Coolors vs Shutterstock
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Stock photos, video, and music.
The verdict
Both Coolors and Shutterstock are credible design creative tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Coolors if you want a lower starting price (free – $3.99/mo), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.8/5). The super-fast color palette generator.
Shutterstock — Stock photos, video, and music.
Coolors vs Shutterstock: side by side
| Dimension | Coolors | Shutterstock |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $3.99/moWinner | From $29/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Designers, Developers, Creators | Marketers, Designers |
| Platforms | Web, Ios, Android | Web, Api, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.8/5Winner | 4.5/5 |
Coolors key facts
- Vendor
- Coolors
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $3.99/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Designers, Developers, Creators
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2015
- Headquarters
- Reggio Emilia, Italy
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 Coolors better than Shutterstock?
Neither is universally better — Coolors 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 Coolors or Shutterstock cheaper?
Coolors is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $3.99/mo. Coolors starts at free – $3.99/mo; Shutterstock starts at from $29/mo.
Can Coolors replace Shutterstock?
Yes for most teams — both are design creative tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.