Pexels and Unsplash are two of the most popular free stock image websites.
These sites are free from copyright restrictions, meaning you can copy, distribute, or modify images, even for commercial purposes.
However, some images on these platforms require attribution. Therefore, it is paramount to do your research to determine where these images can be used. These images have many uses, and being free makes them more alluring.
Close as Pexels and Unsplash may be, each has attributes that make it stand out. This article will examine how these sites compare, including their distinct features, pros and cons, and pricing.
So, let’s get straight to it.
Pexels vs Unsplash – What are They?
Pexels
Pexels is a free online stock photo and video source that helps designers, bloggers, or anyone looking for great photos and videos. All the high-quality images and videos on Pexels are licensed under the Pexels license or Creative Commons License (CCO).
All the multimedia content on Pexels is nicely tagged, searchable, and discoverable through Pexels’ Discover page. Pexels updates the site with high-resolution photos daily. All images are hand-picked from other free image websites or uploaded by Pexels users.
Pexels is run by Ingo Joseph and Bruno Joseph, who founded the platform in 2014. Daniel Frese joined the team in 2015. It is a legal website. Photographers upload photos to the platform, knowing that others will reuse them.
You can download images on Pexels even without creating an account. But you need an account to use other features. You also need an account to perform tasks such as liking photos, following photographers, or collecting pictures.
Pexels works like most search engines, including Google. To get started, type your keywords into the search bar and scroll through available images. Click on the download button to save the photos directly to your computer.
While you can use images from Pexels in any way you’d like, the platform also has guidelines that bar you from reselling the photos without editing or adding value.
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Unsplash
Unsplash provides photos for everyone. It is home to over three million high-resolution images from a generous community of photographers. Michael Cho, a Montreal-based entrepreneur, founded Unsplash in 2013.
The platform started off as a twenty-dollar theme on Tumblr, with its first image hosted by Dropbox.
Since its inception in 2013, the platform has grown to become a leading stock image site with over three million free high-resolution images for commercial and non-commercial use.
Unsplash is an excellent source of free, high-quality stock images photographers upload worldwide. Unsplash doesn’t pay photographers whenever their images are downloaded, as they agree to allow their work to be used for commercial and non-commercial purposes without attribution.
The site features a vast library of images that is easy to browse, search, and download. You cannot sell images from Unsplash without significant modifications.
Therefore, if you wish to print Unsplash images or sell with minimal modifications, you must get permission from its photographer.
The platform only accepts original photos. It does not accept collages, composites, or any remixes of one or more pictures. Photos must measure at least 2,500 by 1,200 pixels with a minimum resolution of five megapixels.
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Pexels vs Unsplash – Features
Pexels Features
1. A Library of Multimedia Files
Pexels maintains a rich multimedia library of over 3.2 million photos and footage for free download and use. The platforms upload thousands of images daily, so you can get different image perspectives whenever you visit the website.
The multimedia library is easy to navigate, thanks to its intuitive search function that allows you to sift through many images to locate what suits your project.
In addition to stock images, Pexels updates thousands of high-quality 4K videos and clips for free download and use.
2. Pexels Photo Challenge
Pexels hosts challenges that allow photographers to win great prizes from sponsors. Photographers can upload their photos weekly or monthly. A jury then selects winners for various categories to be awarded prizes and be published on Pexels’ front page.
Since all photos uploaded to Pexels can be used by creatives worldwide and on robust publications, such as Forbes, Mashable, and Buzzfeed, the photo challenge gives you a unique opportunity to reach a wider audience and build outstanding references.
Some featured prizes for the challenge include premium Photoshop tutorials from Phlearn, a simple graphics editor from Snappa, and an intuitive professional photo editor by Macphun.
3. Pexels Heroes Program
The Heroes Program is made for the boldest and most creative photographers. The program aims at boosting your reach, network, skills, and opportunities.
To join this invite-only program, you must upload your best photos and leave them to the Pexels’ curation team to select and publish them. The curation team invites photographers with high-quality curated images to join the Heroes community.
As a Pexels hero, you will receive a special badge on your profile, Pexels Swag via Snail Mail, and exclusive perks from Pexels partners.
Other benefits of the Heroes Program include meeting fellow members, priority access to updates, and getting notifications when renowned websites use your work.
