Rating of the best photobanks for 2022

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

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

1. taste;
2. topic;
3. harmony;
4. color scheme;
5. quality;
6. license;
7. price.

Time pressure and multitasking make it impossible for authors to take their own photographs. 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 photobank

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 erupted due to the illegal use of copyrighted works.

Free option

Free image selection is suitable in the following cases:

• there is no budget, or it is noticeably low;
• the theme of the content is quite common;
• there are no special requirements for the quality of the material;
• there is no need for a large amount of selected photos;
• the use of a logo, a photo of an individual, a trademark is not provided;
• there is no time limit, multiple search options are possible.

Paid selection

The option is required if:

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

License

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

There are 3 types of licenses:

• Public Domian - Files are considered public domain. They are available for free use and for any purpose.
• Royalty-Free does not limit the number of images you can use. An additional item with specific restrictions is possible.
• Rights Managed requires payment for hosting or processing. Each new possible option for photo manipulation is negotiated separately with the owner and paid extra.

The best free photobanks

pixabay

The user who has received registration has access to a huge bank of high-quality images and photos.

• the menu includes vector graphics, photos, illustrations, videos;
• downloading can be carried out in different parameters, with an indication of the size;
• the search engine can be implemented 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 get acquainted with the complete collection of the author;
• decent mobile resource app.

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

Burst

A community of photographers worked on the collection of the photo platform. Various resolutions 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 simplified navigation easily increase the ranks of its fans.

• The photobank works only in English and Portuguese.

Pexels

Constantly updated photo platform with bright, high-quality photos.

• opportunity to support the author;
• there is a view counter;
• the possibility of subscribing to the author;
• selection by tags;
• communities and service groups in social networks;
• challenges.

• missing.

stocksnap

Stock platform with high resolution elements.

• technological search system, sets of filters provide a quick search;
• trending points to more popular images;
• program for starting new authors;
• a large number of categories;
• the possibility of creating your own selection on the basis of the general fund;
• The 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 pictures;
• the possibility of modification and commercial use is allowed;
• a high resolution;
• daily replenishment of stock for 1000 elements;
• a good starting opportunity for novice authors;
• tens of thousands of customers from all over the world;
• presented in 5 languages.

• no.

Unsplash

Convenient photo stock with a unique fan selection function. Having made a request for one word and “failed” into the collection, you can narrow the search by the proposed blocks.

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

• interface in English.

Gratisographi

Photos and videos of an entertaining angle, if you want to make a post or a 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.

• no license fees;
• 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, and illustrations.

Shutterstock
Number of persons	Cost per month, $	Image database, pcs.
2	379	750
03:10	479	750
11 or more	by agreement	750

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

• prices are excluding taxes.

Deposit Photos

Thematic collections and library of royalty-free stock images are presented in high quality.

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

• the cost of 10 files is $49, 25 pictures are $99;
• the resource has 14,013,520 users;
• a large number of topics attracts 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 loyally than others;
• authors' incomes, as elsewhere, are directly dependent on sales volumes;
• belongs to the budget group;
• unique 360 ​​collection with illustrations, vectors, panoramas, spherical panoramas, immersive.

• no.

Pond5

The individual estimated cost of each job is both a positive and a negative quality of the runoff. The consumer focuses on the price range and chooses from the library, or he can make a choice, but the price will not suit him.

• all resource files are premium;
• the choice of a photo is made according to the catalog, a search by a given word is also possible;
• payment is provided in 9 currencies;
• club subscriptions and affiliate 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 presented in 5 popular social networks.

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

Adobe Stock

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

• the available “search by image” function, when uploading your own original, you can pick up a similar photo;
• search by filters;
• the presence of a trial period without payment;
• the average price is calculated on the basis of the ratio - 10 photos / $ 30.

• The working language of the site is English.

123RF

Microstock with the children's association "One two three royalty free" is not childishly solid. The resource has been running its history since 2005.123RF has become a well-deserved leader for users of the largest publishing companies, sharks of the advertising and design world.

A photo bank with several search and editing 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;
• opportunity to take several lessons;
• publications of interviews with authors-photographers are practiced;
• the subscription program is very democratic;
• availability of vector design;
• the most loyal site for novice authors;
• the service prioritizes updating the library, so this is a peppy mode for authors.

• not detected.

Getty Images

The site belongs to a major American photo agency. Freshness and relevance, sports stars, social life, beau monde - for specific web resources, the most suitable stock.

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

• missing.

Fotolia

The largest photo stock, provides copyright protection and keeps favorable 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 possibility of excluding costs for an irrelevant resource;
• convenient form of payment and replenishment of the balance;
• fast growing resource;
• has a good outlook.

• missing.

DreamStime

In terms of sales, the service holds the 5th place in the photostock market.

Dreamtime 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;
• Possibility 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 photos. The resource is recognized as the best photostock.

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

• missing.

iStock by Getty Images

Perennial and popular microstock.

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

• image size does not affect the cost;
• extensive library;
• flexible system of payment schedules;
• availability of legal protection;
• availability of thematic collections;
• use of background virtual images for ZOOM, at no charge.

• no.

Lori

Domestic photostock specializes in Russian topics.

• up to 120 daily sales;
• exclusive works, library 750,000;
• loyal discounts for package purchases;
• full license security;
• execution of applications for selection in accordance with the requirements;
• footage bank with the amount of 580,000;
• availability of thematic albums;
• promotion - every day one new image as a gift;
• flexible payment system;
• an open area for novice 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 work;
• availability of an overview of recent sales;
• detailed list of headings;
• the resource is presented in 5 social networks;
• one of the existing projects "good cuisine";
• access to licenses;
• availability of contracts for acquaintance;
• a working satellite map of the work sites, with the possibility of obtaining a photo by hovering over the cursor.

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

pivot table

Stock	Collection, pcs.	Headings, estimated number
free
pixabay	1500000	20
Unsplash	550000	no exact number
Gratisographi	1000	10
Burst	±	28
Pexels	200000	150
FreestocksImages	50000	-
stocksnap		100
free images	390000	15
All resources are licensed by 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 exclude problems based on controversial copyright issues, you should use paid resources. Quality, abundance of choice, modern search technologies pay back the costs a hundredfold.

Photo stocks are platforms for beginner photographers and designers. There are loyalty 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 bloggers in good stead, owners of sites that do not pretend to high standards.

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