remove.bg vs Shutterstock
Neutral, data‑driven comparison to evaluate design.
Comparing 2 AI tools.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
Upvotes | 224 | 205 |
Avg. Rating | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Slogan | Remove image backgrounds automatically in seconds with one click | Powering creativity |
Category | ||
Pricing Model | Freemium Pay-per-Use One-time Purchase Enterprise | Subscription Pay-per-Use One-time Purchase Enterprise Contact for Pricing |
Pricing Details | Free previews and trial are available. Pay-per-use/credit pricing starts at $5 (or €3) for single images. Subscription plans start at $9/month (Lite), Pro at $39/month, and Volume+ at $89/month. One-time purchase options exist for single-use. Enterprise and custom plans are available on request. Some regional differences in pricing may apply. | Shutterstock offers monthly or annual subscriptions (10, 50, 350, 750 images/month), on-demand image packs (2, 5, 25 downloads), prepaid video packs by resolution (SD, HD, 4K, in multiples from 1–25), enhanced license image packs, and editorial content pricing. Enterprise solutions and multi-user licenses are available by inquiry. Test offers and regular discount coupons exist. No evidence of a free plan; trial gives 10 free images. Coupon codes provide periodic discounts. |
Platforms | ||
Target Audience | Graphic Designers, Content Creators, Marketing Professionals, Entrepreneurs | Graphic Designers, Content Creators, Marketing Professionals, Business Executives, Entrepreneurs |
Website |
Why this comparison matters
This comprehensive comparison of remove.bg and Shutterstock provides objective, data-driven insights to help you choose the best design solution for your needs. We evaluate both tools across multiple dimensions including feature depth, pricing transparency, integration capabilities, security posture, and real-world usability.
Whether you're evaluating tools for personal use, team collaboration, or enterprise deployment, this comparison highlights key differentiators, use case recommendations, and cost-benefit considerations to inform your decision. Both tools are evaluated based on verified data, community feedback, and technical capabilities.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose remove.bg if:
- Budget-conscious teams—remove.bg offers a free tier for testing, while Shutterstock requires a paid subscription
- Automation powerhouse—remove.bg excels at workflow automation and reducing manual tasks
- Unique features—remove.bg offers image background removal and ai tool capabilities not found in Shutterstock
Choose Shutterstock if:
- Multi-platform flexibility—Shutterstock supports 5 platforms (3 more than remove.bg), ideal for diverse teams
- Broader SDK support—Shutterstock offers 12 SDKs (11 more than remove.bg) for popular programming languages
- Mobile-first workflows—Shutterstock offers native mobile apps for on-the-go access
- Unique features—Shutterstock offers image search and stock photos capabilities not found in remove.bg
Pro tip: Start with a free trial or free tier if available. Test both tools with real workflows to evaluate performance, ease of use, and integration depth. Consider your team size, technical expertise, and long-term scalability needs when making your final decision.
When to Choose Each Tool
When to Choose remove.bg
remove.bg is the better choice when you prioritize specific features and capabilities. remove.bg making it ideal for teams valuing community-validated solutions.
Ideal for:
- Budget-conscious teams—remove.bg offers a free tier for testing, while Shutterstock requires a paid subscription
- Automation powerhouse—remove.bg excels at workflow automation and reducing manual tasks
- Unique features—remove.bg offers image background removal and ai tool capabilities not found in Shutterstock
Target Audiences:
When to Choose Shutterstock
Shutterstock excels when you need broader platform support (5 vs 2 platforms). Shutterstock supports 5 platforms compared to remove.bg's 2, making it ideal for teams with specific requirements.
Ideal for:
- Multi-platform flexibility—Shutterstock supports 5 platforms (3 more than remove.bg), ideal for diverse teams
- Broader SDK support—Shutterstock offers 12 SDKs (11 more than remove.bg) for popular programming languages
- Mobile-first workflows—Shutterstock offers native mobile apps for on-the-go access
- Unique features—Shutterstock offers image search and stock photos capabilities not found in remove.bg
Target Audiences:
Cost-Benefit Analysis
remove.bg
Value Proposition
Freemium model allows gradual scaling without upfront commitment. Pay-as-you-go pricing aligns costs with actual usage. API and SDK access enable custom automation, reducing manual work.
ROI Considerations
- API access enables automation, reducing manual work
Shutterstock
Value Proposition
Pay-as-you-go pricing aligns costs with actual usage. Multi-platform support reduces need for multiple tool subscriptions. API and SDK access enable custom automation, reducing manual work.
ROI Considerations
- Single tool replaces multiple platform-specific solutions
- API access enables automation, reducing manual work
Cost Analysis Tip: Beyond sticker price, consider total cost of ownership including setup time, training, integration complexity, and potential vendor lock-in. Tools with free tiers allow risk-free evaluation, while usage-based pricing aligns costs with value. Factor in productivity gains, reduced manual work, and improved outcomes when calculating ROI.
Who Should Use Each Tool?
remove.bg is Best For
- Graphic Designers
- Content Creators
- Marketing Professionals
- Entrepreneurs
Shutterstock is Best For
- Graphic Designers
- Content Creators
- Marketing Professionals
- Business Executives
- Entrepreneurs
Pricing Comparison
remove.bgBest Value
Pricing Model
Freemium, Pay-per-Use, One-time Purchase, Enterprise
Details
Free previews and trial are available. Pay-per-use/credit pricing starts at $5 (or €3) for single images. Subscription plans start at $9/month (Lite), Pro at $39/month, and Volume+ at $89/month. One-time purchase options exist for single-use. Enterprise and custom plans are available on request. Some regional differences in pricing may apply.
