Decision Support · Side-by-side

iStock Editor vs remove.bg. Side by side.

Compare pricing, strengths, and use cases so it is easier to pick the right fit.

Browse alternatives Browse workflows

Change tools

Comparison Ready

iStock Editor

remove.bg

Best overall

For everyday users, remove.bg is the clear winner: it's free to start, works on your phone, and does one thing brilliantly. iStock Editor is effectively dead (the website says it's no longer available), so it's not a real option. If you need to remove backgrounds, choose remove.bg; if you wanted iStock's AI editing, you'll need to look elsewhere.

iStock Editor

#109 of 3,826 Web

remove.bg

Free tier available #74 of 3,826 Web

Scores at a glance

iStock Editorremove.bgPractical Versatility

Onboarding Ease

Ecosystem Fit

Market Value

Choose iStock Editor if

You are a time traveler from 2023 — this tool no longer exists
You want to read about a tool that used to exist for historical curiosity
You have an active iStock subscription and are looking for alternative AI editing tools within iStock's new offerings
You are researching why a tool was discontinued

Choose remove.bg if

You need to remove backgrounds from product photos for your online store
You want to create transparent PNGs for logos or social media graphics
You record customer interviews or take headshots and need clean backgrounds fast
You process lots of images (e.g., car listings, real estate) and want bulk automation

Key differences

iStock Editor is discontinued; remove.bg is actively maintained and updated.
remove.bg has a free tier; iStock Editor required a paid subscription and credits.
remove.bg has a mobile app; iStock Editor had no mobile support.
remove.bg does one thing (background removal) extremely well; iStock Editor was a broader AI editor.
remove.bg integrates with Photoshop, Figma, and Zapier; iStock Editor only worked within iStock.
remove.bg is for anyone; iStock Editor was only for iStock subscribers.

Facts side by side

	iStock Editor	remove.bg
Free plan
Mobile app
API access

iStock Editor: strengths & weaknesses

Was designed for legally safe AI edits on stock photos
Had fast generative fill and outpainting
Integrated directly with iStock's library
The tool is no longer available (website says 'Editor iStock tidak lagi tersedia')
Required a paid iStock subscription and credits for high-res exports
No mobile app, no offline mode
Limited to iStock's ecosystem only

remove.bg: strengths & weaknesses

Industry-leading hair and edge detection — works in seconds
Free tier available for low-resolution previews
Mobile app available for on-the-go use
Bulk processing up to 500 images per minute
Integrates with Photoshop, Figma, Zapier, and more
Free version only gives low-resolution output
Credit-based pricing can get expensive for heavy users
Requires internet connection — no offline mode
Only does background removal/replacement, not full image editing

Common questions

Is iStock Editor better than remove.bg for background removal?

No — iStock Editor is no longer available. For background removal, remove.bg is the better choice: it's free to start, works on mobile, and has the best edge detection for hair.

Can I use remove.bg on my phone?

Yes, remove.bg has a mobile app for iOS and Android. You can remove backgrounds directly from your phone camera roll.

Is remove.bg really free?

Yes, there is a free tier that gives you low-resolution previews. For full-resolution downloads, you need to buy credits or a subscription.

What happened to iStock Editor?

iStock Editor was shut down. The website now shows a notice that it is no longer available, and directs users to other AI editing tools within iStock's main navigation.

Which tool is easier for a beginner?

remove.bg is extremely easy: upload an image, wait 5 seconds, download. No learning curve. iStock Editor is not an option anymore.

Can I edit images beyond background removal with remove.bg?

No, remove.bg is focused on background removal and replacement. For full image editing (like adding text or filters), you'd need a different tool.

iStock Editor is dead; remove.bg is the simple, free, and mobile-friendly choice for background removal.

Forget iStock Editor — it's gone. If you need to remove backgrounds from photos for social media, your online store, or personal projects, start with remove.bg's free tier. It's fast, works on your phone, and you'll get professional results in seconds. If you need more advanced editing, pair it with a free tool like Canva.

Visit iStock Editor Visit remove.bg

Detail pages: iStock Editor · remove.bg

iStock Editor

remove.bg

Free plan

Mobile app

API access