Shutterstock vs Adobe Stock
Choose Shutterstock if you want an image-focused plan or a lower-priced mixed-media unlimited plan; choose Adobe Stock if you want to find, preview, and license assets within Creative Cloud apps. Both offer images, video, and music, but their entry plans, rollover rules, and team arrangements differ.
Last updated October 24, 2026.
At a glance
| Dimension | Shutterstock | Adobe Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Creative workflow | Website, mobile apps, and developer API | Website and Creative Cloud app integration |
| Entry subscription | $25/month, billed yearly | $29.99/month, annual commitment |
| Entry allowance | 10 images per month | 10 stock credits per month; up to 1 video |
| Unlimited images | $29/month, billed yearly; qualifying images | $129.99/month Unlimited Stock plan |
| Unlimited mixed media | $69/month, billed yearly; qualifying assets | $129.99/month; standard assets and HD/4K video |
| Unused monthly allowance | No rollover on metered subscriptions | Metered credits roll over, subject to limits |
| One-off purchasing | Image and video packs | Credit packs |
| Stock media | Images, vectors, video, music, and sound effects | Images, vectors, video, music, templates, and 3D |
| Image licenses | Standard; Enhanced available for images | Standard on metered plans; Enhanced on Unlimited |
| Team plans | Image plans up to 20 users; mixed-media plans up to 10 | Shared plan with pooled licensing and unlimited users |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, and Android | Web and supported Creative Cloud desktop and mobile apps |
| Business support | Expert support and onboarding for teams and enterprise | Business consultation and Learn & Support resources |
Scroll the table sideways to compare each row.
Which should you choose?
Choose Shutterstock if
- Buyers who mainly need a monthly allotment of images
- Creators seeking qualifying images, video, and music in one lower-priced unlimited plan
- Buyers who prefer image or video packs for occasional projects
- Developers seeking a stock-media integration through an API
Choose Adobe Stock if
- Designers who search and license stock inside Creative Cloud apps
- Buyers who want monthly stock credits that can roll over
- Teams seeking a shared plan with pooled licensing
- Creators who want stock assets and AI Studio in one plan
The verdict
The deciding factor is your workflow and the assets you need each month. Shutterstock fits buyers who primarily need images, want image or video packs, or can use its qualifying unlimited library. Adobe Stock fits buyers who work in Photoshop, Illustrator, or other Creative Cloud apps and want in-app licensing, metered credits that can roll over, or a shared team plan.
Shutterstock vs Adobe Stock: common questions
- Which is easier to use with Photoshop or Illustrator?
- Adobe Stock integrates with Photoshop and Illustrator, including stock search and licensing through Creative Cloud Libraries. Shutterstock offers a website, mobile apps, and an API for developers.
- Do I need a Creative Cloud subscription to use Adobe Stock?
- No. Adobe says you can use Adobe Stock without another Adobe product, although Creative Cloud apps provide an integrated stock workflow.
- Which has the cheaper entry subscription?
- Shutterstock lists 10 image downloads per month at $25 per month billed yearly. Adobe Stock lists 10 stock credits per month at $29.99 per month with an annual commitment; those credits can also be used toward video.
- Can I get unlimited downloads from either service?
- Yes. Shutterstock lists Unlimited Images at $29 per month and Unlimited Plus for qualifying images, video, and music at $69 per month, both billed yearly and subject to fair use. Adobe Stock lists Unlimited Stock at $129.99 per month, with standard assets and HD/4K video.
- What happens to unused monthly downloads?
- Shutterstock says unused downloads on metered subscriptions do not roll over. Adobe Stock says unused credits on metered plans can roll over while the subscription remains active, subject to plan limits.
- Can I buy assets without a subscription?
- Yes. Shutterstock sells image and video packs, while Adobe Stock sells credit packs. Both make these options available for occasional stock needs.
- Can I use a stock image on merchandise?
- Not under either vendor's standard image license. Shutterstock offers an Enhanced image license for merchandise; Adobe Stock requires an Extended license for images used on items for resale.
- Which works better for a team?
- Shutterstock publishes image team plans covering up to 20 users and mixed-media team plans covering up to 10. Adobe Stock publishes shared team plans with pooled licensing and no stated limit on team users. The better fit depends on your team size, media needs, and whether you manage work in Creative Cloud.