Pricing comparison
iStock (Getty) vs Shutterstock
Side-by-side pricing breakdown for Stock Photo & Video decision-makers
Each amount uses its recorded currency; no currency conversion is applied. Confirm billing units, commitments, and current regional terms.
Compare the plan that fits your requirements
Check billing units, included usage and renewal terms. Starting prices alone do not establish an overall winner.
Dataset dated 2026-04-21. Sources: iStock (Getty) pricing and Shutterstock pricing.
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Recorded starting rates: iStock (Getty) $29/mo; Shutterstock $29/mo. Billing units and commitments can differ. Compare the plans that include your required features, then request quotes for the same quantity and term.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | | |
|---|---|---|
| essentials collection | Everyday images for any project | Not recorded |
| signature collection | Premium curated assets exclusive to iStock | Not recorded |
| ai generation | Premium+ | Not recorded |
| image customization | Premium+ | Not recorded |
| 4k video | Premium + Video | Not recorded |
| triple scoop music | Premium + Video | Not recorded |
| extended license | 18-21 credits depending on asset type | Not recorded |
| editorial library | Confirm editorial asset availability and permissions; Getty ownership does not establish Getty Images catalog access | Editorial assets available; confirm rights and collection access for the intended use |
| photos | Not recorded | Yes |
| vectors | Not recorded | Yes |
| illustrations | Not recorded | Yes |
| video hd | Not recorded | Flex subscriptions |
| video 4k | Not recorded | Separate packs or Enterprise |
| music | Not recorded | Flex subscriptions |
| ai generator | Not recorded | Included across plans |
| indemnification | Not recorded | Indemnification limits, exclusions and eligibility depend on the agreement |
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Dive Deeper
iStock (Getty)
Shutterstock
About the stock photo & video category
Stock libraries sell subscriptions, credit packs and individual licenses. Some focus on images; others combine footage, music, templates and other creative assets. Compare the assets you can actually find and license for a project, not just catalog size. The April 2026 records include unverified rates and conflicting billing assumptions.
How to choose between stock photo & video options
Search for a representative set of images, clips or templates before buying. Check the exact asset type, credit consumption, seat rules and allowed project use. Compare monthly commitment, unused-download rollover and pack expiry. A plan labeled with a number of assets may not buy the same number of images and videos.
Building Your Business Stack?
Decision-makers comparing tools often need more than one category. Here are related comparisons:
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do iStock (Getty) and Shutterstock prices compare?
- iStock (Getty): $29/mo. Shutterstock: $29/mo. These are recorded starting prices; compare billing units, included usage and contract terms before treating them as equivalent costs.
- Which is better for my requirements, iStock (Getty) or Shutterstock?
- Compare the recorded features and plan limits against your requirements, then confirm them with each vendor. This page does not establish hands-on testing or an overall winner.
- What happens after the first billing term?
- Use any recorded renewal rate as a dated observation. When a future rate is missing, ask the vendor; do not assume the starting price remains unchanged.