5 Best Adobe Stock Alternatives

In today's digital world, finding and using high-quality stock photos quickly and easily has become increasingly important. Whether you are a graphics designer, a marketer, or a website owner, having access to a vast selection of stock photos is essential for creating unique visuals that will help you stand out from the crowd. 

There are, however, a few problems with this. First, if you're not a professional photographer, creating your own content is out of the picture. Not to mention the amount of time you would need to put aside to focus on this. 

So that leaves you with one option, choosing a stock image website such as Adobe Stock. Although they offer a vast selection of content, it is expensive to use their services. This is why we have put together this article.  

While Adobe Stock has become one of the go-to for finding a collection of stock photo services for professionals and amateurs alike, this service isn't always the most affordable option. Here we've rounded up five of the best Adobe Stock alternatives that offer exceptional quality images at prices that won't break the bank. Check them out below for a side-by-side comparison so that you can make a more informed decision when moving forward with your stock image platform.

• Snapshot of Our Top 3 Adobe Stock Alternatives
• How to Choose an Adobe Stock Alternative
• 5 Best Adobe Stock Alternatives
1. PowerDirector – Best Overall
2. Shutterstock - Best for Multimedia Options
3. iStock - Best for High-Quality Images
4. Pixabay - Best for Free Content
5. Storyblocks - Best for Mass Media Downloads
• Best Adobe Stock Alternatives Comparison Chart
• How to Download Stock from the Best Adobe Stock Alternative
• Adobe Stock Alternatives FAQ

Snapshot of Our Top 3 Adobe Stock Alternatives

1. PowerDirector – Best Overall

PowerDirector is the best overall alternative to Adobe Stock as it offers media directly from one of the largest royalty-free stock video and image libraries in the world, iStock. You can then edit the videos and images directly through the software to make them branded specifically to your needs. Detailed Review >

2. Shutterstock - Best Professional Plug-ins

With Shutterstock, you have not only access to millions of photos but also videos, music, 3D models, and creative flows. It’s one of the most comprehensive Adobe Stock alternatives out there. Detailed Review >

3. iStock - Best Online Video Maker

iStock is known for its high-quality images, so if you’re looking for the best Adobe Stock alternative in terms of image quality, then this is your go-to. It also offers a wide variety of media options, including photos, illustrations, videos, vectors, audio clips, and more. Detailed Review >

How to Choose an Adobe Stock Alternative

When choosing an Adobe Stock alternative, here are a few key factors to consider:

Price – Make sure to compare the pricing of each option so you can find one that fits your budget.

Quality – Look for stock photo services that offer high-quality images and videos. 

Selection – Ensure there is a wide selection of media available to choose from that is tailored to your needs. 

Features – Check out each platform's various top features and tools, such as photo editing capabilities, curation options, etc. 

Ease of Use – Make sure the platform you select is easy to use and understand so you can get up and running quickly.

When choosing an alternative, consider what exactly you need from it and if the pricing structure suits you. You then want to think about how much you are willing to spend, what type of images you require, and if the site offers advanced editing tools like Adobe Stock does. Once you have narrowed down your options based on these criteria, you can decide which Adobe Stock alternative best fits your needs. Try out a few of the sites first before committing to one. 

5 Best Adobe Stock Alternatives

1. PowerDirector – Best Overall

Rating: 5/5

Notable Features

1. Ability to edit photos directly in the software
2. Create and edit videos 
3. Import directly from iStock to make your own content

Who It’s For

Anyone looking to create their own content and enhance the media already available on iStock. If you're a videographer or photographer, it's excellent for you to use as an editing platform. Many bloggers also use the software to add their brands to the stock images. 

Why We Picked It

PowerDirector is one of the best Adobe Stock alternatives for its ability to customize and enhance existing media content. It also includes various features and tools to make your media look great. With its low subscription price and unlimited downloads, it is almost impossible to beat.

Bottom Line

This one is for you if you want to do a bit of editing and need royalty-free images. PowerDirector is an affordable and user-friendly Adobe Stock alternative that can help you create stunning visuals for your projects. 

This software is at the top of the list for a few reasons. It has the most comprehensive library of media to choose from for a start. But what really sets it apart is the fact you can edit the images directly within the software without having to pay for additional editing or branding software/employees. It is also extremely affordable compared with the other options on the list at just $5.83 per month. 

2. Shutterstock - Best for Multimedia Options

Rating: 5/5

Notable Features

1. Millions of high-quality images, vectors, illustrations, and video clips
2. Editorial collections for newsworthy content
3. Access to music and audio clips

Who It’s For

Shutterstock is best for content creators looking to access multiple media types in one place. It’s perfect for anyone creating videos, presentations, or infographics.

Why We Picked It

Shutterstock is the perfect Adobe Stock alternative for its expansive library of multimedia options. With millions of high-quality images, vectors, and illustrations, you’ll never run out of content to use. Plus, their editorial collections provide access to newsworthy content for those looking for current events.

Bottom Line

Shutterstock is an excellent Adobe Stock alternative if you're looking for a one-stop shop for all your multimedia needs. With its extensive library, you'll always find what you need.

3. iStock - Best for High-Quality Images

Rating: 4.5/5

Notable Features

1. Millions of high-resolution images, videos, and audio clips
2. Editorial collections to access newsworthy content 
3. Ability to download media instantly

Who It’s For

iStock is ideal for anyone looking for high-quality images without paying too much. It’s perfect for bloggers and website owners who need images to enhance their content.

Why We Picked It

iStock is the perfect Adobe Stock alternative for its wide selection of high-resolution images, videos, illustrations, and audio clips. Plus, with its editorial collections, you can access newsworthy content whenever needed. 

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a reliable Adobe Stock alternative, iStock is a great choice. With its vast library of media files, you'll be able to find exactly what you need without breaking the bank.

4. Pixaby - Best for Free Content

Rating: 4/5

Notable Features

1. 2.7+ million free media files
2. Six different types of media
3. Royalty-free

Who It’s For

Pixabay is best for anyone looking to access free media content. It’s perfect for bloggers, website owners, and small businesses who need images for their projects but don't want to pay for them as they need to save money.

Why We Picked It

Pixabay is an excellent Adobe Stock alternative because of its vast library of free media files. With over 2.7 million options, you’ll have no shortage of content to use. Plus, its royalty-free license means you can use the images freely without worrying about copyright issues.

Bottom Line

If you want free images and don't want to pay for anything, Pixabay is the perfect Adobe Stock alternative. With its extensive library of free media files and royalty-free license, you’ll have access to the content you need completely for free.

5. Storyblocks - Best for Mass Media Downloads

Rating: 3.5/5

Notable Features

1. Subscriptions plan options only
2. Downloads available at low prices
3. Extensive library of content 

Who It’s For

This one is best for larger businesses that need access to a high quantity of images, videos, and audio clips quickly. It’s great for building a library of media files for their projects or campaigns.

Why We Picked It

Storyblocks is an excellent Adobe Stock alternative because of its subscription-based services. With their unlimited download plans, you’ll get access to an extensive library of content at an affordable price. 

Bottom Line

Storyblocks is a great Adobe Stock alternative for established businesses, bloggers, and website owners who need access to mass media downloads. With its subscription-based plans, you’ll be able to get the content you need for a fraction of the cost.

Best Video Enhancer Comparison Chart

How to Download Stock from the Best Adobe Stock Alternative

Here are a few steps to follow so you can get started:

1. Download and install PowerDirector


2. Open Stock Content in the Media Library.
3. Search for the stock content you need.
4. Select the images and videos you want and then download them.
5. Lastly, start creating your visuals with PowerDirector and make the media into your own branded content.