Looking for high-quality, affordable — or even free — photography for your website? That’s where the best stock photo sites come in.
A well-chosen image can convey a message in an instant, often more powerfully than words alone. In fact, visual content is proven to drive higher engagement — posts on X (formerly Twitter), for example, are 94% more likely to be reposted when they include images.
So, when it comes to making an impact online, the right photography is essential. But with so many stock image platforms out there, how do you know which ones are worth your time — or money?
Whether you’re after cheap stock images, royalty-free downloads, or exploring sites like Pixabay, we’ve rounded up six of the best stock photo sites we use and trust at KIJO.
Before we dive into the list, it’s worth understanding the difference between free and paid stock photography platforms.
Free stock photo sites like Unsplash and Pexels offer impressive collections of royalty-free images. Most of the time, these can be used commercially without attribution, although some photographers may request a credit.
On the other hand, paid stock photo platforms offer more exclusivity, a wider range of image types, and typically higher quality content. Subscribing to a premium site can give you access to niche visuals and professional-grade photography that’s less likely to appear on competitor websites.
If you’re a small business or working with a limited budget, combining both free and paid options is a great way to maximise quality and variety without overspending. At KIJO, that’s exactly what we do.
Cost: £19-90 per month
One of the most recognisable names in the industry, iStock is backed by Getty Images and offers two distinct collections: Essentials and Signature. The Signature range includes more exclusive and premium-quality images.
With helpful features like ‘boards’ to save your favourite visuals and videos for later, iStock is ideal for teams managing multiple design projects.
Cost: Free or Unsplash+ is £16 per month
We rate Unsplash as one of the best free photography websites available. With over 3 million high-quality images, it’s a favourite among creatives — and integrates seamlessly with tools like Figma, Photoshop, and Chrome via Plugins.
The standard Unsplash licence allows for commercial use without attribution (though it’s always appreciated). Their new premium tier, Unsplash+, provides ad-free access, legal protection and unlimited royalty-free downloads.
Looking for sites like Pixabay? Unsplash is a must-have on your list.
Cost: from €14.50 per month
Envato Elements offers access to over 11 million creative assets — from stock photos and videos to templates, fonts, music and animations.
It’s one of the most affordable paid stock image platforms around, especially when you consider the range of assets included. The platform’s smart filters make it easy to refine searches by image composition, subject, background and more.
If you’re on the hunt for cheap stock images without compromising on choice, Envato is a winner.
Cost: Free
Another of our go-to free stock photo sites, Pexels provides an excellent mix of photography and video content. It’s particularly popular due to its integration with Canva and design tools like Photoshop, Figma, and Adobe XD.
One standout feature? You can filter your search by colour—perfect for when you need to stick to a specific brand palette.
From £23.99 to £143.99 per month (some imagery is free)
Adobe Stock is widely used by professionals and seamlessly integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Following its acquisition of Fotolia, Adobe Stock now boasts an even more extensive range of premium images, videos and illustrations. Whilst most of its content is paid-for, a growing number of assets are available to download for free.
Cost: Free
Pixabay Last but certainly not least, Pixabay is one of the best-known free stock image sites around — and a top choice for royalty-free illustrations, sound effects, and video.
With over 4 million assets available, it’s one of the best options for anyone after a wide selection of visuals at no cost. Its advanced search filters (including size, colour, orientation and author) make finding the right image simple and intuitive.
The human brain processes images up to 60,000 times faster than words, which makes visuals an essential part of brand storytelling.
Whether you’re launching a new campaign or just updating your site content, having access to the best stock photo sites ensures you can find the right imagery to support your messaging—without breaking the bank.
From premium subscriptions to cheap stock images and totally free alternatives, there’s now a platform to suit every business and every budget.
And, with AI-generated imagery on the rise, the future of website visuals is only getting more dynamic and personalised!
At KIJO (a web design agency in Birmingham), we’re passionate about helping businesses build visually engaging, high-performing websites. If you’d like tailored advice on sourcing photography, creating a visual identity, or elevating your site’s design — get in touch with our expert team today.
Need expert guidance on your next digital project? Book a complimentary, 30-minute consultation with our Head of Partnerships & Co-Founder, Kirk Thompson. During your call, we’ll review your brand’s current performance, discuss your goals, analyse competitor insights, and explore your brand’s potential. Let’s bring your vision to life—book your free consultation via the link below:
