6 Best Free Stock Photo Websites I Tried and Loved

What if I told you that you could craft stunning presentations, eye-catching websites, and impactful social media content without overspending on stock photos?

Over the years, I’ve relied on free stock photo websites as a treasure trove of powerful, high-resolution images. Whether you’re a solopreneur, blogger, or marketing manager, these platforms can help you create professional-looking visuals without draining your budget.

In this guide, I’m sharing the top free stock photo websites I explored for 2026. I’ll walk you through their standout features, what makes each one unique, and how they compare side by side. Instead of wondering whether you can afford that perfect image, you’ll be able to find the right royalty-free picture for any creative project with confidence.

As someone who creates content regularly, I’ve seen firsthand how essential high-quality visuals have become, and the industry reflects that demand. The stock photography market is worth $5.09 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $7.27 billion by 2030, growing at a 7.4% CAGR. With that kind of momentum, it’s no surprise that creators, marketers, and businesses are constantly searching for better imagery.

But despite that growth, you don’t always need a paid subscription to access great photos. Over time, I’ve tested and bookmarked dozens of free stock photo websites, and a handful consistently stand out for their quality, licensing flexibility, and ease of use.

These are the 6 free stock photo platforms I genuinely recommend, the ones I reach for when I need high-resolution, royalty-free images without the hassle. Whether you’re building a presentation, drafting a blog, designing social posts, or experimenting with a new side project, these sites offer plenty of visual inspiration without touching your budget.

The list below contains user reviews from the best stock photo websites category page. It’s important to note that in the context of this list, vendors offering a free trial are also considered free. To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Provide a high-volume repository of images for download
• Offer free, royalty-free, or license-required images

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity. 

Dreamstime is a thriving marketplace where you can explore a wide collection of royalty-free images, illustrations, and vectors alongside budget-friendly subscription plans. You can find hidden gems from a global community of artists with a focus on unique cultural perspectives and fresh content. Dreamstime caters to free and paid users, offering flexibility for all.

Pros and cons of Dreamstime: At a glance

What G2 users like about Dreamstime:

“I’ve evolved my company through multiple LLCs, and Dreamstime has consistently provided the most well-rounded photos and visuals compared to any other company I’ve tried in over 10 years. Incredibly, they’ve saved all my downloads in my dashboard over the years, even the unused ones! This allows me to browse and discover hidden gems I might have overlooked easily. Dreamstime’s new reusable monthly payment plan is simply unbeatable in terms of affordability, ease of use, and long-term value.”

– Dreamstime Review, Gabrielle L.

What G2 users dislike about Dreamstime:

“I wish there were a way to search the categories/limit search results to a specific category. That functionality seems obvious since all images are already sorted into categories and subcategories in the database.”

– Dreamstime Review, Tara O.

Depositphotos goes beyond just stock photos. It accommodates a vast collection of royalty-free images, vectors, illustrations, and even HD videos. Depositphotos stands out with its built-in AI image generator. Simply describe your desired image, and the AI tool will create it in seconds. This lets you find exactly what you need for your project, including unique, AI-generated content. 

Pros and cons of Depositphotos: At a glance

What G2 users like about Depositphotos :

“Depositphotos has a vast and user-friendly collection of royalty-free images, vectors, illustrations, and even HD videos, making it a valuable resource for graphic designers, video editors, and all kinds of creatives. The platform also provides users with AI tools like a background remover and image generator.”

– Depositphotos Review, Baljyot S.

What G2 users dislike about Depositphotos:

“While fresh content is always appreciated, there have been instances where we’ve encountered repeated images within specific categories. More frequent updates introducing new options would be beneficial.”

– Depositphotos Review, Natali H.

JumpStory stands out for its focus on truly authentic, human-centered imagery, photos that capture real moments, real emotions, and real experiences. Instead of over-processed stock visuals, JumpStory gives you access to relatable lifestyle, travel, landscape, and city photography that actually feels natural.

Beyond its rich library, JumpStory includes time-saving creative tools like AI Text Match for instant image recommendations, one-click background removal, built-in editing, and even a personal assistant that finds the right visuals for you. With unlimited downloads, simple licensing, and features like JumpStories (a fusion of photography and film), it’s a powerful all-in-one platform for marketers, designers, and creators who want impactful visuals without the stock-photo feel.

Pros and cons of JumpStory: At a glance

What G2 users like about JumpStory:

“I was lucky enough to get a lifetime deal, which means I get away from the hooks of their competitors. Its vast array of photos that just don’t look like stock pictures is probably one of the biggest selling points. I also really like the AI that they are incorporating, which really helps them stand out from the crowd.”

– JumpStory Review, Alex C.

What G2 users dislike about JumpStory:

“Missing an add-in for PowerPoint for easy access to images.”

– JumpStory Review, Jens P.

Storyblocks is a game-changer for photo content seekers.  It offers a huge library of royalty-free stock photos, videos, and audio files under one roof. The platform features a user-friendly search function along with tools for organizing and managing downloaded assets. All stock footage on Storyblocks is professionally produced and available in various resolutions to suit different project needs. According to G2 Data, it ranks as the 1st easiest to use tool.

Pros and cons of Storyblocks: At a glance

What G2 users like about Storyblocks:

“Storyblocks is my go-to for images and video for my presentations. I’m a dentist and lecturer nationwide, always looking for high-quality images and videos. The Maker feature is especially easy to use and produces fantastic results. Downloads are easy, and customer support is very responsive. I’d highly recommend Storyblocks to anyone looking for content for presentations!”

– Storyblocks Review, Dr. Charlie W.

