Pexels vs. Unsplash for Brands

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Pexels
Score 10.0 out of 10
N/A
Pexels, headquartered in Berlin, offers stock photos and video under the Creative Commons Zero license, from a global network of creators.N/A
Unsplash for Brands
Score 7.2 out of 10
N/A
Unsplash is an online community hosted by the company of the same name in Montreal, featuring photos and images that are available free. Unsplash for Business is a solution that puts content in the hands of people and add context by sharing visuals with their audiences.N/A
Pricing
PexelsUnsplash for Brands
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
PexelsUnsplash for Brands
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
PexelsUnsplash for Brands
Considered Both Products
Pexels
Chose Pexels
Pexels is more simple. The alternative options give no good search/selection experience. For example, you are limited to searching just one characteristic or the results are not always accurate. For example, your search for A and get B. Finally, I also note that the user does …
Chose Pexels
I would put Pexels library up against Unsplash. iStock and Shutterstock are both SUPER pricey, and I haven't used either of them in YEARS simply due to the fact that they remain to be cost-prohibitive. Pixabay is fine, but the quality seems far less curated or just like more …
Chose Pexels
Pexels has a great search function behind it and is very compatible with the other leading brands. One of the main benefits in comparison is that it is free to use and promotes creativity with its photographers. It has fewer 'stock looking' images as opposed to Adobe or …
Chose Pexels
Pexels provides a plethora of videos to choose from and you can get the right size. The platform is free and if you use great keywords you can easily find what you are looking for. Users can also contribute to the community and it has challenges which I think are great …
Chose Pexels
Pexels has video's! That's the main differentiator why I go to Pexels now.
Chose Pexels
I know Pixabay and Unsplash and both are similar to Pexels. All of them have similar features in regards to searching, filtering, or collections. But if I am not wrong, only Pexels has the option to download an image in a customised size.
Chose Pexels
Pexels have by far the biggest database for our needs, 9 out of 10 pictures we find is from Pexels.
Chose Pexels
Pexels has a few unique features that stand out, the most important being a 1-click download from the search results. No need to navigate to another page to find a "download" button. This reduces the time required to find and download an appropriate image. The search results …
Chose Pexels
Pexels is very affordable, and has a decent range of free-to-use options. Images have a wide arrange of people and places represented.
Chose Pexels
While I've had to use Getty for more specific image needs, I usually start my image search with Pexels as it's a much more cost-effective option. However, Getty has a much more robust search tool, which I sometimes need in order to track down an image with a specific …
Chose Pexels
Whether paid or free stock photography, we go to where the solutions are. Pexels is on our top 5 go-to list. When we can't find what we are looking for on paid stock sites, we look at Pexels. Each platform has its pros and cons. I like that Pexels has a good lifestyle variety, …
Chose Pexels
Overall, Pexels is a really helpful and easy site to use to get royalty-free imagery. It has been highly beneficial to me in all my design projects obtaining dynamic and natural images that some large-paying stock sites can not provide. Sometimes you can find more variety at …
Chose Pexels
In my opinion, they are all very similar. Sometimes when I am searching for something more specific, one or other might well be suited. But, in general, I tend to open at least 3 or 4 different image banks at the same time and use the same search terms on all of them. Since …
Chose Pexels
Pexels is much better than raw pixel because the free options on raw pixel's website are usually images that you would not want to use for your professional marketing needs. They make sure to charge for useful photos.
Chose Pexels
Pexels offers an extensive catalogue of royalty-free, high-quality images and high-resolution videos that can be downloaded without the need for monthly subscriptions or license fees. Most of the time, our stock requirements are easily met. For occasions when we do need more …
Chose Pexels
Pexels has more original, creative imagery from new and emerging photographers from all over the world. Pexels constantly adds new content so there's more variety and less likely we'll use the same stock image as others - we get to stand out as original. Supports photographers …
Chose Pexels
Pexels is by far the easiest program to use and doesn't require a login which means it's even faster for my team to be able to find the right image and get it into our content in a quick turnaround. Easy to teach, easy to use, my work would be near impossible without it.
Chose Pexels
Pexel images are more inspiring, aspiring, creative, and artistic than the usual stock images. We work with Pexels because it is free and we really admire the fact that some photographers or creatives around the world are happy to share their work in such a kind and generous …
Chose Pexels
Pexels is one of my favorite stock image tools. The quality is top-notch and the search capabilities/filters really help you find what you want.
Chose Pexels
Pexels so far has the best user-submitted selections for free photography. They are royalty-free and include a wide variety for all business needs. From personal blogs or your own business to any company type, you can find what you need here without having to buy a stock …
Chose Pexels
Really similar offerings, and we actually use both Unsplash and Pexels. Pexels has a nicer user interface to search through photos, but Unsplash isn't bad, either.
Chose Pexels
You can get stock images in Canva since we have a professional account but their selection is limited. Also, many of their images are not as high quality as Pexels and the file size is smaller so if you need to blow them up they lose resolution. I only use the Canva images when …
Chose Pexels
I think Shutterstock does not have the same quality photos available for free. In addition, I am not sure if they spend as much time trying to uplift the artist taking the photos as they are uplifting Shutterstock as a go-to resource for these photos and videos. I tend to favor …
Unsplash for Brands
Chose Unsplash for Brands
I would say that Unsplash for Brands is a lower-end budget and easier option for projects. Again, if you need something very specific - whether it's in industry, pose, subject, or environment, then you'll likely want something a bit more expensive with a larger library …
Chose Unsplash for Brands
It is easy to use, the interface works pretty well and the recommendation of similar pictures is awesome. Also the quality of the algorithm and filter work great.
