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For broad photo libraries, start with Unsplash, Pexels, or Pixabay; for transparent PNG assets, look at PNGTree. The right choice depends less on the word “free” than on the license for the specific file: commercial use, attribution, redistribution, and rights to people or brands shown in an image differ by service.
Which source should you start with?
| Source | Best fit | Commercial use and attribution | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsplash | Photos for design and content projects | Free commercial and noncommercial use; attribution is not required under its license. Unsplash License | Do not sell images without significant modification or compile them to create a competing service. Depicted people, brands, logos, or artwork may require separate permissions. Unsplash Terms & Conditions |
| Pexels | Photos and videos that may be modified | Free use and modification; attribution is not required. Pexels license | Restrictions include selling unaltered copies, redistribution on stock-photo or wallpaper platforms, use as a trademark, or implying endorsement by depicted people or brands. |
| Pixabay | General-purpose images and other media | Free use and modification without author attribution. Pixabay Content License summary | Do not sell or distribute content on a standalone basis. Check third-party rights for recognizable trademarks, logos, or brands; the summary is not the full binding license. |
| PNGTree | PNG-focused assets, including transparent graphics | Its help page says free-user downloads are limited to personal and private use and require attribution. Paid plans may allow broader use under the applicable agreement. PNGTree licensing help | Do not assume a free download is cleared for commercial use; confirm the exact asset’s license and permitted scope. |
These services are not interchangeable: the first three offer broad photo or media libraries, while PNGTree is the PNG-focused option. The table summarizes the cited license pages; check the current terms and the license attached to the exact download before using it.
What does “free” allow you to do?
Commercial use and attribution
Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay each describe free use without required attribution, with their own restrictions. Unsplash explicitly includes commercial use in its license. Pexels permits free use of its photos and videos, and Pixabay’s summary permits free use and modification. PNGTree’s free-user terms are different: its help page describes personal and private use with attribution, not blanket commercial permission.
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Attribution can still be a courtesy even when it is not required. If you choose to credit a creator, follow the service’s current guidance and do not present optional credit as a substitute for permission.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Standalone resale and redistribution
A license to use an image in a design does not necessarily let you sell or redistribute the image by itself. Unsplash bars selling images without significant modification and compiling them into a competing service. Pexels bars selling unaltered copies and redistribution on stock-photo or wallpaper platforms. Pixabay bars selling or distributing content on a standalone basis. Check these distinctions before packaging assets into templates, downloads, or another media library.
How to use a free PNG safely
- Choose a source that fits the asset. For a transparent graphic or cutout, begin with a PNG-focused provider; for photos, explore the broad libraries.
- Open the license before downloading. Confirm whether your use is personal or commercial, whether attribution is required, and whether modification or redistribution is allowed. For PNGTree, verify whether the specific download and your plan cover the intended use.
- Check the image itself for third-party material. A service’s copyright license may not clear recognizable people, trademarks, logos, brands, or artwork shown in the image.
- Keep a record of the asset and terms. Save the asset page and the applicable license details at the time you download it. This gives you a reference if terms or availability later change.
- Use the image only within the permission granted. If your intended use is not clearly covered—especially for advertising, merchandise, or redistribution—seek the relevant rights holder’s permission or choose another asset.
Why the image license may not be enough
Copyright permission from a photographer or asset provider covers only rights that provider can grant. It may not cover a person’s likeness, a logo or trademark, or a separate artwork visible in the image. Unsplash’s terms specifically caution that separate permission may be needed depending on the intended use. Pixabay likewise tells users to assess third-party consent or licenses when recognizable brands, logos, or trademarks appear. A general-purpose download license should not be treated as a universal release for everything pictured.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Verify the terms that apply to your use
License pages can change, and a service’s summary may not be its controlling agreement. Pixabay says its content-license summary is not the legally binding full license, so consult the full terms for a decision that depends on a specific permission. Unsplash also answers the attribution question in its Help Center, published August 8, 2025: Do I have to give credit to a contributor when I use their image? For any source, read the current terms and check the individual asset’s conditions before publishing or distributing it.
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Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