What G2 users dislike about Storyblocks:

“The only thing that I find challenging about Storyblocks is when browsing on the website, video images have a hard time popping up or are slow to load. It’s the only time I’ve found searching for something quickly challenging.”

– Storyblocks Review, Ned S.

Vecteezy is more than just a free stock photo site; it’s a creative playground offering a massive library of royalty-free images, vector graphics, and videos. Beyond the usual suspects, you’ll find unique vector illustrations, seamless patterns, and stunning video footage. Plus, Vecteezy integrates with design software for a seamless workflow, making it a one-stop shop for all your creative needs.  According to G2 Data, it is ranked as the highest-rated tool for this category.

Pros and cons of Vecteezy: At a glance

What G2 users like about Vecteezy:

“As a beginner in laser cutting and engraving, I tried Vecteezy for some free files to test my new Atomstack A20 Max. I’m very impressed with the vast amount of different vectors available and the ease of downloading them. Having read that these Vecteezy files are compatible with LightBurn, I’m eager to test my new laser in just a few minutes!”

– Vecteezy Review, Paul G.

What G2 users dislike about Vecteezy:

“Limited free downloads: While a good range of free content exists, the most unique and high-quality assets are typically behind a paywall.”

– Vecteezy Review, Mar N.

Vistacreate is a graphic design powerhouse for any industry or occasion, catering to beginners! You can select from 150K+ professionally designed templates already preformatted and customizable for social media posts, presentations, marketing materials, and more. No design skills are necessary! Access millions of free photos, videos, and graphics, or upload your own.  According to G2 Data, it is used by 78% of small businesses.

Pros and cons of VistaCreate: At a glance

What G2 users like about VistaCreate:

“One of the outstanding features of VistaCreate is the extensive library of templates. Whether I need designs for social media posts, business cards, flyers, or even logos, VistaCreate has you covered. The templates are not only plentiful but also visually stunning and customizable. You can modify colors, fonts, and images to match your brand or personal style with just a few clicks. It’s like having a professional designer at your fingertips!”

– VistaCreate Review, Aman S.

What G2 users dislike about VistaCreate:

“The background removal tool can be inconsistent at times. Images with complex color palettes may not produce optimal results. Additionally, there have been occasional issues encountered during template export.”

– VistaCreate Review, Pradeep K.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, some others include Freepik, Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay.

Q4. Are free stock photos safe to use for commercial purposes?

Some free stock photos are safe for commercial use, but licensing terms vary by platform. Tools like Vecteezy, Dreamstime, and Depositphotos offer free images with specific license conditions, such as attribution requirements or restrictions on redistribution. Always review the license before using images in ads or branded content.

Q5. Which free stock photo sites include videos and illustrations, too?

Several of the top free stock photo platforms also offer videos, vectors, and illustrations to support more creative projects.

• Storyblocks: Best for high-quality stock videos, motion graphics, and animation assets.
• Vecteezy: Offers a large library of free illustrations, icons, and vector graphics.
• Dreamstime & Depositphotos: Provide photos along with vectors, illustrations, and a limited selection of free videos.
• VistaCreate: Includes photos, vectors, icons, and short video clips inside its design editor.
• JumpStory: Primarily image-focused but includes illustration-style visuals.

Quick takeaway: For videos, choose Storyblocks. For vectors and illustrations, choose Vecteezy.

Q6. What’s the difference between free stock photos and royalty-free images?

The two terms sound similar, but they refer to different things.

Free stock photos are images that cost nothing to download and use. However, the licensing varies by platform; some photos require attribution, some have limits on commercial use, and others come with flexible permissions. For example, Dreamstime and Vecteezy both offer free images, but their usage rights differ.

Royalty-free images, on the other hand, refer to a type of license, not the price. With a royalty-free license, you pay once (or access it through a subscription) and can use the image multiple times without additional fees. Platforms like Depositphotos and Storyblocks primarily operate on royalty-free licensing.

Q7. What are the limitations of free stock photo websites?  

Free stock photos are a budget-friendly dream, but there are catches. Some images might be overused, leading to a less unique look. Often, finding very specific content can take time and effort. Commercially, restrictions are common – you might need a paid license for ads or packaging. Licenses can be complex, too – some require crediting the photographer, while others may limit modifications.

Q8. How do free stock photo tools compare in terms of image variety?

Free libraries tend to have fewer niche, industry-specific, or lifestyle images. Platforms such as Vecteezy and Dreamstime offer a solid range of free visuals, but paid plans typically unlock more diversity and updated content.

Q9. Which free stock photo platforms work best for marketers?

Marketers typically look for commercial-use licenses and easy customization. While free libraries can work for basic needs, platforms like Storyblocks and Depositphotos are often preferred when scaling campaigns or running ads.

Fuel your creativity  

Don’t let limited budgets clip your creative wings. Free stock image sites provide a vast library of high-quality images to elevate your projects. While there might be restrictions on super-specific needs or commercial use, the sheer variety and budget-friendly nature make them a fantastic starting point. So dive in and explore your visual storytelling magic!

I hope this list of the best free stock photo sites takes you one step closer to finding the right solution!

Here’s a guide to the best free photo editing software to get you started with the next steps!

Edited by Monishka Agrawal

This article was originally published in 2024. It has been updated with new information.

Samudyata Bhat

Samudyata Bhat is a Content Marketing Specialist at G2. With a Master’s degree in digital marketing, she currently specializes her content around SaaS, hybrid cloud, network management, and IT infrastructure. She aspires to connect with present-day trends through data-driven analysis and experimentation and create effective and meaningful content. In her spare time, she can be found exploring unique cafes and trying different types of coffee.