Canva vs Shutterstock
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Stock photos, video, and music.
The verdict
Both Canva and Shutterstock are credible graphic design tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Canva if you want a lower starting price (free – $15/mo), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Design anything, no skills required.
Shutterstock — Stock photos, video, and music.
Canva vs Shutterstock: side by side
| Dimension | Canva | Shutterstock |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $15/moWinner | From $29/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Smb, Marketers, Non Designers | Marketers, Designers |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, Ios, Android | Web, Api, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.5/5 |
Canva key facts
- Vendor
- Canva
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $15/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Smb, Marketers, Non Designers
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- Sydney, Australia
Shutterstock key facts
- Vendor
- Shutterstock
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $29/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Api, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Marketers, Designers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2003
- Headquarters
- New York, New York
Frequently asked questions
Is Canva better than Shutterstock?
Neither is universally better — Canva edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Canva or Shutterstock cheaper?
Canva is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $15/mo. Canva starts at free – $15/mo; Shutterstock starts at from $29/mo.
Can Canva replace Shutterstock?
Yes for most teams — both are graphic design tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.