5 Top photo stock websites 2024

Quick pick

If you're short on time and need a quick recommendation before reading the full article, here’s our quick pick of the best photo stock websites:

Depositphotos

ProductionCrate

Dreamstime

PhotoDune

Presetpro

These platforms offer a great selection of high-quality images and assets for a wide range of projects.

In today’s visually driven world, having access to the right stock images can significantly enhance your creative projects, from marketing campaigns to web design. With so many photo stock websites available, each offering different features, image libraries, and pricing structures, it can be challenging to determine which platform is the best fit for your needs.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the key factors to consider when choosing the best photo stock website in 2024, ensuring you find a solution that meets your creative and budgetary requirements.

How to choose the best software - Best photo stock websites 2024

Selecting the best photo stock website can significantly impact the quality and creativity of your projects. With so many options available, it’s important to consider various factors to find the right platform that fits your needs. Here’s a guide on what to look for when choosing the best photo stock website in 2024.

1. Library Size and Variety

• Why it matters: The larger and more diverse the image library, the more options you have to choose from for any project.
• What to look for: Websites that offer millions of images in various categories such as business, nature, travel, and lifestyle. Also, check if the site includes other assets like vectors, videos, or illustrations to broaden your resource pool.

2. Licensing and Usage Rights

• Why it matters: Different stock sites offer different licensing models, which can impact how and where you can use the images.
• What to look for: Confirm the platform offers royalty-free images for both personal and commercial use. Be aware of limitations in licensing, particularly for large-scale or long-term commercial projects.

3. Pricing Models

• Why it matters: Depending on how often you need stock photos, your budget will determine whether a subscription or a pay-as-you-go model works best for you.
• What to look for: Compare pricing options between monthly subscriptions, pay-per-image models, and image credits. Some platforms, like Depositphotos or Dreamstime, offer flexible plans to suit different usage needs.

4. Image Quality and Resolution

• Why it matters: High-quality images ensure that your visuals look professional, whether for print or online use.
• What to look for: Check the resolution options available on the platform. Some sites offer the ability to download images in multiple sizes and resolutions, which can be critical for different project formats.

5. Search Tools and Filters

• Why it matters: A powerful search tool helps you quickly find relevant images, saving you time and effort.
• What to look for: Look for websites with advanced search options, including filters for image type, orientation, color, and more. Some platforms even offer AI-powered search features to help you find visually similar images or highly relevant results based on keywords.

6. Additional Media Types

• Why it matters: If your projects require more than just photos, choosing a platform with additional assets like videos, graphics, or templates is beneficial.
• What to look for: Consider platforms like ProductionCrate or PhotoDune, which offer a wide range of digital assets beyond stock photos, such as sound effects, video clips, and 3D models.

7. Customizable Features and Tools

• Why it matters: Some stock photo platforms offer built-in editing tools that allow you to customize images directly within the site, which can save time.
• What to look for: If you often need to tweak or edit images, opt for a platform that offers customization options, such as integrated photo editors or access to design tools like Lightroom presets (e.g., Presetpro).

8. User Experience and Ease of Use

• Why it matters: A smooth and intuitive interface makes the process of finding, organizing, and downloading images much faster and easier.
• What to look for: Choose platforms with simple navigation, fast loading times, and the ability to save favorites, organize files, or download multiple images at once. The overall experience should be user-friendly, even for beginners.

9. Free Images and Trial Options

• Why it matters: Testing a platform for free allows you to evaluate its offerings before committing to a purchase.
• What to look for: Many platforms, such as Dreamstime or Depositphotos, offer free sections where you can download images at no cost. Some also offer free trials, allowing you to explore premium features without upfront payment.

10. Support and Customer Service

• Why it matters: Good customer support ensures that any issues with licensing, downloads, or billing can be quickly resolved.
• What to look for: Look for platforms with accessible support options, including email, chat, or phone support. Check user reviews for feedback on the responsiveness and helpfulness of their customer service teams.

