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If you're a content creator, you know how important high-quality digital assets are for your projects. Over the years, I tried almost every digital assets platform there is, and for the past few years, Envato Elements has been my go-to site when it comes to stock footage and photos, plugins, WordPress themes, and more. However, there are other great resources and in this article, you will discover the best sites that are similar to Envato Elements. I will compare pricing, features, and user reviews to find the best Envato Elements alternative.
Ah, Envato Elements. If you're in the creative digital space, it’s like the virtual cafe you pop into every other day, and their latte – always consistent. It's the platform where many of us have found the perfect font for our client's logo or the smooth transition effect for a video project. Envato has undeniably etched its relevance deep into the digital asset industry.
But as we look ahead in 2025, while the platform remains commendably well-rounded, not everyone finds it perfectly brewed for their taste. Some creators might be seeking a stronger shot of espresso - higher quality for cinematic productions. Others, particularly startups, might be looking for a more affordable cup of joe. And that's why we are here, seeking the best alternatives.
Why Should You Choose Envato Elements
Now, I remember those days, back when I was navigating the world of SEO and digital marketing. Envato Elements seemed like a magical realm, always having just the thing I needed. It was my one-stop shop, and here's why:
Price - Honestly, it was like finding a designer boutique dress at thrift shop rates. Affordable? Absolutely.
Variety - Enormous is an understatement. From fonts to templates, every time I dived in, I found a treasure.
Easy to Use - Seamless. That's how I’d describe it. No fancy tricks or lengthy processes. Just straightforward creativity.
One-stop-shop - Why hop from shop to shop when one has it all? Envato Elements has everything from stock photos, music, and videos, to plugins and graphics.
But it wasn't just these features that made it popular. Envato Elements became iconic, a name that resonates with quality and variety. Over the years, it has created a unique space, continuously evolving, catering to professionals across fields. And while it boasts a vast collection of assets, it's the platform's journey and its dedication to users that has truly set it apart.
Key Features to Look For in an Alternative
While I’ve had some wonderful projects powered by Envato Elements, sometimes, I found myself wondering if there’s something different out there, something more tailored to specific needs. If you're on the same boat, here’s what to keep an eye out for:
Quality and Variety of Assets - Envato Elements did set the bar high. Any platform considered as an alternative should have an array that’s equally diverse and of high quality.
Reliability and Update Frequency - We all love fresh content. Regular updates with trendy assets are a must.
Cost-effectiveness and Pricing Models - It’s essential to find an alternative that provides value for money. While some might offer cheaper monthly plans, others might have pay-as-you-go options.
It's intriguing how the digital space is so vast yet, at times, so limiting. Envato Elements, with its enormous collection, made a mark. However, it’s essential to remember that there are other vibrant cafes around the corner, offering unique brews, some even with an extra shot of creativity or perhaps a sprinkle of affordability.
Ever felt like you've mistakenly compared apples to oranges? That's sort of the case when placing Envato Market side by side with Envato Elements. Let me break it down.
Envato Market and Envato Elements sound similar, but they serve different purposes. While Envato Market is your go-to place for individual high-quality assets, Envato Elements lets you access a wide variety of creative tools with just one subscription.
Category of Assets, Variety, Price
From themes at ThemeForest, and plugins at CodeCanyon, to music at AudioJungle - Envato Market is an umbrella for various niche markets. You pay for each individually. In contrast, Envato Elements gives you a variety of assets under a unified subscription. If you use a lot of assets, then a subscription is a better choice, however, if you're just looking for one theme for your website, then buying it individually is more economical than going for a subscription. So, it's all about your needs!
Envato Market is perfect for: Those who need specific high-quality assets.
Adobe Stock is like the Rolls Royce of stock content, with a vast repository at your disposal. But what truly makes it shine is its seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.
With Envato Elements, diversity is the name of the game. But Adobe Stock? It's like the Encyclopaedia Britannica of stock images, graphics, and more! Plus, if you're a fan of audiobooks like me, you'll appreciate Adobe Stock's vast audio offerings.
