Unsplash+ alternatives for designers and creatives

Unsplash+ has built a solid rep for high-quality visuals, but there’s a whole world of design-friendly Unsplash alternatives out there.

Whether you're looking for something free, hyper-curated, or packed with unique e features, these sites can give your projects a fresh vibe without the same-old stock look.

1. Lummi Pro

With 40,000+ AI-generated images and new additions daily, Lummi Pro is full of visuals that are anything but ordinary. On top of free stock photos, illustrations, and 3D renders, Lummi Pro also has powerful tools and features like  reframe, which allows your to change aspect ration for any image, and shoots, which gives you a series of images with the same style, vibe, and models in different positions.

So, on top of the easy-to-find, high-resolution, royalty-free images, you get everything else you need to create projects that stand out with top-tier visuals.

2. Death to Stock (for Brands)

This one is all about breaking the norm with bold, raw visuals. Death to Stock works well for brands that want an edgier look but still maintain high quality images.

Their membership fee gives you access to exclusive, moody, and sometimes gritty photo packs, which can give you a distinct look for your designs and projects.

3. Pexels

If you’re after free, high-quality visuals that feel real, Pexels is a solid option. This image site provides access to a vast collection of high-res photos and videos, all with an emphasis on unique and natural style.

Pexels is known for its unposed, everyday-life shots, so it’s a go-to if you’re searching for polished images that feel relatable and grounded.

With a user-friendly image search, you can find images that fit your vision in seconds, from AI-generated visuals to more traditional photography styles. Plus, Pexels has contributors worldwide, adding new content regularly to keep the collection fresh.

4. Burst by Shopify

Burst by Shopify is a free image site crafted specifically with e-commerce in mind, providing visuals that make brands look sharp and on-trend.

Burst offers everything from product close-ups to lifestyle shots tailored to digital storefronts, social media, and blogs, helping online brands elevate their online look.

With an AI image section and an intuitive image search, you can find images that feel fresh, professional, and right in line with today’s digital brand standards.

5. Pixabay

Pixabay is one of the largest free stock sites out there, offering an extensive range of images, illustrations, and videos.

With its well-organized stock, Pixabay’s collection spans from clean vector graphics to more stylized or abstract shots.

Whether you’re building a website or designing for social media, it’s easy to find images that fit any vibe using Pixabay’s image search tool.

The site even includes an AI image selection, so users can explore a mix of classic and digital-era styles all in one place. This site is a flexible option that works well for creators who want a wide variety to choose from, especially for projects needing diverse visuals.

6. Flickr

Flickr gives you access to a huge collection of user-generated content that often has a unique, creative touch. Flikr is an image site that thrives on community contributions, offering visuals that feel more raw and original compared to typical stock photos.

With many images available under Creative Commons licenses, Flickr is a strong pick when you want something that looks artistic or personal.

Always check usage rights, though, since the licensing can vary. If you’re looking to find images that bring a sense of artistry or that “everyday magic” feel, Flickr’s search can lead you to visuals that stand out as truly authentic.

7. Freepik

Freepik goes beyond basic stock photos by including vectors, icons, PSD files, and graphics—ideal for designers who want more than just photos.

This image site is a treasure chest for creatives who need flexibility and variety; you can find images that range from traditional photos to editable graphics, with plenty of AI images available in the mix. While some of Freepik’s most polished content requires a subscription, the free section offers a wealth of options.

8. iStock

iStock is the premium choice for high-quality, professional-grade photos. An ideal pick if you’re ready to invest in unique, high-res imagery, iStock offers a massive library less likely to be overused, making it ideal for brands wanting to stand out.

Known for its sharp and stylish images, iStock also includes AI image options, giving users the best of both classic photography and cutting-edge visuals.

With its powerful search features, it’s simple to find images tailored for everything from marketing campaigns to brand assets, making iStock a top pick for designers who need reliable quality without the “stock” feel.

9. Vecteezy

Vecteezy is the ideal blend for designers looking to combine photos, vectors, and illustrations in one project.

This image site has a variety of styles, from photos to graphics and everything in between. For both free and pro users, Vecteezy offers flexible licensing options, so it’s easy to find images that fit any creative need.

Their selection of AI images keeps things modern, while their straightforward search tools make it quick to locate exactly what you’re looking for.

10. Kaboompics

Kaboompics is a standout for designers needing high-quality, free photos with a stylish, modern feel. Known for its lifestyle-focused images, Kaboompics offers high-res shots that look polished and refreshingly different from standard stock photos.

One cool feature is its color palette search, letting you find images by color scheme—perfect for brand consistency. While Kaboompics doesn’t offer AI images, its curated selection has a fresh, current vibe.

11. StockSnap

StockSnap is a go-to for designers who want free, high-res photos that feel vibrant and authentic. With thousands of images across diverse categories, StockSnap makes it easy to find photos that bring personality and life to your projects.

A key feature is its trending section, where you can browse the most popular and up-to-date images. While StockSnap doesn’t focus on AI images, its library is packed with fresh, user-uploaded content that looks anything but generic.

With an intuitive search function and new images added weekly, StockSnap is a solid choice for finding unique visuals that stand out

12. Canva Stock Photos

Canva's stock photo library is a powerful resource for designers looking for high-quality visuals that integrate seamlessly into projects.

A standout feature is the search tool, which allows you to filter by color, orientation, and even photo style. While AI images aren’t the focus, Canva’s vast library gives you endless options to find images that match your exact vision.

Canva consistently adds new stock images, making Canva stock photos a flexible choice for quick, polished visuals ready to elevate any design.

13. Haute Stock

Haute Stock is the perfect pick for designers looking for stylish, feminine stock photos with a premium, cohesive look. Known for its carefully curated collections, Haute Stock offers high-quality images tailored for brands, bloggers, and creatives who want their visuals to feel polished and on-trend.

With themed bundles like "Minimal Workspace" or "Bold & Bright," it’s easy to find images that fit specific aesthetics. Haute Stock doesn’t feature AI images, but its regularly updated collections keep your visuals looking fresh and relevant.

Ideal for anyone wanting a luxurious, cohesive look, Haute Stock is a go-to for chic visuals that elevate any brand.

14. Freerange Stock

Freerange Stock is a solid choice for designers seeking high-quality, free images that don’t feel like typical stock. Known for its unique, often artistic photos, Freerange’s library is full of visuals perfect for blogs, websites, and creative projects.

One highlight is the straightforward search tool, making it easy to find images by category or keyword. While Freerange doesn’t specialize in AI images, it offers a diverse selection of high-res photos that feel genuine and less commercial.

With new content added regularly, Freerange Stock is a great resource for finding free, high-quality images with a bit of personality.

Find the best Unsplash+ alternative for your projects

These sites offer some of the best Unsplash+ alternatives for designers and creatives looking for high-quality, unique visuals that stand out.

Whether you need polished lifestyle shots, artistic photos, or versatile graphics, each option brings its own flair to elevate any project.