Side by side

Pexels vs Science Photo Library

Both stand on stock photo websites. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Pexels

Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+2

Pexels provides a free visual library, account organization features, and programmatic access through its API. Review the API limits and prohibited uses if building an integration or application.

Visit Pexels

Science Photo Library combines specialized science and medicine media with search, board, research, and licensing tools. Buyers should check usage restrictions and choose between individual licensing and the listed annual packs.

Visit Science Photo Library

The facts

	Pexels	Science Photo Library
Free plan	Yes	No
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Web	Web
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Standard Marketing Image Pack: £725 a year
Plans published	1	6
Maker	Not published	Science Photo Library
Website	pexels.com	sciencephoto.com
On stock photo websites	#2 of 80	#56 of 80

Pexels: what it does well

Photos and videos can be used commercially without attribution.
Accounts offer collections, download history, and photographer follows.
Free API access to the photo and video library.
Apps and plugins cover mobile, browser, and design tools.

What to know first

API keys default to 200 requests per hour.
API use excludes replicas and wallpaper or image-gallery apps.
Generative-AI-created uploads are not allowed.

Science Photo Library: what it does well

Science and medical image and video collection
Search, boards, notes, and email sharing
Rights Managed and Royalty Free licensing
Free research from science experts
High-resolution, unwatermarked premium downloads

What to know first

No free plan
Some media uses require prior clearance
Footage-pack seconds expire within allocated periods
Prices exclude VAT

Alternatives to Pexels Alternatives to Science Photo Library The whole list