Creating content for the web today goes beyond just finding images through search engines. The challenges of uniqueness, overused visuals and the risk of copyright fines are leading designers and content creators to seek new sources. The rule is simple: for high-quality images to post online, free photo stock sites are the way to go.
But with so many free options available, which ones offer a vast selection of images and are easy to use? Our latest guide covers the best photo stocks, focusing on those with a rich library of images and user-friendly features, helping you choose the right one for your projects.
Pixabay
Registration: not required;
Image formats: JPG, PNG, EPS, AI;
Number of images: over 4.4 million;
Types of images: photos, illustrations, vector graphics, as well as music and animated effects.
This photo stock is internationally recognized and widely used, known for its extensive library and variety of content. It provides not only photos and PNG illustrations but also various effects to enhance your images. Some editing features are available on the site, although the full range of tools is reserved for registered users.
A helpful tip: the search engine tends to respond more effectively to English-language queries. Despite the large database, it’s worth noting that some files may have been widely used on different sites, which could affect their uniqueness for your projects.
Free Images
Registration: not needed for accessing 40% of the images; account activation required for the rest;
Image formats: JPG, PNG, EPS;
Number of images: over 300,000;
Types of images: mainly photos and illustrations.
Free Images is a versatile platform that offers a broad range of stock photos. While it doesn’t specialise in any particular area, it’s not the optimal choice for free stock photos. This is because 60% of its collection is under a royalty-free licence, meaning commercial use may incur fees for individual images or photo sets. However, purchasing photo sets can be more cost-effective.
The platform is functionally rich, offering in-browser photo editing, effect application and options to select size or compression for your intended use.
Stockvault
Registration: required for some features;
Image formats: JPG, EPS, AI, PNG, CDD;
Number of images: Over 140,000;
Types of images: primarily illustrative pictures; photos are less common but feature prominently in collections.
This photo stock may not be the largest available, but it’s distinguished by its compelling assortment of photos. Notably, all images are offered in high resolution, ensuring no quality disparity between paid and royalty-free content. Commercial selections are accessible both with a standard licence for direct purchase and as royalty-free.
It’s also worth mentioning the extensive range of unique collections and the dedicated search functionality for them. With many images grouped into collections, this resource is ideal for sourcing complete series for comprehensive articles or similar projects.
Pexels
Registration: not mandatory;
Image formats: a wide variety;
Number of images: over 400,000;
Types of images: includes photos, short videos and long videos in a dedicated section.
This photo stock offers a large array of images, all conveniently tagged and categorised for easy navigation. Collections are available, organised not just by theme but also by author. We suggest considering author ratings when selecting the most fitting photos. The platform features works from both seasoned professionals and novices, resulting in a diverse quality of available selections.
ISO Republic
Registration: necessary for downloads;
Image formats: primarily JPG and PNG;
Number of images: over 200,000;
Types of images: photos, animations and videos.
Initially created by Tom Eversley, this photo bank has evolved into a substantial free resource with an array of paid options. Exclusive collections are earmarked for commercial use. The number of free photos you can download may be limited based on your account, and higher resolution images are reserved for paid downloads.
This photo bank is ideal for sourcing individual illustrations without being confined to a single style. While editing options on the website are limited, a more comprehensive editing tool is available in the downloadable app.
PicJumbo
Registration: beneficial but optional;
Image formats: JPG, EPS, DEM, PNG;
Number of images: over 100,000;
Types of images: photos, illustrations and effects.
This photo stock is among the top choices for copyright-free images. While a minority of photos require payment, there are always free options within the selections that are quite serviceable.
Basic editing and retouching can be done on the site, although with limitations. The search function is not the most user-friendly, so it’s recommended to navigate using categories and collections. Notably, this photo bank predominantly offers free images for commercial use, and if you wish to show appreciation to the creators, there’s an option to donate with just one click.
💡You might be interested in: Think Outside the Box: How to Fine-Tune Your Creatives
Kaboompics
Registration: required;
Image formats: EPS, PNG, JPEG;
Number of images: over 150,000;
Types of images: predominantly author’s photos, minimal effects and drawings.
This photo bank specialises in commercial author’s photos, featuring extensive collections from skilled designers, photographers and illustrators. Custom orders are available for those seeking specific, personalised content.
Additionally, a free section allows you to view stock images of good quality without charge. While this section lacks its own search function and category system, authors frequently offer supplementary works for free download, with all resolution options and a variety of formats at your disposal.