4. Leaderboard
Pexels Leaderboard features contributors with the most views within 30 days. These statistics are based on what users would have uploaded within 30 days to give new photographers opportunities to rise to the top.
The feature is frequently updated but does not show changing numbers in real time. So do not be surprised when you don’t see your position change after some time.
Unsplash Features
1. Topics
Topics is one of Unsplash’s top features that highlights photography beyond its main editorial feed, which curates inspiring photography on the platform.
Unsplash adds multiple incredible types of photography daily, hence the need for an additional feed (Topics) to maximize what to showcase.
Through Topics, Unsplash showcases new and experimental photos, wallpapers for your devices, photojournalism photos, and popular subjects that focus on travel, architecture, nature, and culture.
2. Image Filter by License
Filtering images by License was one of the most requested features for Unsplash+ subscribers. The feature is available to all Unsplash users. It allows you to differentiate between images in the Unsplash open library and those under the Unsplash+ license.
In addition to the license filter option, you can view your search results by orientation. Choose among portrait, landscape, or any orientation.
You can also filter your search by relevancy. Pick relevance to explore images related to your keyword or “newest” for results based on when images were uploaded.
3. Unsplash+
Unsplash+ offers an excellent way to explore thousands of stock images for members only. Members can access exclusive royalty-free images with enhanced legal protections.
Unsplash+ members are also entitled to unlimited royalty-free downloads of images added monthly.
You can pause, deactivate, or reactivate your Unsplash+ account. The best part is that the platform charges you in your local currency if you live in the US, UK, or Canada. However, you will be charged in Euros or US Dollars if you live in another country.
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4. Advertise
The Advertise feature appeals to anyone who wishes to present their products or services to new markets. Unsplash’s direct advertising allows you to place performance-driven ads to generate traffic and conversions.
You can also leverage the power of Native Advertising to lift your brand visibility. Native Advertising lets you tell your beautiful brand story by posting content on Unsplash in targeted search results.
With Unsplash advertising, you can reach up to 75% of creative professionals, 71% of the audience with university degrees, and 51% of users with a household income of $100K and above.
Pexels vs Unsplash – Pricing
Pexels Pricing
As stated, Pexels allows you to access premium stock images for free. The website and app allow you to use downloaded images for personal and commercial purposes.
So, whether you are looking for unique images for your website, newsletter, eCommerce site, newsletter, or eBook presentation, Pexels has something for you.
While photographers upload images knowing that their work will be used anywhere without charge, Pexels has a provision for voluntary donations. Once you download a photo, an action pops up, directing you to appreciate the photographer with a small donation.
The Pexels app is free for download at Google PlayStore for Android and AppStore for iOS.
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Unsplash Pricing
Unsplash features free-to-use stock images for personal, editorial, or commercial purposes. You don’t have to ask for permission or provide credit to the photographer.
However, the platform bars you from selling or printing images to replicate a competing service without significant modification.
However, the free version of Unsplash limits you. To access more features and unlimited downloads, upgrade to Unsplash+ for $4 monthly if you pay annually. Unsplash+ gives you additional images monthly, enhanced legal protection, and unlimited downloads.
Unsplash is available for free download for Android and iOS.
Pexels vs Unsplash – Similarities and Differences
Similarities
Both Pexels and Unsplash are popular sources of free stock images. All images are nicely tagged and easily discoverable through their robust search features. The platforms benefit designers, bloggers, and anyone looking for great images to accompany various projects.
You can use these images to promote your products on various platforms, including social media, or print them for commercial and non-commercial purposes.
Photographers and other creatives populate Unsplash and Pexels with high-quality stock images to inspire people worldwide. Photographers upload all these images with no strings attached and with the knowledge that they can be used anywhere without attribution.
Pexels and Unsplash will not ask you to pay photographers, but they have a provision for appreciating their good work. Immediately after you download an image on Pexels, a “say thanks” message pops up, and you can donate or say thanks through social media.
In the same way, once you download an image from Unsplash, a “say thanks” pop-up shows up. You can credit a photographer through a ready-made method using a special code. If you find the process tasking, a simple photo-by (name of photographer) tag would go a long way.
The minimum requirements for accessing Pexels and Unsplash are a computer or phone and a reliable internet connection.
Both Pexels and Unsplash offer ways to make money for photographers and videographers. Unsplash offers a one-time payment for contributors through a transparent system. Contributors can see the amount earned and decide whether it’s worth the submitted image.
Continuous Unsplash+ contributors get special access to higher-budget shoots and additional opportunities.
A contributor doesn’t earn a specific amount on Pexels, as it’s determined by niche and the willingness of end users to donate.
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Differences
Regarding offerings, Unsplash has an extensive collection of over four million stock images. On the other hand, Pexels maintains a library of about two million photos for personal and commercial use.
However, it’s essential to note that Pexels has the edge over Unsplash in its offerings. In addition to images, it offers free stock videos, making it a viable source of unique content for multimedia projects.
Unsplash seemingly has a more refined search algorithm than Pexels. You’ll realize that whenever you search on Unsplash, you will receive broader options for semantically related photos, giving you more options for your creative needs.
On the other hand, Pexels is more literal. The platform provides results closely linked to the keywords you insert in the search bar.
Unsplash introduced its premium feature, Unsplash+, to provide access to an advanced collection of premium images. Unsplash+ costs $4 per month to enable you to access high-quality images with legal protection to give you peace of mind.
Therefore, the Unsplash+ mode promises more options for creatives than Pexels, which only has free and limited versions.
Pexels only offers a single plan that is free to all users. There are no membership or subscription fees, and the platform allows you to download and use images without an account.
Pexel’s free plan gives you access to the media library, downloads, reproduction of images and videos, and flexibility of multimedia use.
Pexels has no hidden charges. Everything is freely available, making it ideal for creatives looking to cut costs. It has a thriving community of photographers and videographers who ensure that users have a constant supply of visual content for projects.
Pexels vs Unsplash – Pros and Cons
Pexels Pros
- Pexels is a straightforward platform. You only need to search, browse, and download images or videos and start creating your vision.
- Pexels is ideal for creatives on a budget. It offers sufficient multimedia content to organize and execute various tasks when developing websites.
- It is easy to use. Creatives laud the platform for its intuitive interface and utilitarian design, making it easy to identify images and videos fit for their projects.
- Most creatives return to Pexels for its high-quality images in file form. You can download the images and videos without attribution.
- Pexels’ flexible license permits you to edit images and photos. Once you edit a photo, it can be copyrighted, which can be beneficial in achieving a particular aesthetic.
- It is safe to download images from Pexels since all images and videos are licensed under Pexels.
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Pexels Cons
- While a greater percentage of users are happy with Pexels, some fault the platform for limited modification options. In most cases, Pexels edits images to fit its professional style and aesthetic, making it hard for end users to make further edits.
- Pexels’ search functionality is fit for newbies. Professionals may find it basic, as its subject-based search function allows you to search only based on a particular topic.
While its intuitive design is a plus for most users, advanced users find it limiting. If you use stock images for commercial purposes, you’ll agree that your niche interests might not work with Pexels’ search function.
Unsplash Pros
- Unsplash features a rich collection of high-quality stock images in various categories, including technology, business, or even spirituality.
- Unsplash makes finding a range of photos easier through its intuitive search function.
- The Unsplash community is moderated. Like most platforms, Unsplash moderators decide what to offer end users and what not to do.
- Unsplash has a multi-device connection feature and promises higher download speeds—the downloaded images are high-quality and high-resolution.
- You can instantly access Unsplash without logging in, registering, or supplying email or credit information.
Unsplash Cons
- Unsplash’s photo collection is limited unless you opt for its paid option.
- While the platform offers thousands of great photos, most are generic and might not be helpful in specific business content.
- Photographers may not benefit more from Unsplash as the remuneration options are scarce.
- Since the photos on Unsplash are free for download and use, chances are high that some images may be overused.
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Conclusion – Which is Better Between Pexels and Unsplash?
That’s it! I hope the above information helps you make a decision that fits your creative needs. It is essential to note that despite their differences, you shouldn’t tie yourself to using only one platform.
These two can be used interchangeably, provided they meet the specific needs of the project at hand. You might be fascinated by Unsplash’s advanced search algorithm and premium images, only to realize that Pexels’ video inclusion will benefit your multimedia project.
The best part is that you can use Pexels and Unsplash for free. So, if either of them covers your needs, head to their websites to download stock images!
