Unsplash+ includes unlimited royalty-free downloads and editing tools
- Access across web, mobile, Chrome, Figma, and the Unsplash API
Where it doesn't
- Members-only content and editing tools require Unsplash+
- A card is required for the 90-day free trial
- Support channels are email and documentation
iStock — where it wins
- Royalty-free photos, vectors, illustrations and editorial filtering
- Boards, Dropbox integration and Getty Images API access
- Premium + Video combines images, video, music and sound effects
Where it doesn't
- Annual plans start at $29 per user monthly
- Every listed plan includes a single-user standard license
- Video is included only in the $125 Premium + Video tier
- Unsplash8.8/10 · Free plan · 90-day trial
A free photo library with optional Unsplash+ downloads, editing tools, and API access.
Visit UnsplashFull verdict → - iStock8.7/10 · Paid
A stock-media library with image tiers, editorial filtering and a video-inclusive plan.
Visit iStockFull verdict →
More comparisons
All stock media software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update