Pexels vs Unsplash
Pexels
pexels.com
Unsplash
unsplash.comSide by side
| Figure | Pexels | Unsplash |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Spec score · Stock Photo Websites | 9.1 (#3) | 6.9 (#75) |
| API access | Anyone with a Pexels account can request an API key and receive it instantly. | Yes |
| Editorial assets | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Illustration assets | Yes | Yes |
| Vector assets | Yes | Yes |
Plans
Unsplash
- Unsplash+ MonthlyPrice not published
- Unsplash+ MonthlyPriced on request
- Unsplash+ AnnualPrice not published
- Unsplash+ AnnualPriced on request
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.