Rating of the best photobanks for 2020

The history of photobanks begins in the 60s of the 20th century. The cheapness of ready-made images for publishers filling the content of printed publications gave impetus to the development of photo stocks. The 21st century and the Internet have provided a powerful incentive for photography resources to flourish. Web storages appear, catalogs, thematic collections, plot themes are created.

Posts, stories, articles and announcements, not to mention the pages of sites, books, periodicals require high-quality design. The selection of photographs and illustrations is a responsible business, everything works here:

1. taste;
2. topic;
3. harmony;
4. color range;
5. quality;
6. license;
7. cost.

Time pressure and multitasking mode makes it impossible for authors to take their own photos. The Internet space has special content, where the user is provided with both paid photo stocks and free photo banks.

How to choose the right photo bank

It is necessary to remember about the possibilities of licenses, that is, the rights or lack thereof for an illustration, a photograph.
History is rich in court cases that have flared up due to the illegal use of copyright works.

Free option

Free selection of images is suitable in the following cases:

• there is no budget, or it is noticeably low;
• content topic is quite common;
• there are no special requirements for the quality of the material;
• there is no need for a large volume of selected photos;
• the use of a logo, photo of a person, a trade mark is not provided;
• there is no time limit, searches with multiple views are possible.

Paid selection

The option is required provided that:

• the file is original, exclusive;
• the ability to edit is required;
• the image will be used as the basis for composite images;
• Royalty-Free license purchased on a photo gives complete freedom to use the image;
• there was a need to get the original version, or exclusive content

License

Stock images include photo, vector, raster graphics with a license to restrict the action of the buyer.

There are 3 types of licenses:

• Pablic Domian - The files are considered public domain. They are available for free use and for any purpose.
• Royalty-Free does not limit the use of images. Possible additional clause with specific restrictions.
• Rights Managed requires payment for placement or processing. Each new possible variant of photo manipulation is negotiated separately with the owner and is paid additionally.

The best free photobanks

Pixabay

The registered user has access to a huge bank of high quality images and photos.

• the menu includes vector graphics, photos, illustrations, videos;
• downloading can be done in different parameters, indicating the size;
• the search engine can be carried out in several languages;
• the only free resource with vector graphics;
• there are support functions for authors and likes;
• huge thematic collections;
• there are stock works;
• the opportunity to see the complete collection of the author;
• worthy mobile resource application.

• the search is carried out by one word, or a simple phrase, sometimes it is necessary to search for the required frame for a very long time.

Burst

A community of photographers worked on the collection of the photo platform. Various permissions are available, both for books and magazines, and for working with web graphics.

• no restrictions on use;
• quality and multicolor images;
• the accessibility of the interface and the simplified navigation are easily growing the ranks of their fans.

• The photo bank works only in English and Portuguese.

Pexels

Constantly updated photo platform with bright, high quality photos.

• the ability to support the author;
• there is a view counter;
• the ability to subscribe to the author;
• selection by tags;
• communities and service groups in social networks;
• challenges.

• absent.

StockSnap

Stock platform with high resolution elements.

• technological search system, filter sets provide fast search;
• trending indicates more popular images;
• program for starting new authors;
• a large number of categories;
• the ability to create your own collection on the basis of the general fund;
• photo is accompanied by background information.

• there are no preset sizes.

FreestocksImages

A high-quality photo library, many detailed images, are presented in a constantly growing bank.

• well-chosen categories, with a weekly distribution of 3000 images;
• the possibility of modification and commercial use is allowed;
• a high resolution;
• daily replenishment of the stock for 1000 elements;
• a good starting point for aspiring authors;
• tens of thousands of clients from all over the world;
• presented in 5 languages.

• not.

Unsplash

Convenient photo stock with a unique fan compilation function. Having made a query one word at a time and "falling through" into the collection, you can narrow your search by the proposed blocks.

• free selection;
• high resolution photo;
• numerous thematic collections.

• the interface is in English.

Gratisographi

Photos and videos of an entertaining perspective, if you want to make a post or website with a share of creativity, this is the most suitable resource.

• promotions and discounts;
• not overloaded menu;
• receiving a promotional code in case of an unsuccessful attempt to select content from the presented database.

• work is carried out in English.

Free Images

World photo album and collection of illustrations for every taste. After registering on the site, access to an extensive photo library opens.

• lack of royalties;
• you can subscribe to your favorite author;
• there are functions of novelty of works and rating;
• download counter available.

• not detected.

The best paid photo stocks

Shutterstock

A regularly updated bank in Russian with an extensive database of photographs, vector graphics, illustrations.

Shutterstock
Number of persons	Cost per month, $	Base of images, pcs.
2	379	750
03:10	479	750
from 11 and more	by agreement	750

• daily update in the amount of 193,000 new products;
• more than 30 categories;
• cost for a dozen files $ 49, $ 199 for 350 pictures without a contract for a month;
• you can use a free trial;
• batch requests for 5 pieces $ 49 or 25 images for $ 229;
• you can pay $ 9.16 and get the right to 1 download for a year;
• availability of a profitable program for team use;
• separate offers for corporate groups.

• prices are indicated without taxes.

Deposit Photos

Themed collections and royalty-free stock image library are presented in high quality.

Deposit Photos
Block of pictures, pieces	Cost per month, $	Cost of a standard monthly block with an annual subscription, $
75	69	699
150	99	999
750	199	1999

• cost of 10 files - 49 $, 25 images - 99 $;
• the resource has 14,013,520 users;
• a large number of topics attract new customers;
• work can be done in Russian;
• flexible system of subscription systems;
• a serious verification system has been created for authors, moderators behave more loyal than others;
• the authors' income, as elsewhere, is in direct proportion to the volume of sales;
• belongs to the budget group;
• a unique collection of 360 with illustrations, vectors, panoramas, spherical panoramas, with the effect of presence.