Category of Assets, Variety, Price
Adobe Stock's robust library boasts over 160 million stock photos, 20 million videos, and a whopping 12 million graphic elements. The pricing, however, might make you raise an eyebrow or two. It starts at $29.99 per month for ten stock photos. But the integration with Adobe's other products and the sheer quality you get can make it worth every penny.
Adobe Stock is perfect for: Those who require high-quality assets and benefit from integration with Adobe apps.
Artlist Max and Artgrid might not ring as many bells as Adobe, but they're a formidable duo in the stock content space. Think of them as the indie brands that offer quality you didn't expect.
While Envato Elements is the jack of all trades, Artlist Max and Artgrid shine with their music and video content. It's like visiting a specialty store, knowing you'll get precisely what you need.
Envato Elements vs. Artlist Max Review 2025: Which Unlimited Downloads Win?
Category of Assets, Variety, Price
Both platforms are subscription-based, with Envato Elements coming out as more affordable. At $33 per month (or $198 per year), Envato Elements offers you a smorgasbord. Artlist Max and Artgrid's pricing is higher but delivers when it comes to quality and specificity.
Artlist Max & Artgrid are perfect for: Creators who prioritize quality videos and soundtracks.
Canva is not just another tool. It’s a whole universe for people who, well, don’t want to start a design from scratch. Canva lets you merge various digital assets and craft your own masterpieces, thanks to its versatile templates and elements.
While Envato Elements has its charm, Canva simplifies design for both the rookie and the pro. It’s a blend of simplicity and versatility.
Category of Assets, Variety, Price
From social media templates to printable products, Canva doesn't shy away. And the cherry on top? They even have an app for on-the-go design. If you’re watching your pennies (and who isn’t?), you’ll be glad to know you can kick things off for free with Canva. However, if you need more oomph, their paid plans start at $9.99/month.
Canva is perfect for: Individuals and businesses who want a variety of assets, and a collaborative platform, all wrapped up in an easy-to-use package, and for those who love to design but detest starting from scratch.
Think of Storyblocks as the underdog in the world of digital assets, but it punches well above its weight. It might not boast the vast selection of Envato Elements, but it does have its own web-based video maker. No more fumbling around with third-party software.
Storyblocks might have a smaller library, but it’s all about quality over quantity (although, from my experience, Envato Elements' quality is already as good). And their licensing? Clear as day.
Category of Assets, Variety, Price
Boasting 115,000+ videos, 500,000 images, and over 100,000 audio tracks, Storyblocks has got you covered. Pricing is kept simple: $30/month (at the time of writing), with savings if you choose annual billing.
Storyblocks is perfect for: Those who want a slightly more affordable alternative to Envato Elements without compromising on the quality of assets. It’s especially nifty for those who want video and audio assets but are not interested in other kinds of assets.
Storyblocks vs. Envato Elements Unlimited Stock Media Sites Comparison
MonsterONE might sound intimidating, but trust me, it’s a beast of a platform for all your digital needs. Acquired by the renowned Monster company, it offers a range of digital assets that can give other platforms a run for their money.
MonsterONE may be newer to the game, but it's gaining ground rapidly. And the best part? Their pricing doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Category of Assets, Variety, Price
Everything from web development kits, website themes, and plugins to graphics are at your fingertips with MonsterONE. With plans as low as $7.75/month, it's a steal.
MonsterONE is perfect for: Developers, designers, and marketers who want a comprehensive platform without breaking the bank. And if you’re looking to sell your assets, MonsterONE welcomes you with open arms.
In the world of royalty-free music, there's a distinct melody resonating from Epidemic Sound. It's not just about their vast library; it's the quality they offer, especially when it comes to music. One of their unique selling points? The pricing, tailored to both personal and commercial users.
