Bigstock vs Pngtree
Bigstock offers a vast, general library of flexible stock images and video footage. Pngtree specializes in transparent PNGs and useful integrated design tools. The choice comes down to organizational reliability versus specialized asset focus. Both offer great value but have very different risk profiles.
Affordable stock media with highly flexible plans.
We found that Bigstock offers competitive tiered pricing and flexible daily or monthly subscription models for both images and videos. Overall, users praise the selection and value, but we noticed serious, recurring concerns about confusing cancellation processes and unresponsive customer support that potential buyers must carefully review.
Pros
- Massive library of royalty-free images, vectors, and videos.
- Flexible pricing plans ($79–$99 per month) with daily or monthly limits.
- Offers high-value plans, reducing the cost per asset to $0.33.
- Includes vectors (AI or EPS) in high-volume subscription tiers.
Cons
- Frequent, severe complaints about unauthorized charges post-free trial cancellation.
- Customer support is often unresponsive to billing inquiries and refund requests.
- Users report difficulty logging in or accessing accounts to cancel memberships.
- Support frequently refuses refunds, citing non-refundable terms of service.
Unethical tactics override asset library value
We observe that Pngtree offers an array of compelling design assets, but this strong feature set is entirely overshadowed by alarming user feedback. We found widespread reports alleging copyright extortion, aggressive upselling, and failure to honor lifetime payment commitments. Overall, we cannot recommend a service that employs such aggressive and unethical business practices against its paying user base.
Pros
- Massive resource library specializing in transparent PNG images and templates.
- Free plan allows access to 1 million assets (limited to two daily downloads).
- Includes editable templates and AI tools to streamline design workflow.
- Paid plans offer valid commercial licenses and high-speed downloads.
Cons
- Users report receiving threatening, unfounded copyright infringement claims.
- Widespread allegations of bait-and-switch regarding 'Permanent Lifetime' plans.
- Aggressive sales tactics pressure users to upgrade to expensive Enterprise plans.
- Negative Trustpilot rating (1.4 stars) and extremely poor user sentiment.
AboutBigstock
Bigstock offers a wide library of Stock Photos, Images, Vectors, Stock Videos, and Footage. It's designed to provide "Images and Video for everyone." They focus on providing royalty-free media across a stunning array of top categories. This gives you plenty of legally safe options for any visual project you might be tackling. 💡
AboutPngtree
Pngtree functions as a comprehensive stock image market primarily known for its extensive collection of PNG files. It is recognized as the largest asset site for transparent images online. The platform provides access to millions of creative assets like high-quality backgrounds, templates, text effects, and illustrations. Pngtree supports tens of millions of registered designers worldwide. They also help users stay organized by providing a marketing calendar featuring upcoming major holidays and events. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Core Content Focus
Bigstock is a general media library including videos. Pngtree excels with specialized transparent PNG graphics.
Bigstock offers a vast, general collection of stock photos and footage. Users find assets for common, high-demand content categories easily. Vectors (AI or EPS) are included in all high-volume plans. Pngtree specializes as the web's largest transparent PNG site. The library provides millions of backgrounds, editable templates, and illustrations. This focus is perfect for quick graphic design needs. Bigstock provides diversity across many media types, including motion graphics. Pngtree provides deep specialization in highly desired transparent static images. The best choice depends entirely on your primary visual asset need.
Pricing Model
Bigstock uses mandatory monthly subscriptions based on volume. Pngtree offers a tempting one-time permanent Lifetime access option.
Bigstock pricing is flexible month-to-month, ranging from $79 to $99. Plans are structured by strict daily or monthly download quotas. The cheapest cost per asset is around $0.33 per item. Pngtree offers quarterly, annual, and a $199 Lifetime plan. This one-time fee offers permanent, theoretically unlimited access forever. This option promises massive long-term savings. Reliability reports on Pngtree's Lifetime plan are extremely poor, though. Bigstock ensures predictable costs based on usage volume. Pngtree provides the potential for ultimate long-term value.
Built-in Design Tools
Pngtree integrates powerful editing tools directly into the platform. Bigstock focuses only on delivering raw stock media.
Bigstock assets are provided as raw files like JPGs and Videos. You need external software such as Photoshop for all editing tasks. The Bigstock user experience is purely download-focused. Pngtree includes an Online Photo Editor and a one-click background remover. They also offer editable templates and fonts for quick graphic customization. Free users are limited to two uses per day. Pngtree allows users to modify graphics instantly without leaving the platform. This accelerates many workflows by minimizing reliance on specialized design software. You can leverage the Free AI Template Design tool for quick drafts.
Free Access & Trial
Bigstock offers a full-access, 7-day free trial on most paid plans. Pngtree provides a permanently limited Free Plan.
Bigstock lets you test the full paid experience completely risk-free for one week. The trial grants access to your chosen plan's daily or monthly limits. Note that users report difficulty ensuring cancellation. Pngtree's Free Plan offers access to 1 million assets, limited to two downloads daily. Free assets are explicitly not licensed for any commercial projects. Bigstock allows testing the paid product fully before committing any money. Pngtree offers persistent access but it is intentionally restricted and non-commercial.
