Pexels vs Unsplash
Quick verdict
Pexels and Unsplash are both excellent stock photo tools, and the right pick depends on what you need. Pexels is free stock photos and videos shared by talented creators, while Unsplash is the internet's source of freely usable, high-resolution photos. For most people, Unsplash is the safer default thanks to its wider adoption — but Pexels can be the better fit for the right workflow.
If you're choosing between Pexels and Unsplash, you're not alone — they're two of the most talked-about stock photo tools around, and the differences aren't always obvious from their landing pages.
We track hundreds of stock photo tools on DesignBookmark, so we've put them side by side below: what each one is, where they overlap, how they differ, and a clear answer to which you should choose.
No fluff and no fabricated benchmarks — just an honest, practical comparison to help you decide fast.
At a glance
| Pexels | Unsplash | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Stock Photos | Stock Photos |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| On DesignBookmark | Listed | Featured pick |
| Categories | 2 | 1 |
Pricing is a general guide and changes often — always confirm current plans on each tool's site.
What they have in common
At a high level, Pexels and Unsplash are after the same thing. Both sit in our stock photos category, both are aimed at designers, developers and creators, and both are built to make that job faster and more enjoyable.
So if you're only going to use one, you won't be missing out on the fundamentals either way — the question is which one's particular take on stock photo tool suits you best. That's what the rest of this comparison digs into.
Pexels
Pexels is free stock photos and videos shared by talented creators. What stands out is how focused and dependable it feels: it does what it promises, release after release.
Compared with Unsplash, it's the one to reach for when reliability beats raw feature count. On the pricing side, Pexels is generally free — always click through to confirm current plans, since they change often.
Unsplash
Unsplash is the internet's source of freely usable, high-resolution photos. Its biggest strength is the everyday experience — the small details are thought through, so it gets out of your way and lets you work.
Against Pexels, it tends to win people over when simplicity and speed matter more than a sprawling feature list. On the pricing side, Unsplash is generally free — always click through to confirm current plans, since they change often.
How to choose between Pexels and Unsplash
Pick Pexels
Choose Pexels if you'd rather have one stock photo tool that stretches across more of your workflow.
Pick Unsplash
Choose Unsplash if you want the more established, widely-adopted pick that most people reach for first, and you prefer a focused stock photo tool that does its core job exceptionally well.
Pricing & how you'll pay
Pexels and Unsplash use broadly similar pricing models, so cost is unlikely to be the deciding factor. Focus instead on which one fits your workflow — and always confirm the latest plans on each site, since pricing changes often.
Workflow & learning curve
The best stock photo tool is the one that disappears into your routine. Think about which interface feels more natural to you, which integrates with the apps you already use, and which you'd actually open every day. A short free trial of each tells you more than any feature chart.
Scope — all-rounder or specialist
Pexels stretches across more of the workflow, which is handy if you want fewer tools to juggle. Unsplash is more focused, which often means it does its core job better. Decide whether you want breadth or depth.
Momentum & community
A tool is only as good as the team and community behind it. Both Pexels and Unsplash are actively maintained and listed on DesignBookmark for that reason — but it's worth a quick look at each one's changelog and community to see which is moving in a direction you like.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pexels better than Unsplash?+
Neither is universally "better" — they're both strong stock photo tools, which is why people compare them. Pexels suits you if you want free stock photos and videos shared by talented creators; Unsplash suits you if you want the internet's source of freely usable, high-resolution photos. The best way to decide is to try both on a real project.
What's the difference between Pexels and Unsplash?+
They overlap a lot — both are stock photo tools aimed at the same audience. The practical difference is emphasis: Pexels is free stock photos and videos shared by talented creators, whereas Unsplash is the internet's source of freely usable, high-resolution photos. That shapes which workflows each one feels best for.
Is Pexels or Unsplash cheaper?+
Their pricing models are broadly similar (Pexels is free, Unsplash is free), so cost isn't the deciding factor for most people. Check each site for the current plans, since they change regularly.
Can I use Pexels and Unsplash together?+
Often, yes. Plenty of people use more than one stock photo tool side by side — one as their main driver and another for the things it does best. There's no rule that says you must pick only one, though most settle on a primary tool over time.
Is there a free version of Pexels or Unsplash?+
Both generally offer a free or freemium way in, so you can try Pexels and Unsplash before paying for either.
The bottom line
The bottom line: Unsplash is the easier one to recommend as a default, but there's no wrong answer between Pexels and Unsplash — they're both genuinely good stock photo tools. Re-read the "how to choose" points above, take whichever one speaks to you for a quick spin, and keep the one that earns a permanent place in your workflow.