Epidemic Sound's Personal plan, priced at $15/month or $9/month (billed annually), lets you publish anywhere online and monetize a single channel per platform. In contrast, their Commercial plan, priced significantly higher at $49/month or $19/month (annually), ramps up the features, allowing users to monetize up to three channels and even publish content for business clients. The catch? While Epidemic Sound is perfect for music aficionados, if you’re looking for an all-encompassing creative suite like Envato Elements, it might leave you wanting more.
Category of Assets, Variety, Price
Mainly focused on music, Epidemic Sound has been the go-to for many YouTubers, podcasters, and content creators. However, when it comes to variety beyond tunes, it’s clear that Envato Elements holds the broader spectrum. Yet, when discussing quality within the audio domain, Epidemic shines bright.
Epidemic Sound is perfect for: Individuals or businesses majorly into audio content creation. If you're looking for quality music without burning a hole in your pocket, especially for personal projects, Epidemic Sound is your concert!
Imagine having a personal designer at your beck and call, without the hiring fuss. That’s Penji for you! It simplifies the process of getting custom designs, steering away from the traditional stock asset approach of Envato Elements.
Penji’s unique proposition lies in its subscription model. Instead of purchasing assets, you’re subscribing to a design service. Whether it's a logo, banner, or app design, Penji’s team is on it. But remember, while Envato gives you assets, Penji offers a service - quite the game-changer.
Category of Assets, Variety, Price
Penji, being a design service, doesn’t offer “assets” in the traditional sense. Their Pro package starts at $399/month, while the Team and Agency packages go up to $899/month. In terms of variety, it's all about the design requests you make.
Penji is perfect for: Businesses or individuals needing custom designs without the administrative hassle of hiring. If you value bespoke designs and are willing to pay for a premium service, Penji is your canvas.
Overview and unique selling points: The colossal giant of stock imagery and video, Shutterstock’s repertoire extends beyond 200 million assets. Their vast library coupled with user-friendly UI makes them a global favorite.
While both Shutterstock and Envato Elements boast impressive stock collections, Shutterstock edges out with a more extensive range. Their most popular subscription sets you back $29/month. However, if you're scouting for a comprehensive cache of creative tools beyond imagery, Envato Elements might be your pick.
Category of Assets, Variety, Price
Shutterstock excels in stock photos, videos, and some vectors. Their pricing varies, but a standard $29/mo subscription gets you 10 images or 1 video. The real differentiation comes in the quality and the breadth of their collection.
Shutterstock is pefrect for: Media-centric projects or businesses with a heavy reliance on high-quality imagery and videos. If imagery is your main play, dive into Shutterstock’s vast ocean.
I remember diving into Freepik one evening, lost in the sea of vectors and icons, reminding myself why it’s considered a treasure trove for many designers. It’s not just an alternative but sometimes even a first choice for those on a tighter budget or students just stepping foot into graphic design.
Freepik is like that quaint bookstore you accidentally find, only this one’s stocked with more than 11 million stock photos and over four million vectors. Oh, and those almost half a million PSD files? They're like the cherry on top.
Both Freepik and Envato Elements are gigantic in their offerings. But, while Envato Elements covers a broader range of creative assets, Freepik emphasizes on graphic resources. Think of it as Envato Elements being that big department store you go to for everything and Freepik as a specialized boutique store you'd visit for graphic designs.
Category of Assets, Variety, Price
Freepik offers a sea of vectors, photos, icons, and PSD files. And the best part? Most of it is free! However, to experience it in all its glory (unlimited downloads and ad-free browsing), they have two pricing plans:
12 months – $7.49/month
1 month – $9.99/month
Make sure to check their official pricing page for the latest details.
Freepik is perfect for: Budding graphic designers, students, or anyone looking to obtain quality vectors and PSD files without breaking the bank. If graphics are your primary concern and you’re on a tighter budget, then Freepik has got your back. Their free resources are a godsend, especially for newcomers in design.
If you ever found yourself scouring the internet at 2 AM for free high-quality images and stumbled upon Pixabay, then welcome to the club! It's a haven for photographers and visual enthusiasts, offering a vast collection of royalty-free stock photos, videos, and even music.