• not.

Pond5

The individual estimated value of each job is both a positive and negative quality of the flow. The consumer is guided by the price framework and chooses from the library, or he can make a choice, but the price does not suit him.

• all resource files are premium class;
• the choice of a photo is made according to the catalog, it is also possible to search for a given word;
• payment is provided in 9 currencies;
• club subscriptions and partnership programs are provided;
• availability of selected collections;
• for the sale of photographs, copyright resources are provided in the form of a forum and a portal;
• the site is featured in 5 popular social networks.

• large media database - music, video, effects, 3D models.

Adobe stock

Editors use a library of illustrations for print publications, the resource is often used by advertising companies and bloggers.

• available function "search by picture", when uploading your own original, you can pick up a similar photo;
• filters are searched;
• a trial period without payment;
• the average price is calculated based on the ratio - 10 photos / $ 30.

• the working language on the website is English.

123RF

Microstock with the children's association "One two three royalty free" is solid not like a child. The resource has been leading its history since 2005. 123RF has become a well-deserved leader for users of the largest publishing companies, the sharks of the advertising and design world.

Photobank with multiple search and edit benefits.

123RF subscription
Image block, pieces	Cost per month, rubles
150	4800
350	11300
750	14200
credited images
40	3389
90	7149
200	15609
400	29919
600	42919

• opportunity for copyright sales;
• availability of free files;
• the opportunity to take several lessons;
• practice publishing interviews with photographers;
• the subscription program is very democratic;
• the presence of vector design;
• the most loyal site for aspiring authors;
• the service prioritizes updating the library, so this is a peppy mode for authors.

• not found.

Getty Images

The site is owned by a major American photo agency. Freshness and relevance, sports stars, high life, elite - for specific web resources, the most suitable stock.

• the platform celebrates its 25th anniversary;
• a chronicle by years, achievements is presented;
• cost - $ 150;
• site in English;
• 2014 was a big year for fans of free images, as the company provided a large share of the collection for free use.

• absent.

Fotolia

The largest photo stock, provides copyright protection and keeps the best prices.

Fotolia subscription
Images, pieces	Cost of days / $
25	30/199
	90/549
	180/999
	360/1899

• democratic prices for one-time purchases;
• a developed system for subscribers with the ability to eliminate the cost of an irrelevant resource;
• convenient form of payments and balance top-ups;
• rapidly developing resource;
• has a good perspective.

• absent.

DreamStime

The service holds the 5th place in the photo stock market in terms of sales.

DreamStime subscription
Photos, pictures, files, pieces per day	Cost of days / rubles
25	30/8777
	90/24126
	180/45700
	360/87730

• attractive prices;
• a good starting platform for newbie authors;
• direct dependence of the frequency of sales on the price of the image;
• one-time purchase at a low price;
• availability of exclusive rights to individual pictures;
• the ability to subscribe for a week.

• the more often a photo is downloaded, the more expensive it is.

Photocase

The photo platform has the highest ratings due to the high style of the photos. The resource is recognized as the best photo stock.

• the presence of a chat with the authors;
• the ability to find out the rating of the file;
• availability of comments.

• absent.

iStock by Getty Images

Perennial and popular microstock.

iStock by Getty Images subscription
Images, pieces per day	Cost for 30 days / $
10	24.9
25	62.25
50	99

• the size of the image does not affect the cost;
• extensive library;
• flexible system of payment schedules;
• availability of legal protection;
• availability of thematic collections;
• use of virtual background images for ZOOM, free of charge.

• not.

Lori

The domestic photo stock specializes in Russian topics.

• up to 120 daily sales;
• exclusive works, library 750,000;
• loyal discounts for package purchases;
• complete license security;
• execution of applications for selection in accordance with the requirements;
• a bank of footages with the amount of 580,000;
• availability of thematic albums;
• promotion - every day one new image as a gift;
• flexible payment system;
• open space for newbie authors;
• new implementation platform for illustrators, videographers;
• Popular topics include landscapes, cities, countries, objects, people, and more than 35 categories;
• the ability to subscribe to fresh works;
• availability of an overview of the latest sales;
• detailed list of headings;
• the resource is presented in 5 social networks;
• one of the existing projects "good kitchen";
• the opportunity to get acquainted with the licenses;
• availability of contracts for review;
• working satellite map of work sites, with the possibility of obtaining a photo by hovering the cursor.

• it takes time to occupy a segment in the market.

Pivot table

Stoke	Collection, pcs.	Headings, approximate number
free
Pixabay	1500000	20
Unsplash	550000	no exact figure
Gratisographi	1000	10
Burst	±	28
Pexels	200000	150
FreestocksImages	50000	-
StockSnap		100
Free Images	390000	15
All resources are licensed CCO * Creative Commons Zero
paid
Shutterstock	320000000	-
Deposit Photos	155737341	36
Pond5	12000000	50
Adobe stock	1000000	15
Fotolia	100 00 000	-
123RF	37000000	115
DreamStime	88000000	-
Lori	26000000	-
Gettyimages	200000000	-

Conclusion

To rule out problems based on controversial copyright issues, you should use paid resources. Quality, an abundance of choice, modern search technologies pay off the costs a hundredfold.

Photo stocks are platforms for budding photographers and designers. There are loyal programs of specific sites that will help you get up, get on your feet, gain experience and realize your talent.

The abundance of photo stocks of free photos and pictures serves a good service to bloggers, site owners who do not claim to high standards.

The direction is developing, it is promising, it will live for a long time, as long as the Internet.