Virtual staging comparison
Listing Curator vs StageHQ
StageHQ is the lower-cost choice if you stage a lot of photos: its packs listed in October 2026 run from $19 for 20 images to $69 for 250, about $0.28 each, with no subscription. Listing Curator costs more per photo ($1.38 to $3.99) and usually takes a minute or two rather than StageHQ's under 30 seconds for most rooms. What the extra cost buys is a labeled MLS copy and the original in every download, typed edits, whole-listing staging and listing marketing tools in one account.
How do Listing Curator and StageHQ compare?
| Listing Curator | StageHQ | |
|---|---|---|
| Smallest option | $3.99 for 1 photo, or $29 for 10 ($2.90 each) | $19 for 20 ($0.95 each) |
| About 50 to 100 photos | $119 for 60 ($1.98) or $69 a month for 50 ($1.38) | $39 for 100 ($0.39 each) |
| About 200 to 300 photos | Five $119 packs of 60, $595 for 300 ($1.98 each). Team plan $599 a month for 300 ($2.00) adds shared credits and seats | $69 for 250 ($0.28 each) |
| Subscription required | No. Single photos, packs or an optional monthly plan | No subscription |
| Credit expiry | Never expire | Not listed |
| Turnaround | Usually a minute or two | “Most rooms finish in under 30 seconds” |
| Free preview | Watermarked. First needs no account; 5 a day on a free account | Not listed |
| With each download | 4K PNG, MLS copy labeled “Virtually staged”, original photo | Not listed |
| Edit by typing | Yes, one change at a time | Not listed |
| Other tools | Photo fixes, listing and walkthrough video, carousels, property websites | Not listed |
How big is the price gap?
Big, and it's worth being plain about. At the 250-image level, StageHQ is about $0.28 a photo. Listing Curator's lowest rates are $1.38 a photo on the 50-photo monthly plan and $1.98 in a 60-pack. If you're a photographer or a high-volume team and staged images are all you need, StageHQ is the sensible pick on price.
At small volumes the gap is smaller in dollars. Ten photos cost $19 on StageHQ (you get 20) and $29 on Listing Curator. Whether the difference matters depends on what else you need from the tool.
What does Listing Curator add for the extra cost?
- Disclosure-ready files. Every download includes an MLS copy labeled “Virtually staged” and sized to 2,048 px, plus the original. As of October 2026, California AB 723 requires disclosure and a link to the original; check your state, MLS and broker.
- Typed edits. Describe one change and only that changes, instead of re-running the image.
- Whole-listing staging. Up to 10 photos of one home in one matching style.
- Photo fixes. Day to dusk, Blue sky, Declutter and Brighten.
- Marketing from the same photos. Listing video, walkthrough video, six-slide carousels and property websites.
- Team and photographer plans. Shared credit pools and one bill, or unbranded client galleries for photographers on business plans.
We didn't find these features listed on StageHQ's pricing page. That doesn't mean they're missing, so check their site for what's included.
Choose StageHQ if…
- Lowest cost per image at high volume is what matters most.
- You want no subscription and a large pack you can buy once.
- Speed per room is a priority; most rooms finish in under 30 seconds, per their site.
- You already have tools for labeling, video and listing pages.
Choose Listing Curator if…
- You want the labeled MLS copy and original in every download without a separate step.
- You often need to fix one detail and would rather type it than start over.
- You stage whole homes and want a consistent style across the set.
- You want staging, photo fixes, video, social posts and property pages in one account.
- You'd like to preview free before paying; the first preview needs no account.
Which is better for real estate photographers?
If you add staging to shoots for agent clients, StageHQ's $69 for 250 images is hard to beat on cost. Client galleries aren't mentioned on its pricing page, so check that or plan to deliver through your own.
Listing Curator's photographer partner packs cost more, $500 for 200 photos ($2.50 each) or $1,000 for 500 ($2.00 each), and include unbranded client galleries, so agents see your delivery, not ours. Your downloads include the labeled MLS copy and original to pass along to clients. Whether that's worth roughly $2 more per image depends on how much time you spend on delivery and labeling today. More on that on our page for real estate photographers.
Can you use StageHQ and Listing Curator together?
Yes, and for some agents that's the best answer. You could stage in bulk on StageHQ and use Listing Curator for the listings where you also want video, a carousel or a property website. If StageHQ images need a disclosure label, the free MLS photo labeler adds a “Virtually staged” label and resizes them in your browser.
If you switch
Run the same three originals through both tools in a similar style. Check windows, floors and fixtures against the original. Price your real yearly volume. Start with a $3.99 single photo or a $29 pack of 10; credits never expire.
Frequently asked questions
Is StageHQ cheaper than Listing Curator?
Yes. At prices listed in October 2026, StageHQ runs about $0.28 to $0.95 an image, while Listing Curator runs $1.38 to $3.99 depending on the plan.
Which is faster, StageHQ or Listing Curator?
StageHQ says most rooms finish in under 30 seconds. Listing Curator usually takes a minute or two and returns a 4K image.
Does StageHQ require a subscription?
Its pricing page listed no subscription in October 2026. Listing Curator also sells single photos and one-time packs, with a monthly plan optional.
Do I need a label on StageHQ images?
Disclosure depends on your state, MLS and broker, not the tool. If you need a label, our free MLS photo labeler works on images from any service.
Does Listing Curator offer bulk pricing for photographers?
Yes. Photographer partner packs are $500 for 200 photos ($2.50 each) or $1,000 for 500 ($2.00 each), with unbranded client galleries.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Rules and prices change; check the source, your MLS and your broker before you rely on them. Competitor prices are as listed on their sites when this page was updated.