Getty Images vs Vexels
Getty Images offers access to exclusive, high-end content for major brands and publishers. Vexels focuses strictly on specialized assets and tools for Print on Demand sellers. This is a clash between premium exclusivity and budget-friendly, mass-production utility. You must choose based on your specific visual goals.
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.
Excellent tools, support is unreliable.
We found Vexels excellent for accessing high-quality, readily available POD designs and specialized creation tools. We must note, however, that the platform suffers from alarming reports of poor customer service and billing irregularities, especially for high-tier users. Overall, Vexels provides strong design assets but must seriously improve its administrative reliability.
Pros
- Access to a massive, exclusive library of over 500,000 POD templates.
- Cost-effective plans that offer strong value for money.
- Tools are constantly updated, including new AI design features.
- Easy-to-use online T-Shirt Design Maker and instant Mockup Generator.
Cons
- Frequent, serious complaints regarding unresponsive customer service and technical support.
- Reports of critical billing errors, including multiple unauthorized payments upon sign-up.
- High-tier custom design service often fails to deliver accurate results or accept feedback.
- The platform currently lacks an explicit free trial option.
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. 💡
AboutVexels
Vexels is the ultimate Print on Demand (POD) merch design tool. It offers an extensive library of high-quality designs and powerful online resources. This platform makes merch creation simple for everyone, whether you are tweaking text or transforming templates. You can use it to upgrade your merch strategy with professional designs and AI-enhanced graphics.
It’s built for immediate use with major POD companies, including Etsy, Shopify, Printful, Printify, and Amazon Merch. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Primary Focus
Getty Images targets major brands and publishers; Vexels serves Print on Demand sellers.
Getty Images focuses on exclusive creative assets and comprehensive editorial content. Global news, sports, and fashion are covered instantly. Content aims for maximum impact worldwide. Vexels is built solely for Print on Demand entrepreneurs needing high-volume, ready-to-sell assets. It supports platforms like Amazon Merch and Etsy directly. Getty Images offers prestige and depth, but Vexels offers utility and speed for merchandise creation. Decide whether you need premium stock or mass-production tools. If you are running an e-commerce hustle, Vexels is the purpose-built tool.
Asset Uniqueness
Getty Images guarantees assets you won't find anywhere; Vexels provides high-volume, editable templates.
Getty Images offers millions of exclusive photos, vectors, and video content. You get access to the world's largest digital archive and unique editorial content. This content is high-end and often scarce. Vexels provides over 500,000 POD Design Templates ready for commercial use. Assets are designed specifically to be edited and sold quickly on merchandise. Getty Images excels in exclusivity and high-resolution quality for major brands. Vexels prioritizes editability and volume specific to POD needs. If brand exclusivity is your top priority, you won't beat the selection offered by Getty Images.
Pricing Model
Vexels uses cheap subscriptions; Getty Images relies on expensive, per-download credit packs.
Getty Images costs are extremely high, ranging from $130 up to $499 per single download. This uses UltraPacks, which target deep pockets and high-budget projects. Vexels offers monthly subscriptions starting around $10.50 (annual billing). This provides dozens of downloads and hundreds of AI credits monthly for steady volume. Getty Images' high price buys exclusive prestige for your projects. Vexels' low price buys the volume and tools necessary for mass production. Vexels is the clear budget winner, offering significantly more resources for a fraction of the cost per month.
Generative AI
Both have AI; Getty Images ensures commercial safety, and Vexels specializes in apparel design.
Getty Images' Generative AI creates commercially safe, ready-to-license images from text prompts. It also lets users modify existing creative images within the library. Vexels' AI is optimized specifically for generating printable merch and high-quality T-shirt designs. Users can access over 20 new AI styles instantly. Getty Images provides broad commercial protection and advanced AI modification options. Vexels provides tailored design speed for POD sellers. The choice depends on needing general-purpose protected AI (Getty Images) or specialized merch creation AI (Vexels).
Creative Tools
Vexels provides crucial online editing and mockup tools; Getty Images only provides the premium assets.
Getty Images is fundamentally a content library and relies on external professional software for editing. Its only internal tool is AI modification. Vexels includes the T-Shirt Design Maker and the Mockup Generator right in the platform. These let you personalize templates and create realistic product previews instantly. Vexels is an all-in-one creation tool for merchandise professionals. Getty Images is strictly a premium content provider. If you want to edit and customize assets immediately online, Vexels is the only option here.
