Depositphotos vs Getty Images
Depositphotos and Getty Images offer massive media libraries, but their prices differ dramatically. Depositphotos focuses on affordable high-volume needs for consistent creators. Getty Images provides exclusive, premium visuals for high-end editorial work. Here is how to pick the right platform.
Affordable stock media with superior support.
We found Depositphotos delivers exceptional value through its expansive, licensed content library and flexible pricing. The commitment to superior customer support is clear, with representatives often going above and beyond to assist users with account issues. Overall, Depositphotos is a highly reliable choice for consistent, high-quality visual and audio assets.
Pros
- Access to a vast library of 321 million licensed files (photos, vectors, video, music).
- Excellent, professional, and prompt customer service.
- Flexible subscription models, including low-commitment Packs and discounted annual plans.
- User-friendly interface with very effective search filters.
Cons
- Auto-renewal policies for image packs and subscriptions are often confusing or unwanted.
- Pricing breakdown lacks clarity regarding sole trader versus company user status.
- Image pack downloads can sometimes have expiration limitations, such as one year.
- AI image generation tools occasionally produce repetitive models or inaccurate results.
Premium content, unacceptable customer practices.
We recognize Getty Images provides an unmatched library of exclusive editorial and creative assets, including modern AI features and flexible UltraPacks. However, we must heavily weigh the severe and consistent external complaints regarding billing dishonesty and non-existent customer support. Overall, the significant risk of billing issues and the failure to resolve customer concerns prevent us from recommending this platform despite its high-quality content.
Pros
- Access to exclusive creative photos, videos, and vectors unavailable elsewhere.
- Comprehensive editorial coverage across global news, sports, and entertainment.
- Ability to use Generative AI tools for commercially safe content creation.
- UltraPacks offer flexible, one-time credit bundles for versatile licensing.
Cons
- Extremely poor customer service responsiveness that fails to resolve disputes.
- Higher per-download prices ($130–$499) compared to standard stock photo sites.
- Reports of double-billing and failure to issue refunds for purchased assets or credits.
- Allegations of deceptive subscription renewal practices with complex cancellation requirements.
AboutDepositphotos
Depositphotos is a comprehensive online source for royalty-free stock media. You’ll find a massive 321 million files available for your creative needs. This library includes many different content types crucial for any project. You can discover large thematic collections of stock photography, vector images, illustrations, videos, and music. Leading international companies already trust this library for their visual and audio content needs. 💡
AboutGetty Images
Getty Images acts as your global resource for impactful visual content. You gain access to a massive library covering everything from creative stock art to up-to-the-minute editorial needs.
They provide royalty-free images, high-definition videos, illustrations, and vectors across all popular categories. You can also explore Getty Images Music, powered by Triple Scoop Music, for comprehensive audio and sound effects. Professionals rely on this service to access iconic moments and trending visuals that leave a lasting impact. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Pricing Model
Depositphotos is built on affordable subscriptions for volume. Getty Images uses high-cost, usage-based UltraPacks.
Depositphotos offers monthly plans starting at just $29/month for 30 images. This makes the cost per image less than $1, providing incredible value. The monthly cost of Depositphotos is extremely predictable and budget-friendly for users. Getty Images prices range from $130 to $499 per single download. Even buying a 15-pack means paying $130 per low-res asset. This pricing targets high-budget, premium production needs only. Depositphotos offers bulk value while Getty Images sells exclusivity and premium content at a huge markup. If budget consciousness is your priority, Depositphotos is the clear financial winner here.
Customer Support
Depositphotos support is professional and highly rated. Getty Images receives critical complaints about responsiveness.
Depositphotos users consistently praise their prompt, proactive customer service team. They often resolve issues quickly, even handling auto-renewal disputes easily and professionally. Getty Images has an abysmal 1.3-star review rating due largely to reported support failure. Users claim they often cannot resolve billing errors or account disputes. Reliable support is included with Depositphotos, mitigating common stock library frustrations immediately. The high cost of Getty Images clearly does not translate into better customer service experience.
Content Exclusivity
Getty Images offers millions of exclusive creative visuals. Depositphotos competes using massive library size and variety.