Overview

Finding the right photo stock website can make a huge difference in your creative projects. Whether you need visuals for marketing, web design, or social media, these platforms provide an array of high-quality images and assets. Here's a look at some of the best options available in 2024.

Depositphotos

Depositphotos is a trusted photo stock platform known for its vast library of images and affordability. With over 230 million files, it’s a go-to resource for professionals needing diverse and high-quality visuals.

Key Features

• Extensive library of over 230 million images, vectors, and videos
• AI-powered search for better accuracy
• Flexible pricing with subscription or pay-per-image options
• Offers free trial and affordable monthly plans

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Massive selection of images
• Cost-effective for businesses and freelancers
• User-friendly search tools

Cons:

• Some premium images can be pricey

Ideal Use Cases

Ideal for marketers, freelancers, and small business owners seeking affordable stock images for websites, advertising, or social media campaigns.

ProductionCrate

ProductionCrate is not just a stock photo provider but also a one-stop shop for digital assets, including video effects, audio files, and 3D models. It’s perfect for multimedia projects needing diverse content.

Key Features

• Library includes over 10,000 digital assets
• Provides access to video effects, 3D models, and sound effects
• Regular updates with new content added frequently
• Subscription offers access to various digital assets

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Variety of multimedia assets
• Affordable pricing
• Regularly updated content

Cons:

• More focused on multimedia creators than traditional stock photo users

Ideal Use Cases

Great for video producers, graphic designers, and multimedia creators who need both photos and other digital content like VFX or sound effects.

Dreamstime

Dreamstime is a well-established stock photo website offering a wide selection of affordable images, vectors, and video footage. Its flexible pricing and vast collection make it a popular choice for all kinds of projects.

Key Features

• Over 160 million stock photos, vectors, and videos
• Offers flexible pricing plans (subscription or pay-as-you-go)
• Free section for budget-conscious users
• High-quality editorial and commercial images

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Large, diverse image library
• Budget-friendly options available
• Access to editorial images for news and blogs

Cons:

• Search functionality could be improved

Ideal Use Cases

Perfect for content creators, web designers, and businesses looking for affordable editorial and commercial images to enhance their work.

PhotoDune

PhotoDune, part of the Envato Market, offers a curated collection of affordable stock photos. It’s a convenient choice for users who want to purchase individual images or access Envato’s broader asset library.

Key Features

• Offers individual image purchases or subscription access via Envato Elements
• High-quality, curated image selection
• Part of a larger network of digital assets like templates and graphics
• User-friendly and simple to navigate

Pros and Cons Pros:

• Affordable pricing for individual images
• Access to Envato’s complete digital marketplace
• High-quality, handpicked photos

Cons:

• Smaller library compared to larger stock photo websites

Ideal Use Cases I

deal for designers, marketers, and creatives who need both stock photos and access to additional digital assets like fonts, templates, and design elements.

Presetpro

Presetpro is known primarily for its Lightroom presets, but it also offers a carefully curated selection of premium stock photos. This platform is tailored for photographers and creatives seeking unique, high-quality imagery.

Key Features

• High-quality stock photo collection
• Offers exclusive Lightroom presets and Photoshop tools
• Downloadable photo bundles for quick access
• Great for artistic and professional projects

Pros and Cons Pros:

• Unique and stylized photos
• High-quality, professional-grade images
• Includes editing tools for photographers

Cons:

• Smaller image library compared to major stock photo platforms

Ideal Use Cases

Perfect for photographers, creative professionals, and anyone looking for unique, artistic photos for premium design projects or editorial content.

These top photo stock websites provide an array of tools and resources to fit your specific project needs, whether you’re looking for affordable images, multimedia assets, or high-quality, curated collections.

Conclusion

This article offers a quick introduction to some of the top photo stock websites, but for a comprehensive review and detailed insights, visit the full article on best photo stock software.