Procreate vs Shutterstock
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Stock photos, video, and music.
The verdict
Both Procreate and Shutterstock are credible graphic design tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Procreate if you want a lower starting price (from $12.99 once) and a higher overall rating (4.8/5). Powerful illustration for iPad.
Choose Shutterstock if you'd rather have broader platform coverage. Stock photos, video, and music.
Procreate vs Shutterstock: side by side
| Dimension | Procreate | Shutterstock |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $12.99 onceWinner | From $29/mo |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Pricing model | One-time | Subscription |
| Best for | Illustrators, Artists | Marketers, Designers |
| Platforms | Ios | Web, Api, Ios, AndroidWinner |
| Rating | 4.8/5Winner | 4.5/5 |
Procreate key facts
- Vendor
- Savage Interactive
- Pricing
- One-time — From $12.99 once
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Ios
- Best for
- Illustrators, Artists
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Hobart, 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 Procreate better than Shutterstock?
Neither is universally better — Procreate 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 Procreate or Shutterstock cheaper?
Procreate is the more affordable of the two to get started, at from $12.99 once. Procreate starts at from $12.99 once; Shutterstock starts at from $29/mo.
Can Procreate 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.