Estimated Monthly Cost
$+/month
Shutterstock
Pricing Model
Subscription, Pay-per-Use, One-time Purchase, Enterprise, Contact for Pricing
Details
Shutterstock offers monthly or annual subscriptions (10, 50, 350, 750 images/month), on-demand image packs (2, 5, 25 downloads), prepaid video packs by resolution (SD, HD, 4K, in multiples from 1–25), enhanced license image packs, and editorial content pricing. Enterprise solutions and multi-user licenses are available by inquiry. Test offers and regular discount coupons exist. No evidence of a free plan; trial gives 10 free images. Coupon codes provide periodic discounts.
Estimated Monthly Cost
$+/month
Strengths & Weaknesses
remove.bg
Strengths
- Free tier available
- API available
Limitations
- Few integrations
- Not GDPR compliant
Shutterstock
Strengths
- Multi-platform support (5 platforms)
- Developer-friendly (12+ SDKs)
- API available
Limitations
- No free tier
- Few integrations
- Not GDPR compliant
Community Verdict
remove.bg
Shutterstock
Integration & Compatibility Comparison
remove.bg
Platform Support
Integrations
Developer Tools
SDK Support:
✓ REST API available for custom integrations
Shutterstock
Platform Support
✓ Multi-platform support enables flexible deployment
Integrations
Developer Tools
SDK Support:
✓ REST API available for custom integrations
Integration Evaluation: Assess how each tool fits into your existing stack. Consider API availability for custom integrations if native options are limited. Evaluate integration depth, authentication methods (OAuth, API keys), webhook support, and data synchronization capabilities. Test integrations in your environment before committing.
Developer Experience
remove.bg
SDK Support
API
✅ REST API available
Shutterstock
SDK Support
API
✅ REST API available
Deployment & Security
remove.bg
Deployment Options
Compliance
GDPR status not specified
Hosting
Global
Shutterstock
Deployment Options
Compliance
GDPR status not specified
Hosting
Global
Common Use Cases
remove.bg
Shutterstock
+2 more use cases available
Making Your Final Decision
Choosing between remove.bg and Shutterstock ultimately depends on your specific requirements, team size, budget constraints, and long-term goals. Both tools offer unique strengths that may align differently with your workflow.
Consider remove.bg if:
- •Budget-conscious teams—remove.bg offers a free tier for testing, while Shutterstock requires a paid subscription
- •Automation powerhouse—remove.bg excels at workflow automation and reducing manual tasks
- •Unique features—remove.bg offers image background removal and ai tool capabilities not found in Shutterstock
Consider Shutterstock if:
- •Multi-platform flexibility—Shutterstock supports 5 platforms (3 more than remove.bg), ideal for diverse teams
- •Broader SDK support—Shutterstock offers 12 SDKs (11 more than remove.bg) for popular programming languages
- •Mobile-first workflows—Shutterstock offers native mobile apps for on-the-go access
Next Steps
- Start with free trials: Both tools likely offer free tiers or trial periods. Use these to test real workflows and evaluate performance firsthand.
- Involve your team: Get feedback from actual users who will interact with the tool daily. Their input on usability and workflow integration is invaluable.
- Test integrations: Verify that each tool integrates smoothly with your existing stack. Check API documentation, webhook support, and authentication methods.
- Calculate total cost: Look beyond monthly pricing. Factor in setup time, training, potential overages, and long-term scalability costs.
- Review support and roadmap: Evaluate vendor responsiveness, documentation quality, and product roadmap alignment with your needs.
Remember: The "best" tool is the one that fits your specific context. What works for one organization may not work for another. Take your time, test thoroughly, and choose based on verified data rather than marketing claims. Both remove.bg and Shutterstock are capable solutions—your job is to determine which aligns better with your unique requirements.
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FAQ
Is remove.bg better than Shutterstock for Design?
There isn’t a universal winner—decide by fit. Check: (1) Workflow/UI alignment; (2) Total cost at your usage (seats, limits, add‑ons); (3) Integration coverage and API quality; (4) Data handling and compliance. Use the table above to align these with your priorities.
What are alternatives to remove.bg and Shutterstock?
Explore adjacent options in the Design category. Shortlist by feature depth, integration maturity, transparent pricing, migration ease (export/API), security posture (e.g., SOC 2/ISO 27001), and roadmap velocity. Prefer tools proven in production in stacks similar to yours and with clear SLAs/support.
What should I look for in Design tools?
Checklist: (1) Must‑have vs nice‑to‑have features; (2) Cost at your scale (limits, overages, seats); (3) Integrations and API quality; (4) Privacy & compliance (GDPR/DSA, retention, residency); (5) Reliability/performance (SLA, throughput, rate limits); (6) Admin, audit, SSO; (7) Support and roadmap. Validate with a fast pilot on your real workloads.
How should I compare pricing for remove.bg vs Shutterstock?
Normalize to your usage. Model seats, limits, overages, add‑ons, and support. Include hidden costs: implementation, training, migration, and potential lock‑in. Prefer transparent metering if predictability matters.
What due diligence is essential before choosing a Design tool?
Run a structured pilot: (1) Replicate a real workflow; (2) Measure quality and latency; (3) Verify integrations, API limits, error handling; (4) Review security, PII handling, compliance, and data residency; (5) Confirm SLA, support response, and roadmap.