Artlist vs Envato Elements
Artlist and Envato Elements are the two heavyweights of the 'unlimited download' stock world, but they serve different masters. Artlist is a specialized toolkit for high-end video production, while Envato Elements is a massive, general-purpose warehouse for multi-disciplinary designers and marketers.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Tiered from €9.99 to €39.99/mo (billed annually). High entry cost for full access. | Flat $16.50/mo (billed annually). Significantly cheaper for the sheer volume of assets. |
| Asset Quality | Curated, cinematic, and high-end. Includes 8K RAW/LOG footage and professional SFX. | Quantity over quality. Massive library but requires heavy filtering to find premium assets. |
| Library Breadth | Strictly video-centric: Music, SFX, Footage, and Video Templates. | Everything: Graphics, Fonts, WP Themes, 3D, Photos, Music, and Video. |
| Licensing | Universal commercial license that covers you even after you unsubscribe. | Single-use commercial license; you must register each asset for a specific project. |
| Learning curve | Very low. Intuitive search filters based on mood, tempo, and video specs. | Moderate. The sheer volume of categories can make finding specific items overwhelming. |
Pros & cons
Artlist
Pros
- Superior cinematic music and 8K RAW footage for professional color grading
- Simple, worry-free licensing that stays valid for life once downloaded
- High-quality plugins and templates integrated for Premiere and Resolve
- Highly curated library means less time digging through 'trash' assets
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than Envato for the full 'Max' bundle
- No non-video assets like fonts, web themes, or static graphic templates
- Annual billing is the standard, making the upfront cost high
Envato Elements
Pros
- Unbeatable value-for-money for freelancers who do web, print, and video
- Massive selection of WordPress themes and technical assets
- Includes millions of stock photos and fonts that Artlist lacks
- Lower monthly price point makes it accessible for hobbyists
Cons
- Music and footage quality is often 'stocky' and less cinematic
- Licensing requires re-registering assets for every new project
- Search results often return irrelevant or low-quality filler content
Our verdict
Artlist is the clear winner for serious filmmakers and commercial editors who prioritize aesthetic quality and need high-bitrate footage that won't fall apart in a color grade. Envato Elements is the better choice for 'jack-of-all-trades' creators, social media managers, and web designers who need a massive variety of assets (fonts, themes, photos) at a budget-friendly price point.
FAQ
- Which is cheaper?
- Envato Elements is significantly cheaper at $16.50/mo compared to Artlist Max which is €39.99/mo.
- Which is easier to learn?
- Artlist is easier because its interface is strictly optimized for video editors, whereas Envato has a more cluttered multi-category UI.
- Can I use both together?
- Yes, many pros use Envato for fonts and graphic templates while using Artlist for their primary music and hero footage.
- What happens to my videos if I cancel?
- On Artlist Pro plans, your existing videos remain covered forever. On Envato, existing projects are covered, but you cannot use downloaded assets for new projects.