Cloudinary vs PhotoShelter for Brands
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Image and video management API.
DAM for brands and teams.
The verdict
Both Cloudinary and PhotoShelter for Brands are credible digital asset management tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Cloudinary if you want a lower starting price (free - $89/mo) and a free plan to start on. Image and video management API.
PhotoShelter for Brands - DAM for brands and teams.
Cloudinary vs PhotoShelter for Brands: side by side
| Dimension | Cloudinary | PhotoShelter for Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free - $89/moWinner | Custom |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Developers, Media Teams | Marketing Teams, Media Teams |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Web, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
Cloudinary key facts
- Vendor
- Cloudinary
- Pricing
- Freemium - Free - $89/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Developers, Media Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2012
- Headquarters
- Santa Clara, California
PhotoShelter for Brands key facts
- Vendor
- PhotoShelter
- Pricing
- Subscription - Custom
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Marketing Teams, Media Teams
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2005
- Headquarters
- New York, New York
Frequently asked questions
Is Cloudinary better than PhotoShelter for Brands?
Neither is universally better - Cloudinary edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Cloudinary or PhotoShelter for Brands cheaper?
Cloudinary is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free - $89/mo. Cloudinary starts at free - $89/mo; PhotoShelter for Brands starts at custom.
Can Cloudinary replace PhotoShelter for Brands?
Yes for most teams - both are digital asset management tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.