Chose Unsplash for Brands
The ease of search is always a plus when dealing with client deadlines. Unsplash offers free options for us to be able to provide a wide choice of images for our clients to choose from as well as provide different angles of certain campaigns. We can do several options so they …
Chose Unsplash for Brands
Stacks up well offers another option for finding copyright-free images and is directly a part of our program so I don't need to go to an external site to find other photos. Makes it extremely worthwhile to use! Also easy to teach others how to use which makes my job easier.
Chose Unsplash for Brands
Pexels is my second favourite license-free photo service. However, is easily bettered by Unsplash. This is because of Unsplash’s superior search functionality. When searching for more than one word on Pexels, it usually focuses on the more popular, keyword out of the two. …
Chose Unsplash for Brands
Pixel, Wiki Commons Photos, Free photos that sites like Adobe/iStock/Shutterstock have available.
Chose Unsplash for Brands
I believe Unsplash has higher quality images and the images they provide are more realistic and genuine than these other brands.
Chose Unsplash for Brands
The main difference between Unsplash for Brands and this other brand is the simplicity and the thought process put in by Unsplash for Brands while designing their site functionality and API. The UX is extremely straight forward and implementation is very quick.
Chose Unsplash for Brands
The selection of images and current event content is what puts Unsplash above the larger enterprise solutions. The speed and ease of use also make Unsplash a more attractive product for content creation. The mobile technologies that drive image search are fantastic and far …
Chose Unsplash for Brands
There is one obvious major advantage to Pexels (and Unsplash really) in that the images are royalty-free. We can use them without fear of being sued afterward, and we don't even have to create an account, just download the image and it's ready to go. When it comes to Pexels' …
Best Alternatives
PexelsUnsplash for Brands
Small Businesses
Adobe Express
Adobe Express
Score 8.8 out of 10
Adobe Express
Adobe Express
Score 8.8 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Adobe Express
Adobe Express
Score 8.8 out of 10
Adobe Express
Adobe Express
Score 8.8 out of 10
Enterprises
Adobe Express
Adobe Express
Score 8.8 out of 10
Adobe Express
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Score 8.8 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
PexelsUnsplash for Brands
Likelihood to Recommend
9.2
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.0
(0 ratings)
7.0
(0 ratings)
Usability
7.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
PexelsUnsplash for Brands
Likelihood to Recommend
The success of social media campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter depends significantly on the quality of the content used. Pexels maintains the highest quality standards for all content hosted on the platform... with High Definition, excellent composition materials only. Another great thing is that they provide you with an assortment of filtered content suggestions related to the selections. This helps save time.
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If someone is in a specific or super-niche industry, they may not find that Unsplash for Brands is a good option for them. I would say their site and their library of photographic images are a bit more general -- so if you need something stylized, it may not be the place for you.
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Pros
  • High-resolution images – Pexels is full of images that are high enough in resolution to look beautiful on their own, but also high quality enough to be combined with other images without distracting pixelization
  • Stock videos – other free stock sites are often limited to just images, but Pexels has a wide range of videos available as well, which we use to plus up decks
  • Good search functions – while not as robust as some paid sites, Pexels' search functions make it pretty easy to track down what you need
  • Licensing – it's very straightforward to know what you can and can't do with a Pexels photo, which protects my company and our clients
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  • Provides beautiful natural and in action photos
  • Provided royalty free imagery which is great for charities who have a budget or not budget for photography
  • Photos are more stylistic and creative than traditional stock sites like Adobe, iStock, Shutterstock
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Cons
  • I do think that the library should grow. For example, I was looking for an image of a living room with a fireplace and there were only a few options
  • I get tricked sometimes because I see images I want to use but they are from some other company and they are paid
  • Improve search understanding for multi-word searches
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  • The layout and UX is not as friendly as many other similar platforms.
  • Search engine could be improved.
  • Bulk download would be wonderful.
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Likelihood to Renew
No answers on this topic
I need to learn a little more about the product and its capabilities before I give a higher review. However, the availability of image trending is far superior to Getty or Getty Enterprise.
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Usability
Intuitive and simple interface.
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No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
Pexels has a few unique features that stand out, the most important being a 1-click download from the search results. No need to navigate to another page to find a "download" button. This reduces the time required to find and download an appropriate image. The search results load fast, with lazy loading, so there's no annoying pagination at the bottom. I often travel as I work, and at times my internet connection can be slow or unstable. This kind of feature may seem minor to some users, but when on a slower connection, it makes a big difference. If a search term is too broad, it can recommend related keywords to search for - this helps to find the right image faster.
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There is one obvious major advantage to Pexels (and Unsplash really) in that the images are royalty-free. We can use them without fear of being sued afterward, and we don't even have to create an account, just download the image and it's ready to go. When it comes to Pexels' photos, you can photoshop words on them, but sometimes you don't want a photo designed for photoshopping, you just want a photo that's ready to use, such as Unsplash.
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Return on Investment
  • Positive: the writing material when well illustrated gain more engagement.
  • Positive: images can inspire better descriptions of scenarios and landscapes and therefore can make long texts more attractive.
  • Positive: we saved a lot of time when writing.
  • Negative: some images do not have enough quality for printing purposes.
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  • Excellent for using photos for content creation, keeps things fresh yet still on brand for our program's needs
  • Ease of use, directly implemented in the program to directly find an image without needing to leave the site
  • Perfect since it's free!
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ScreenShots