Unsplash
Registration: required for most features;
Image formats: PNG, JPEG, EPS, AI;
Number of images: over 300,000;
Types of images: photos, pictures, 3D visualisations, 3D templates.
For those researching free stock vector images and 3D galleries, this resource is a must-visit. It contains extensive collections in these areas, complete with user-friendly sorting, navigation and a precise search function (primarily in English).
While paid licences are available, the photo bank is designed for sharing among photographers and designers under the Unsplash licence, granting full access to subscribers. A section for non-copyrighted photos is also present, though these images are often overused in various articles.
Adobe Stock
Registration: necessary for premium features;
Image formats: a comprehensive range of existing formats;
Number of images: over 120,000 proprietary and an additional 500,000+ through Adobe Stock;
Types of images: photos, vector images, fonts, plugins, 3D models.
This extensive stock base, associated with a renowned brand, provides a wealth of resources for designers and Adobe product users. The platform is segmented into various modules, offering free stock photos, premium stock, free templates, and more. Search capabilities are tailored for plugins and fonts to enhance photo editing software or web services.
Over half of the content is available without a licence, with author attribution but free of watermarks or restrictions. The collections are frequently fresh and underutilised, especially for international audiences.
Reshot
Registration: required;
Image formats: PNG, JPEG;
Number of photos: over 30,000;
Types of images: mainly illustrations and icons.
This unique photo bank offers a wealth of illustrations and icons for free, ideal for enhancing articles or creating a distinct style for small projects. The vast selections are cohesively designed. While most resources are free, premium options are available at affordable prices. Note that the images are high-quality, but many are not designed for enlargement and are best suited for mobile platforms.
Burst
Registration: required;
Image formats: EPS, AI, DEM, CDD, JPG;
Number of images: over 250,000;
Types of images: photos, graphics, images.
This expansive project offers more than just a photo bank; it features a vast array of collections categorised by author, theme, and so on. With both free and paid collections available, the site updates weekly rankings of the best free selections. All images are high-resolution and available in multiple formats, making this one of the most user-friendly resources on our list.
PeoplePublicDomains
Registration: not required;
Image formats: PNG, JPEG;
Number of photos: over 100,000;
Types of images: photos, icons, graphics.
Despite its basic navigation and simple design, this site offers a completely free photo stock. The quality of images varies, so you’ll find both high and low-resolution options. While it may not be ideal for projects needing unique content, it’s suitable for general use or for those looking to customise site templates with a variety of thumbnails.
DreamsTime
Registration: mandatory;
Image formats: PNG, JPEG, EPS, DEM;
Number of photos: over 120,000;
Types of images: photos, videos, illustrations, vectors.
This extensive photo bank, categorised into over 40 sections, offers a rich variety of photos, illustrations, videos and audio files. While the platform operates on a subscription model, requiring a monthly fee for downloading a set number of files, it also features a modest selection of free stock. Notably, it boasts an unusually large collection of audio effects, making it a valuable resource for those in need of soundtracks for their projects.
StockSnap
Registration: not necessary;
Image formats: EPS, DEM, JPG, PNG, AI;
Number of photos: over 150,000;
Types of images: photos and pictures.
This resource ensures consistent quality through ongoing moderation, storing only high-quality images in various formats and extensions. Category-based searching is recommended over the search bar due to the extensive and well-segmented collection. A trending section highlights popular images of the moment, although their uniqueness may be compromised due to widespread use.
FreePik
Registration: required;
Image formats: a broad range of existing formats;
Number of photos: over 120,000;
Types of images: vectors, photos, templates and illustrations with backgrounds.
The service’s standout feature is its big collection of templates, particularly useful for creating a cohesive style across social media communities. While standard photos, icons and illustrations are plentiful, the template collections are unique and not easily found on other free stock sites. Additionally, the site offers a variety of inscriptions and logos in image form, as well as a dedicated search section for backgrounds.
SplitShare
Registration: not required;
Image formats: JPG, PNG, EPS;
Number of photos: over 50,000;
Types of images: photos and videos.
This modestly sized project, affiliated with Pexels, offers a completely free archive of photos and videos. While it may not have a wide range of categories or themes, it’s rapidly expanding, with new collections added daily. It’s advisable to keep an eye on this platform for fresh content.
Flickr
Registration: not required;
Image formats: PNG, JPG, CDD, EPS;
Number of photos: over a million;
Types of images: photos, vectors and illustrations.
This massive photo bank may lack categorization, but it compensates with a substantial collection of individual photos. The search bar is your gateway to finding specific images. While all images are free, be mindful of potential duplicates when selecting photos for your use.
FAQ
