Pond5 vs Shutterstock
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Stock photos, video, and music.
The verdict
Both Pond5 and Shutterstock are credible media publishing tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Pond5 if you want a lower starting price (from $25 once). Stock video, music, and effects.
Choose Shutterstock if you'd rather have broader platform coverage. Stock photos, video, and music.
Pond5 vs Shutterstock: side by side
| Dimension | Pond5 | Shutterstock |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $25 onceWinner | From $29/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Best for | Video Teams, Editors | Marketers, Designers |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Web, Api, Ios, AndroidWinner |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Pond5 key facts
- Vendor
- Pond5
- Pricing
- Subscription - From $25 once
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Video Teams, Editors
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2006
- Headquarters
- New York, New York
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 Pond5 better than Shutterstock?
Neither is universally better - Pond5 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 Pond5 or Shutterstock cheaper?
Pond5 is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $25 once. Pond5 starts at from $25 once; Shutterstock starts at from $29/mo.
Can Pond5 replace Shutterstock?
Yes for most teams - both are media publishing tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.