Stock photo agencies are indispensable for designers, marketers, bloggers & co.: they provide ready-to-use photos, vectors, videos and audio elements for almost any project. To help you decide, we’ve tested more than 15 of the most relevant agencies and summarised their strengths, prices and unique features.
What is a stock photo agency?
A stock photo agency — also called a stock image library, photo database or micro-/macro-stock provider — collects, curates and licenses visual content. Customers purchase usage rights so they can legally use images on websites, social-media posts, print products or videos.
Affordable all-in-one stock agencies
These providers impress with huge archives and low-cost subscription plans – ideal for content creators, start-ups and social-media teams.
Envato Elements: Huge variety for little money
With more than 20 million assets – from photos and mock-ups to 3D – you get unlimited downloads and a straightforward licence model for just €14.50 per month.
Link: elements.envato.com
stockphoto.com: $20 all-in plan
If you’re on a tight budget, this provider gives you full-archive access for only $20 per month.
Link: stockphoto.com
123RF: Stock agency with AI-powered search
Unlimited downloads from €299 per year, plus AI-assisted search tools and online editors.
Link: https://de.123rf.com
depositphotos: 300+ million royalty-free files
Flexible on-demand credits from €0.22 per image or an all-you-can-download subscription – perfect for marketing teams.
Link: depositphotos.com
Dreamstime: 270 million files + free images
Several flexible subscription tiers, inexpensive credits and a hand-picked free section.
Link: Dreamstime.com
Shutterstock: 530 million assets & editorial content
Vast archive, AI features and exclusive news photos – from €0.23 per image in a subscription.
Link: Shutterstock.com
Premium & niche stock agencies
Here you’ll find curated, often exclusive visuals for high-end campaigns.
Stocksy United: Curated high-end photography
Artist co-operative, fair royalties, unique aesthetics.
Link: stocksy.com
Plainpicture: Fresh premium imagery
Authentic lifestyle visuals for brands seeking individuality.
Link: plainpicture.com
Pullpix: Gigapixel photos for XXL prints
Specialist for ultra-high resolution – perfect for trade-show booths and façade banners.
Link: Pullpix.de
Stock agencies from Germany
If you need German-language support, local invoicing or DACH-focused content, these are worth a look.
IMAGO: 200,000 new images daily
Extensive news, sports and editorial coverage, licences from €9.
Link: https://www.imago-images.de
Zoonar: Fair royalties & 11 million images
German platform with low-cost single licences from €2.
Link: http://www.zoonar.de
Shotshop.com: German quality from €0.99
Clear category navigation and inexpensive web licences.
Link: Shotshop.com
Adpic: Flexible subscriptions & high-quality photos
Mid-range pricing, simple licences and personal support.
Link: Adpic.de
Large international stock agencies
Here you’ll find gigantic archives, strong brands and often exclusive content.
Alamy: 281 million images & up-to-date editorials
No subscription needed, licences from €18.
Link: alamy.de
Adobe Stock: Seamless Creative Cloud integration
Huge archive, 40-image pack for €79.99/month, credit packs available.
Link: stock.adobe.com
iStock by Getty Images: Essential & Signature collections
Huge selection, credits from about €7 per image, subscription bundles even cheaper.
Link: istockphoto.com
Frequently asked questions about stock agencies
Are all images from stock agencies royalty-free?
No. “Royalty-free” only means you can use the file multiple times after purchase without paying again. You still need to respect copyright and model/property rights.
What’s the difference between microstock and macrostock agencies?
Microstock agencies sell images at low prices in high volumes (e.g. Shutterstock). Macro- or premium agencies (e.g. Stocksy) offer curated, often exclusive content at higher prices.
Which agency is best for social media?
If you post frequently, all-you-can-download plans like Envato Elements or stockphoto.com are ideal because you can download unlimited assets.
How do I quickly find the right image?
Use filters such as orientation, colour mood and people/no-people, and try alternative keywords (synonyms, English terms). The AI search at 123RF can also help.
Conclusion – which stock agency is the best choice?
For heavy downloaders, Envato Elements is unbeatable thanks to its flat-rate model. Creative premium brands should choose Stocksy or Plainpicture. If you need German editorial content, IMAGO is your go-to, while global editorials and niche subjects can be found at Alamy. Ultimately, your budget, content focus and desired licensing convenience will determine the perfect match.