The 8 Best Free Wallpaper Sites

Wallhaven is the best but here are some other options

By
Stacy Fisher
Stacy Fisher
Technology Educator
  • Emporia State University
Stacy is a professional technology educator with over 25 years' experience. She has published hundreds of articles, co-authored a book, and has appeared on national and local TV.
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Updated on February 28, 2024
Reviewed by
Michael Barton Heine Jr
Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr
    Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries.
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    If you've ever wondered where to get the best wallpaper for your computer or other device, look no further. These are the best of the best and might become your go-to when downloading free wallpapers.

    I picked these based on the quality, uniqueness, and quantity of photos on each site. Not only that, but I also looked at how easy it was to search for wallpapers and how pleasant the download experience was (believe me, it's not always easy).

    We've also gathered lists of the best beach wallpapers and autumn wallpapers. Or, maybe you're looking for the best summer wallpaper to match the nice weather.

    01
    of 08

    Wallhaven

    Wallhaven
    What We Like

    • Includes unique wallpapers not found elsewhere

    • Lots of filtering options to find specifically sized wallpapers

    • Includes a random button

    • Search for wallpapers by color

    • Extremely specific and helpful tagging system

    What We Don't Like

    • Includes wallpapers not appropriate for children

    Wallhaven is my favorite free wallpaper website primarily because of the stunning and unique images I haven't found anywhere else. There's something for everyone, from realism to the completely abstract.

    You can view the wallpapers by searching by keyword, viewing the most recently added, bringing up a random page of wallpapers, selecting a color, and more. I also like that I can upload an image to find a wallpaper that's visually similar. Clicking through tags is another option; these are very detailed and accurate.

    All in all, there are loads of ways to search for a new wallpaper at Wallhaven, and there are tons of images to uncover. I keep coming back here!

    02
    of 08

    DesktopNexus

    Desktop Nexus
    What We Like

    • Automatically determines the best wallpaper size for your screen

    • 15 galleries make it easy to find specific wallpapers

    • See favorite wallpapers by other users

    What We Don't Like

    • Displays ads, but you see less if you make a free user account

    • Some wallpapers are low quality

    The hundreds of thousands of free wallpapers at DesktopNexus are organized so nicely that it makes finding a wallpaper you like super simple. The real treat comes when you're ready to add one of their free wallpapers to your computer, and they resize automatically to fit.

    03
    of 08

    HDwallpapers.net

    HDwallpapers.net
    What We Like

    • Updates with new wallpapers every day

    • Over 20 categories of wallpapers

    • Lists the site's latest, featured, and popular wallpapers

    • Before downloading, you can choose a device, social media site, or specific resolution

    What We Don't Like

    • You must wait 10 seconds to download a wallpaper

    HDwallpapers.net is a free wallpaper site with many HD wallpapers that look great and cover a wide variety of subjects.

    The ideal resolution for your device is automatically selected, or you can use the drop-down button to choose a different one.

    04
    of 08

    DeviantArt

    trenchmaker / DeviantArt
    What We Like

    • Includes unique categories of free wallpapers

    • Most are originals submitted by users

    • Some are made specifically for iPhones

    • There are multi-display wallpapers, too

    • Includes AI art

    What We Don't Like

    • Many wallpapers are incorrectly categorized

    • Each wallpaper is available in just one size

    • Can't browse for wallpapers of a certain size

    • Not all wallpapers display the size before you download them

    • Must log in

    DeviantArt is much more than a free wallpaper site, which you'll soon find out can be good and bad. You'll find unique and original free wallpaper at DeviantArt, but locating them may be quite a task.

    05
    of 08

    Simple Desktops

    Simple Desktops
    What We Like

    • High quality wallpapers

    • Stays on point with the simple designs

    What We Don't Like

    • You can't browse by a specific resolution

    • Missing a search function

    Simple Desktops is exactly what it seems: a collection of wallpapers with simple, clean designs that any minimalist will love. Some are super simple designs with solid backgrounds and others are a little busier but still keep it simple and stunning.

    06
    of 08

    Wallpaper Cave

    WallpaperCave
    What We Like

    • Fun categories

    • Downloads start immediately

    • Lets you request a wallpaper

    What We Don't Like

    • Can't pick a certain size to download

    • Might run into the occasional oddity uploaded by a random user

    Wallpaper Cave includes over 20 categories to help you find something, including unique ones like religion, celebrities, and superheroes. One section is for "other" wallpaper, so there's surely lots to pick from here.

    The home page shows which search terms are trending this week and showcases featured wallpapers and albums. I also like the Latest Uploaded Wallpapers page since I visit this site frequently.

    Reaching the download page, you'll get an extensive wallpaper preview with one download link. You can't download a specific size of the wallpaper, so you have to deal with whatever size they give you, but you don't have to create a user account, and downloads start immediately.

    07
    of 08

    Bing Wallpaper Archive

    Bing
    What We Like

    • Lets you browse wallpapers by location and date

    What We Don't Like

    • There isn't a search function

    Every day, Bing has a new image available on their home page. This gallery puts them all together and provides download links. Archives are included back to 2009.

    There are so many beautiful images here you'll find it difficult to choose your favorite.

    08
    of 08

    Vladstudio

    Vlad Studio
    What We Like

    • Lots of unique wallpapers

    • Identifies your screen size for you

    • Includes dual and triple monitor wallpapers

    What We Don't Like

    • Only seven premium wallpapers can be downloaded per user account

    • Very limited free options

    These original wallpapers are so unique and vivid that you'll have trouble tearing your eyes away from the screen. Unfortunately, there's a limit to how many you can get for free.

    This isn't your average wallpaper website, and with one visit to Vladstudio, I'm guessing you'll be a believer. There are desktop, mobile, and Zoom backgrounds

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