Pexels vs Pixabay
Pexels
pexels.comPixabay
pixabay.comSide by side
| Figure | Pexels | Pixabay |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Stock Photo Websites | 9.1 (#3) | 8.8 (#7) |
| Spec score · Stock Video Websites | 8.5 (#8) | 8.2 (#12) |
| API | The RESTful JSON API provides programmatic access to the full Pexels photo and video library, free of charge. | Pixabay provides a REST API for searching and retrieving royalty-free images and videos, returning JSON results. |
| API access | Anyone with a Pexels account can request an API key and receive it instantly. | Yes |
| API limits | New API keys default to 200 requests per hour and 20,000 requests per month. | The API allows up to 100 requests per 60 seconds by default, requires 24-hour caching, and disallows systematic mass downloads. |
| Editorial assets | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Illustration assets | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Pexels identifies Canva, Typeform, Sketch and Airtable as API partners. | Pixabay states that Canva integrates Pixabay audio tracks into Canva's media library. |
| License | Photos and videos are free for personal and commercial use without attribution. | The Content License Summary allows free use without attribution and permits modifying or adapting content, subject to prohibited uses. |
| Support | Pexels directs API users to its Help Center for answers and troubleshooting. | Pixabay directs users to ask questions on its community forum or contact the company directly. |
| Vector assets | Yes | Yes |
Plans
In their own words
Pexels
Pexels is a free photo and video library available on the web and through apps and add-ons. Its downloadable photos and videos are licensed for personal and commercial use without attribution. The site lists vector, illustration, and editorial assets. Accounts add collections, download history, photographer follows, a personalized homepage, likes, and uploading. Developers can use the free RESTful JSON API to access the photo and video library programmatically. API keys default to 200 requests per hour and 20,000 requests per month; the API may not be used to reproduce Pexels or make wallpaper and image-gallery apps. Official tools include iOS and Android apps, a Chrome extension, Google Slides add-on, and Figma and Sketch plugins. A community MS Office add-in is also listed. Pexels identifies Canva, Typeform, Sketch, and Airtable as API partners. Its listed Free plan costs nothing. Pexels says uploads created with generative AI are not allowed.
Pixabay
Pixabay is a community library of royalty-free photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, music, sound effects, and other media. Its About page reports more than 6.3 million assets. Users can browse on the website or Android and iOS apps, choose a download size, and download media; full-resolution photos and videos require sign-up. The content license permits free use without attribution and allows adaptations, subject to limits: media cannot be sold or distributed on its own, and recognizable trademarks cannot be used commercially in relation to goods or services. Pixabay also offers a REST API for searching and retrieving images and videos as JSON. By default, it allows up to 100 requests per 60 seconds, requires 24-hour caching, and prohibits systematic mass downloads. API users are asked to identify Pixabay as the media source when showing search results. Uploading media requires a registered account. Pixabay is a Canva Germany GmbH brand based in Berlin, and says it reviews reported or potentially violating content using automated tools and human moderators.