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FacebookMicrostock Stock Sites that offer Image Subscriptions
Trying to compare subscription options at microstock agencies is harder than trying to compare their pay-as-you-go prices. There are several variables:
Length of Subscription: Fairly straightforward, most sites offer Monthly or Annual Subscriptions.
Number of Images / Credits: More difficult to compare, most sites offer varying numbers of downloads, but some allow you to download many images in one day, some force you to spread your downloads over the entire subscription (i.e. a limit per day).
Image Types: istock subscription is credit based meaning you can download any type of media, but video or vectors will cost you more credits. other agencies allow you to download different media types under different subscription options, some include all types in one price.
Multi-seat: also known as corporate licenses, these options allow multiple users to login and access images.
Extended Licenses: Extended licenses usually come at a premium, or are excluded from subscription offerings.
| Site | Subscription Options |
|---|---|
| Dreamstime |
Multiple Combinations of Downloads (5-750), Length of Subscription (1 or 12 month), |
| Shutterstock.com |
Length of Subscription (1,3,6,12 month), |
| iStockphoto |
Multiple Combinations of Downloads (10-750 month), Length of Subscription (1month or 1 year), photos, illustrations and vectors included, no video, option to access signature images at a premium. |
| Adobe Stock |
Monthly, 10 images/month $49.99 |
| Depositphotos.com |
Monthly, 30 images/month $29 |
| 123rf |
10,150,350 or 750 images per month, Length of Subscription 1 or 12 month |
| Bigstockphoto |
Monthly, 5 Images/Day $59 |
| PantherMedia |
Multiple Combinations of Downloads (100-500 per month), Length of Subscription (1,3,12 month), variable size (web, print and max available) |
| MostPhotos.com |
Monthly, 10 images/month $73 |
| Yay Images |
Monthly, 35 images/month $29 |
Shutterstock was for many years subscription only and earned good returns for photographers during that period, the increased downloads subscriptions bring offset the lower value of each download.
Fotolia offers buyers who need modest resolutions very good value.
For buyers, the only fool proof way to compare image subscriptions is to visit each agency, check that they offer images that suit your needs (most of the agencies listed here likely will) and then having defined what type and number of images you need per day calculate your actual cost. Compare that to the cost of buying images as required on a per download basis. 