Getty Images provides photos and videos labeled as exclusive content unavailable elsewhere. They also possess the world's largest digital archive of historical media. Access to these iconic moments is centralized only on Getty Images. Depositphotos counters this by offering a massive 321 million file library across all media types. Their primary benefit is sheer volume and diversity, not unique ownership. Getty Images specializes in unique, editorial, and hard-to-source archival content at a premium. If you need content everyone else has, Depositphotos works; if you need unique visuals, choose Getty Images.
Generative AI
Depositphotos provides unlimited basic AI creation. Getty Images focuses on commercial safety and modification tools.
All Depositphotos plans include perpetual rights and unlimited access to their AI image generation tools. This encourages high-volume, rapid visual iteration and ideation. Getty Images Generative AI is advertised as commercially safe and ready-to-license from the start. This shields users from potential copyright issues. Getty Images also allows modification of existing assets, letting users add or remove elements easily with AI. Unlimited use favors Depositphotos, but commercial safety and modification tools make Getty Images attractive for enterprise. You choose based on whether you want high quantity or high safety.
Media Management
Getty Images includes a robust DAM system. Depositphotos focuses on essential search functions only.
Getty Images offers the best-in-class Media Manager system standard for digital asset management. This streamlines the organization and distribution of all licensed content for large teams. Depositphotos offers advanced search and image discovery tools but lacks a dedicated DAM system. Depositphotos is aimed more at individual users or small teams downloading directly. Large organizations with extensive compliance/asset distribution needs will require the functionality of Getty Images.
Our Verdict
The decision between these two platforms hinges entirely on budget and content needs. Depositphotos offers massive volume and great reliability at an extremely low price. Getty Images delivers iconic, exclusive, high-end visuals but comes with a massive cost increase. For nearly all high-volume creators, Depositphotos is the logical and safer choice. Depositphotos' superpower is offering affordability combined with user trust and support. You access 321 million files and reliable support for as low as $29 monthly. Depositphotos is the smart choice for consistent, high-volume stock use across most teams and budgets. Getty Images excels in unique, high-tier content like global editorial coverage and historical archives. Organizations needing that specific, one-of-a-kind visual often have to use Getty Images. Their content is highly exclusive and cannot be sourced anywhere else, justifying the premium for some users. The major dividing factor is cost versus customer service risk. Depositphotos is financially transparent and reviews are excellent. Getty Images costs hundreds per image, and users report massive billing issues and non-existent support access. Choose Depositphotos for 95% of your stock media needs and budget transparency. Only choose Getty Images if you absolutely require their exclusive editorial content or their proprietary Media Manager system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which service is cheaper: Depositphotos or Getty Images?
Depositphotos' subscription plans are far cheaper, starting at $29/month for 30 downloads. Getty Images UltraPacks start at $130 per download, even when purchased in bulk. Depositphotos offers a much lower cost-per-asset.
Which platform has better customer service?
Depositphotos is renowned for professional, prompt, and highly-rated customer support. Getty Images is heavily criticized in reviews for non-existent support and major billing error issues. Depositphotos is much safer.
Does Depositphotos have unique content like Getty Images?
Getty Images guarantees access to millions of exclusive photos and historical archives. Depositphotos competes with a massive library of 321 million files. Depositphotos provides variety; Getty Images provides guaranteed uniqueness.
Is Getty Images worth the higher operational risk and cost over Depositphotos?
The price is justified only if you specifically need Getty Images' exclusive editorial content or their integrated Media Manager DAM system. For high-volume needs, Depositphotos provides better value and reliable business practices. Many users report the high cost of Getty Images is not worth the risk.
Which tool is better for obtaining editorial and news images?
Getty Images is the recognized global leader for accessing up-to-the-minute editorial coverage, sports, and historical archives. Depositphotos carries standard stock footage but does not specialize in this niche. Getty Images wins for comprehensive media coverage.
Do both Depositphotos and Getty Images offer videos and audio?
Yes, both Depositphotos and Getty Images offer comprehensive media libraries. This includes photos, vector files, high-definition video, and royalty-free music or sound effects. You can source full projects from either platform.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.