Pexels : Full Review, Testing, and Presentation (2025)

What is Pexels?

Pexels is a online platform which offers a vast database of free photos and videos.

Its objective is to provide everyone (creators, designers, marketers, etc.) easy access to royalty-free visual resources that can be used for their personal and commercial projects (social networks, website)

Founded in 2014, Pexels stands out for the quality and diversity of its content, as well as for its community of passionate contributors.

The platform makes a point of selecting photos and videos that are aesthetic, original and adapted to the needs of users with frequent updates.

Features

1. Rich and varied content library

Pexels offers a Impressive library of photos and videos, covering a multitude of themes and styles.

Whether you are looking for images of nature, people, objects, or events, you will certainly find what you are looking for among the thousands of resources available.

Critical review : While the quantity and variety of content on Pexels is undeniable, it can sometimes lack consistency in the style or quality of the images, due to the diversity of contributors.

2. Intuitive search and advanced filters

The platform offers a intuitive search system and advanced filters to help you quickly find the photos and videos that fit your needs.

You can search for images by keywords, dominant colors, orientation, or even by photographer.

❤️ Critical review : While the search options are convenient, it can happen that the results are not always relevant on Pexels, requiring a bit more time to find the ideal resource.

3. Free download and free use

All photos and videos on Pexels are free to download and can be used freely for your projects, whether personal or commercial.

The platform allows you to download files in various sizes to meet your specific needs such as simply using them for wallpapers, your website or social networks..

❤️ Critical review : While its free access and freedom of use are major assets, it is important to note that some photos can be widely used on the web, thus losing originality.

4. Contributions from talented photographers

Pexels collaborates with a community of talented photographers and videographers who regularly share their creations on the platform.

This allows you to have a constant flow of new resources and to support artists by offering them increased visibility.

❤️ Critical review : While contributors are generally talented, there may be disparities in the quality of resources, requiring more careful selection by users.

5. Easy integration on websites and blogs

Pexels offers simple integration options to use photos directly on your website or blog. You can copy the HTML code provided to display the image and automatically assign credit to the photographer.

❤️ Critical review : While this Pexels feature is handy, it can sometimes lack the flexibility to customize photo displays according to your design preferences.

Pexels is a valuable resource for anyone looking for free photos and videos. Despite some limitations, the platform is distinguished by the richness of its content, its ease of use and its desire to support artists.

Pexels pricing

One of the main assets of Pexels is its free policy. All photos and videos available on the platform can be downloaded and used for free, without having to pay fees or take out a subscription.

However, Pexels also offers a voluntary donation option to support photographers and videographers who contribute to the platform.

This approach allows users to demonstrate their appreciation for the work of artists while maintaining the accessibility of resources for all budgets.

Alternatives to Pexels

1. Unsplash: Best for minimalist, contemporary photos

Unsplash is another popular free photo platform that's known for its clean, modern aesthetic. It offers a vast collection of images, with a particular focus on minimalist and contemporary styles.

• Features : Search by keywords, thematic collections, free download, easy integration on websites.
• prix : Free, with a voluntary donation option to support photographers.

While Unsplash excels at minimalist and contemporary photos, Pexels offers a greater diversity of styles and themes.

2. iStock: Best for professional and exclusive images

iStock is a photo and video platform for professional use. It offers a wide range of exclusive images made by professional photographers, covering many themes and industries.

• Features : Advanced search, thematic collections, flexible licensing options, high resolution download.
• prix : Two main options - prepaid credits (starting at $12 for 1 image) or monthly subscriptions (starting at $29 per month for 10 images).

iStock offers professional and exclusive images, but its cost can be a drag on smaller budgets, where Pexels offers free resources.

3. Getty Images: Best for sports and news images

Getty Images is one of the world's leading photographers, renowned for its sports, news and event images. The platform offers millions of photos and videos made by professional photographers from around the world.

• Features : Advanced search, image filters, thematic collections, varied licensing options.
• prix : Two main options - download packs (starting at $175 for 5 images) or annual subscriptions (starting at $1200 per year for 120 images).

Getty Images is a go-to for professional-quality sports and news images, but its high cost reserves it primarily for larger businesses and agencies, while Pexels targets a wider audience with its free resources.

FAQs

Is Pexels free for everyone?

Yes, Pexels offers millions of free, royalty-free photos and videos for personal and commercial use.

How can I use Pexels images on my website or social media?

You can easily download and embed Pexels photos and videos on your website, blog, or social media. Simply copy the integration code provided or download the file.

Does Pexels offer a mobile application to access its library?

Yes, Pexels has a free mobile application available on iOS and Android, allowing creators to access the photo and video database from their device.

How does Pexels guarantee the quality of the photos and videos offered?

Pexels collaborates with a community of talented photographers and creators from around the world who submit new photographs on a regular basis. The Pexels team carefully selects content before it is put online.

Final Verdict

Pexels is a great resource for anyone looking for free photos and videos. Son extensive catalog, sound user-friendly interface And her free policy make it a popular choice for creators, designers, and marketers.

However, as with any free content platform, there may be compromise in terms of originality and coherence. Users may need to spend more time looking for the ideal resource and making sure it's not already overused.

Despite these limitations, Pexels remains a valuable asset for low-budget projects or for those who need quick access to quality visual resources. The platform is distinguished by its desire to support artists And of democratizing access to images and videos royalty-free.

Ultimately, the choice between Pexels and its alternatives will depend on specific needs of each user in terms of style, theme, quality, and budget. But for those looking for a reliable and affordable source of images and videos, Pexels is certainly a must to consider.