Envato Elements clearly has a more extensive range of assets from themes to templates. However, when it comes to sheer volume and quality of stock photos and videos, Pixabay holds its own remarkably well. It’s like comparing a Swiss army knife (Envato Elements) to a chef's special knife (Pixabay).
Category of Assets, Variety, Price
The beauty of Pixabay? It's entirely free. Yep, you read that right. From high-definition photos to mesmerizing videos and soothing music tracks, it won’t cost you a penny.
Pixabay is perfect for: Individuals looking for high-quality stock photos, videos, or music without stretching their wallets. Whether you're a blogger, content creator, or a small business owner, Pixabay offers valuable assets to spice up your work without any financial commitment.
Whenever I needed that perfect shot for a project or presentation, Pexels rarely disappointed. It's a reservoir of curated high-quality photos and videos contributed by talented creators from around the globe.
While Envato Elements offers an all-encompassing solution for various digital needs, Pexels stays focused on delivering only top-notch photos and videos. It's somewhat like choosing between a comprehensive toolset and a high-resolution camera.
Category of Assets, Variety, Price
Pexels is about simplicity. Quality photos and videos. And just like Pixabay, it's free. A delightful treat for those on the hunt for premium visuals without the premium price tag.
Pexels is perfect for: Content creators, marketers, and visual artists in need of exceptional photos and videos. Whether you’re crafting a presentation, ad campaign, or personal project, Pexels offers the visuals to make your work pop, all without denting your savings.
While "best" can be subjective based on specific needs, for a broad range of high-quality assets, Adobe Stock, with its integration to Adobe Creative Cloud and vast repository, can be considered among the top alternatives for professional use. Canva also shines bright, especially for those who wish for a blend of simplicity and versatility.
How does Template Monster compare as an alternative to Envato Elements?
MonsterONE, acquired by Template Monster, offers an expansive array of digital assets. With pricing starting as low as $7.75/month, it provides a comprehensive platform ideal for developers, designers, and marketers on a budget.
Which site like Envato Elements offers a wide range of motion graphics?
For motion graphics, Artlist Max & Artgrid excel. While they might have a higher subscription rate compared to Envato Elements, they focus on delivering quality over quantity.
Is there an Envato Elements alternative that provides quality stock music?
Epidemic Sound stands out when it comes to royalty-free music. Their vast library combined with pricing tailored for both personal and commercial users makes them a top choice.
What are some best alternatives to Envato Elements that also offer free trials?
Canva provides a free version that allows users to try out their platform before committing. Similarly, Freepik offers a plethora of free resources, making it a haven for newcomers in design.
Is there a site like Envato Elements with a better subscription plan in 2025?
MonsterONE, with plans starting from $7.75/month, offers one of the most competitive subscription plans, while still maintaining a robust array of digital assets. I do, however, prefer Envato Elements, but if you're on a tight budget, it might be worth looking into.
How does the stock video section of Shutterstock compare as an Envato Elements alternative?
While Envato Elements and Shutterstock both have impressive stock collections, Shutterstock has a more extensive range, especially if your project revolves around high-quality imagery and videos.
Are there any creative market alternatives that are better than Envato Elements?
Storyblocks is a good platform. While it might not have the same vast selection as Envato Elements, it does offer good quality assets and a straightforward licensing system. However, since the price of Storyblocks is not that much different from Envato Elements' while the library is much smaller, I prefer Envato Elements.
A self-taught expert in design, SEO and marketing, PR relationships, and more. He never completed his university studies due to having to move to the US during his higher education years. Instead, he decided to educate himself through various courses and professions. He became a licensed real estate agent in Miami, a certified hypnotist, studied SEO, and took numerous courses on writing, design, and video editing. Whatever interests him he will explore it further! Vitaliy is passionate about self-improvement loves audiobooks and continues to challenge himself with new projects - currently working on projects related to SEO as well as IMHO reviews and marketing - all to continually improve his skillset.