Video & Multimedia
Getty Images offers extensive 4K/HD video and music; Vexels focuses strictly on 2D graphics.
Getty Images offers millions of 4K and HD video clips and a music library. This is a comprehensive media solution for high-end production needs. Vexels does not offer video or dedicated audio libraries for commercial production. It is focused solely on graphics, vectors, and templates. If your content strategy requires high-resolution moving media, Vexels cannot compete. Getty Images is the leader in premium video content. Only Getty Images provides the full range of multimedia assets necessary for film, broadcast, and high-quality digital ads.
Digital Asset Management
Getty Images features a robust DAM system; Vexels focuses on asset creation, not complex management.
Getty Images uses the powerful Media Manager system for enterprise needs. This tool is for organizing, controlling, and distributing licensed digital assets efficiently. Vexels focuses purely on providing fast paths to export graphics for POD platforms. Management features for enterprise teams are not mentioned. For large organizations that need centralized control over global licenses, Media Manager is required. Vexels lacks this capability entirely. The DAM system gives Getty Images a huge advantage for corporations and massive content buyers.
Customer Support Trust
Both struggle severely with support, but Getty Images' reputation for billing issues is disastrous.
Getty Images receives a critical 1.3-star rating, citing repeat double billing and non-existent support response. This financial liability is a significant risk. Vexels has a much better 3.8-star rating, although some users still report poor support and billing errors. The perceived product value remains high. The extreme severity of financial complaints against Getty Images makes Vexels comparatively safer and more reliable. Check external review sites carefully before committing to either service; issues are common for both Vexels and Getty Images.
Our Verdict
Deciding between Getty Images and Vexels is easy; they serve completely different creative roles. Getty Images is the expensive, premium choice for institutions needing exclusive, high-impact content. You pay massive prices for unmatched visual depth and editorial authority worldwide. Getty Images’ massive superpower is unparalleled content exclusivity and breadth. They offer millions of creative assets unavailable elsewhere, plus crucial real-time global news coverage. Their Generative AI is built primarily for commercial security and content modification. Vexels’ unique strength is providing an affordable, specialized toolkit for entrepreneurs and merch creators. Its focus is on high-volume design speed using over 500,000 editable POD templates and fast online tools. Vexels gives you realistic mockups and the Image Vectorizer for quick sales. The ultimate deciding factor is your budget versus your asset requirements. Both Getty Images and Vexels suffer from worrying reports of customer service failures and billing issues. But if you need enterprise-grade exclusivity or 4K video, choose Getty Images. If you are launching 50 t-shirt designs monthly on Amazon Merch, Vexels is the clear, budget-friendly solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for high-volume daily downloads: Getty Images or Vexels?
Vexels is far better for high volume needs because its subscription model is affordable. Vexels plans provide many downloads and credits monthly, starting around $10.50. Getty Images assets cost hundreds of dollars each in comparison.
Does Getty Images offer the creative editing tools that Vexels includes?
No. Vexels includes specialized tools like the T-Shirt Design Maker and Mockup Generator. Getty Images is strictly a premium content library that requires external graphic software for editing. Its AI only provides basic modification capabilities.
Are Getty Images' assets or Vexels' templates more expensive?
Getty Images assets are significantly more expensive, costing up to $499 for a single download. Vexels operates on a subscription model where individual assets are included in the low monthly fee. Vexels provides superior value for money.
Which platform provides better resources for editorial or news content?
Getty Images is the undisputed winner for editorial and news content. They provide comprehensive, up-to-the-minute global coverage and the world's largest digital archive. Vexels does not offer any editorial imagery.
Which has safer billing practices: Getty Images or Vexels?
Vexels has a much higher customer trust rating (3.8 stars) than Getty Images (1.3 stars). Users widely report that Getty Images has rampant problems with unauthorized charges and unresponsive support regarding billing issues. Vexels is the safer choice.
Can I use Generative AI on both Getty Images and Vexels?
Yes, both offer powerful AI tools. Getty Images features commercially safe content generation and image modification. Vexels offers specialized AI designed specifically for creating printable merchandise designs.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.