For online business owners, bloggers, content creators, and digital marketers working with tight budgets, free stock photo websites offer a practical solution. While AI image generators have emerged as a popular solution for creating visuals, they often produce images that look artificial or obviously generated, which can undermine your brand’s credibility and authenticity.
The platforms covered in this article provide access to professional-quality images that look genuine and help establish trust with your audience.
Here are the five best websites for free photos you can use commercially, ranked by their safety features and overall value for business users.
1. Vecteezy
Vecteezy stands out as the safest choice for business users seeking free commercial photos. What sets this platform apart isn’t just its extensive library of high-quality images, it’s the comprehensive legal protection it provides.
Unlike most free photo sites, Vecteezy takes the extra step of collecting signed model and property releases for every photo where they’re required. This means when you download an image featuring people or private property, you can be confident that proper permissions have been secured. Additionally, any photos containing brand logos or trademarks are clearly marked for editorial use only, helping you avoid potential legal issues.
Also, Vecteezy allows users to download a copy of the license for each free photo they use. This documentation is invaluable for businesses that need to demonstrate proper usage rights, whether for internal compliance or potential legal inquiries. Most free photo sites don’t offer license copies for each photo, so Vecteezy stands out here.
Aside from photos, Vecteezy also offers a large selection of 4K videos, vector graphics, templates, and more. Many of the resources are free, but they also offer a selection of premium assets that require a Pro subscription.
2. Unsplash
Unsplash has built a reputation as one of the most popular free photo platforms. The site features beautiful, high-resolution images contributed by photographers worldwide, many of whom are professionals sharing their work to build their portfolios.
The platform operates under the Unsplash License, which allows for commercial use. You can download, modify, distribute, and use photos for free without providing credit to the photographer (though attribution is appreciated).
Unsplash’s strength lies in its artistic quality. However, users should note that Unsplash doesn’t guarantee model or property releases, so extra caution is needed when using images featuring people or identifiable locations for commercial purposes.
3. Pexels
Pexels combines user-contributed content with curated collections to offer a well-rounded selection of free stock photos. The platform has grown significantly in recent years, building partnerships with photographers and agencies to expand its library while maintaining its free access model.
All photos on Pexels are released under the Pexels License, which allows free use for commercial and personal purposes. You can use the photos without attribution, though crediting the photographer is encouraged.
What makes Pexels particularly valuable is its focus on trending and in-demand imagery. The editorial team actively curates collections around current events, seasons, and popular themes, making it easier to find relevant, timely content. The platform also offers both photos and videos, providing a one-stop solution for various content needs.
Like Unsplash and most other free photo sites, Pexels does not collect signed model and property releases, and some photos include brand logos and trademarks.
4. Pixabay
Pixabay offers one of the largest collections of free images on the web, including photos, illustrations, and vectors. The platform has been around since 2010, making it one of the most established players in the free stock photo space.
The Pixabay License permits commercial use without attribution, though credit is appreciated. The terms are clear and allow for broad usage, including in advertising and promotional materials. However, like most free platforms, Pixabay doesn’t collect model or property releases.
Pixabay’s strength is in its volume and variety. Whether you need business imagery, lifestyle photos, or niche subjects, you’re likely to find multiple options. The platform also includes illustrations, vectors, and even music, making it a comprehensive resource for multimedia content needs.
5. Burst by Shopify
Burst, created by e-commerce giant Shopify, is specifically designed with online business owners in mind. The platform focuses on providing high-quality photos that are particularly relevant for e-commerce, marketing, and business applications.
All images on Burst are free to use for commercial purposes under their own license terms, which are similar to other permissive free licenses. No attribution is required, and you can modify the images as needed for your business.
What makes Burst unique is its business-centric curation. The photo collections are organized around themes that matter to online entrepreneurs: product photography setups, lifestyle images for marketing, business environments, and trend-focused imagery. This targeted approach means less time searching and more time finding images that actually work for your commercial needs.
Burst does not specify whether they collect signed model and property releases, so caution is recommended.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Needs
While all five platforms offer valuable resources for budget-conscious business owners, your choice should depend on your specific needs and risk tolerance. For maximum legal protection, Vecteezy’s comprehensive licensing documentation makes it the safest choice. For artistic quality and variety, Unsplash and Pexels offer exceptional options. For volume and comprehensive search capabilities, Pixabay delivers. And for business-focused curation, Burst provides targeted solutions.
Remember that while these platforms offer free commercial use, it’s always wise to read the specific license terms and consider your intended use case. When in doubt, especially for high-stakes commercial applications, consulting with a legal professional can provide additional peace of mind.
By leveraging these free resources strategically, you can create compelling visual content that enhances your brand without straining your budget, proving that professional-looking marketing doesn’t always require a premium price tag.