Video Availability
Bigstock offers dedicated, volume-based subscriptions for stock video footage. Pngtree does not offer stock video.
Bigstock has parallel subscription plans for both images and video footage. You can get 300 videos monthly for the same price as images ($99). Video plans also include a 7-day free trial. Pngtree excels only at transparent PNGs and graphical illustrations. There are no dedicated stock video or footage plans advertised. Choose Bigstock if you need flexible, cost-effective stock video solutions. Pngtree is not suitable for creators requiring motion graphics or video assets.
Download Flexibility
Bigstock allows burst downloading with certain plans. Pngtree limits daily downloads on all short-term plans.
Bigstock's 50 images/month plan lets you download all 50 assets at once. This removes restrictive daily download caps for urgent project deadlines. This feature is unique and highly valued. Pngtree's quarterly and semi-annual plans consistently restrict downloads to 30 per day. Truly unlimited, high-volume downloading requires the expensive Annual or Lifetime plan. Bigstock provides much better flexibility for users requiring assets in large, immediate batches. Pngtree forces a slower, more paced usage unless you purchase their highest tiers.
Trust and Reputation
Bigstock receives polarized feedback but is fundamentally trustworthy. Pngtree has a catastrophic reputation due to predatory practices.
Bigstock holds a 3.1-star rating but faces complaints about billing and support. It is owned by Shutterstock, lending institutional and marketplace trust. Pngtree has a critically low 1.4-star rating on Trustpilot. Users report threatening copyright notices and aggressive upselling tactics. Don't engage with Pngtree if commercial legitimacy is your main priority. Bigstock users must be meticulous about cancellation processes.
Licensing & Security
Pngtree offers professional copyright certificates for enhanced security. Bigstock provides standard, legally safe royalty-free licensing.
All Bigstock assets come with a clear, standard royalty-free license. This permits safe usage for most commercial and personal projects worldwide. Bigstock guarantees usage rights globally. Pngtree's paid plans include valid commercial licenses. Premium users can download a professional copyright certificate for assets they use. This documentation offers extra legal proof for client work. The Pngtree certificates provide extra legal documentation for client projects. However, the reported abusive copyright claims are a massive risk.
Our Verdict
Deciding between Bigstock and Pngtree is less about assets and more about risk management. Bigstock offers a massive, varied library backed by Shutterstock. Pngtree specializes in transparent PNGs and tempting lifetime pricing. For most people needing reliable service, Bigstock is the safer and proven choice. Bigstock excels at providing flexible, high-volume image and video subscriptions. You can get 300 assets monthly for just $99, reducing your cost per asset significantly. Their flexible 50/month plan lets you download everything instantly without a restrictive daily cap. Bigstock is essential if you need consistent access to both high-quality images and vector files. Pngtree's superpower is its hyper-specialization in transparent graphic assets. It is unmatched for easily finding pre-cut PNGs and editable illustration templates. Their built-in online editing tools let you customize assets quickly in the browser. Pngtree also uniquely offers the hugely attractive Lifetime Plan for a single US$199 fee. The deciding factor here is unfortunately user trust, which Pngtree severely lacks. Widespread user reviews highlight fraud, aggressive upselling, and failure to honor lifetime payment plans. While Bigstock faces complaints about tricky billing, it remains reliable for commercial use. Don't risk your business security or legal standing with Pngtree. If you manage high-volume content, choose Bigstock for reliable asset flow and video access. If your core project relies heavily on transparent PNGs, Pngtree technically has the assets. However, use Pngtree with extreme caution or stick to Bigstock's institutional stability for ultimate peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool is better for integrating design templates: Bigstock or Pngtree?
Pngtree is much better for design integration. Pngtree includes online editable templates and AI tools instantly. Bigstock provides only raw media assets like photos and videos.
Can I get stock video footage from Pngtree?
No, Pngtree focuses almost exclusively on static graphic assets like PNGs and illustrations. Bigstock offers parallel, dedicated video subscription plans for motion graphics.
Does Bigstock offer a free version like Pngtree?
Bigstock does not have a permanent free tier. Instead, they offer a 7-day free trial on most paid subscriptions. Pngtree provides a limited Free Plan with only two non-commercial downloads daily.
Which service is more reliable regarding billing and customer support?
Bigstock is generally more reliable, despite user complaints regarding cancellation procedures. Pngtree reviews cite extremely aggressive sales tactics and alleged failure to honor contracts.
Is Pngtree's Lifetime subscription legitimate?
The existence of the Lifetime plan is factual, priced at US$199. However, many users report Pngtree restricting access afterward. They claim Pngtree pressures them into buying expensive Enterprise plans.
Which service offers maximum download flexibility for urgent projects?
Bigstock offers maximum flexibility. Certain Bigstock plans, like the 50 images/month option, permit all downloads instantly. Pngtree limits short-term plans to just 30 downloads daily.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.