iStock
iStock: A broad stock library with AI tools, flexible downloads, and API access. Ranked #4 of 31 in Stock Illustration Websites by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Paid; best for users wanting affordable stock plus AI tools.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingPaid
- Best forUsers wanting affordable stock plus AI tools
- Paid from$29/user/mo
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Illustration, vector, editorial, photo, video, music, and sound assets
- AI image generation and image customization are included
- API access plus Dropbox and Sketch integrations
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is available
- Standard subscriptions are limited to one user
- Premium + Video starts at $125 per month
Our verdict on iStock
iStock is a paid stock content website for designers, marketers, publishers, businesses, and other creators. Its library covers royalty-free photos, illustrations, vectors, editorial-use imagery, videos, music, and sound effects for advertising, websites, presentations, editorial work, and video projects. Users can license individual files with credits or choose a monthly or annual subscription with a set number of downloads. Image customization, AI image generation, boards, and editable vector files extend its use beyond basic stock searches.
The published monthly plans start with Basic at $29, including Basic collection photos, vectors, and illustrations, image customization, image generation, and 10, 25, 50, or 750 downloads. Unused downloads can roll over. Premium costs $70 per month and adds Premium collection images while keeping the same listed download choices and customization and generation features. Premium + Video costs $125 per month and adds video clips, music tracks, and sound effects, with 10, 25, or more downloads per month. Credit packs and subscription purchasing provide separate licensing routes.
Platform fit is a notable strength for teams working across creative tools or content systems. iStock is available on the web and through an API, with integrations for Dropbox and Sketch, plus boards for organizing and sharing files. Standard subscriptions are for a single user, while customized multi-user plans require contacting iStock. Choose iStock if you need stock illustrations and vectors alongside photos, editorial imagery, AI generation, or media assets. A different option may suit organizations that need a free plan or standard multi-user access without a customized arrangement.
Your product? Our editors can test iStock in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
iStock pricing
All 3 iStock plans and prices →
iStock fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $29/user/mo |
| Download model | Not verified |
| Commercial use | Not verified |
| Editorial license | Not verified |
| Extended license | Not verified |
| Maximum resolution | Not verified |
| Raster file formats | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: Dropbox, Sketch See all → |
| Pricing | Paid (source) |
| Website | istockphoto.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
iStock integrations
iStock lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- Dropbox
- Sketch
Alternatives to iStock
- ShutterstockA broad stock-content library with vectors, editorial assets, AI tools, and API access.9.3
- Adobe StockA broad stock library with strong Creative Cloud integration and enterprise API workflows.9.2
- DepositphotosA broad stock library with free entry, AI tools, apps, and API access.8.9
iStock vs the competition
Compare iStock with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
iStock is ranked in 4 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
iStock is listed in our Stock Illustration Websites directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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