Envato Elements Vs Artlist - 2024 Comparison

The comparison between Artlist and Envato, specifically Envato Elements, is akin to comparing two top-tier tools in a creator's arsenal. Both platforms have their strengths, and the preference often boils down to individual needs and project specifics.

April 20, 2024
Envato Elements Vs Artlist - 2024 Comparison
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Artlist.io Vs Envato Elements- Which To Choose?

In terms of user experience, both platforms are designed to be user-friendly, but Envato Elements might have a slight edge for those who are looking for a one-stop-shop solution. The platform's vast array of assets means that users can source almost everything they need for a project from a single platform, streamlining the creative process.

However, it's essential to note that the "better" platform is subjective. If you're a filmmaker who values a diverse range of high-quality music tracks, Artlist might be more up your alley. But if you're a content creator or designer who requires a range of assets, from graphics to music to templates, Envato Elements would likely be the more suitable choice.

What Is Artlist?

Artlist Dashboard

Artlist is a platform that offers royalty-free music and sound effects for content creators. The ideal user for Artlist is anyone involved in video production, filmmaking, or content creation who requires high-quality music tracks without the hassle of licensing issues. Yes, you are allowed to use their assets in your YouTube videos and for commercial use. The licensing provided by Artlist covers a wide range of uses, ensuring that creators can integrate the music into their projects without concerns about copyright infringements.

However, over time, some users have found that Artlist might not be the most ideal platform for royalty-free music. While it offers a vast library of tracks, the evolving needs of creators and the emergence of other platforms have shifted the landscape. One such platform that has gained significant traction is Envato.

In comparison, while Artlist remains a strong contender in the royalty-free music space, platforms like Envato offer a more holistic approach to creative assets. This broader scope, combined with positive user testimonials and a commitment to supporting the global creative community (as evidenced by their offices in Melbourne and Guadalajara), positions Envato as a more versatile choice for many professionals.

What Is Envato Elements?

Envato Elements Freebies

Envato Elements is a subscription-based platform offering unlimited access to a vast array of digital assets. These assets range from video templates (with over 96,000 available), graphic templates (boasting a collection of 270,000), presentation templates (over 110,000), and a staggering 140,000+ royalty-free music tracks. The idea behind Envato Elements is to provide creators with a one-stop-shop for all their creative needs, allowing them to make informed decisions during their project's inception.

Now, diving into the specifics, when you're working on a project, be it a YouTube video or a commercial endeavor, the last thing you want is to be restricted by licensing issues. With Envato Elements, you're in safe hands. All assets come with a simple lifetime commercial license. This means you can use any asset you download, be it music, graphics, or templates, in both personal and commercial projects without a hitch. It's like having a vast library at your disposal, where you can pick and choose the exact elements you need, tweak them to your liking, and integrate them seamlessly into your work.

But what truly sets Envato Elements apart, in my experience, is its commitment to fostering creativity. The platform offers unlimited downloads, giving you the freedom to play, experiment, and create without any constraints. This approach aligns perfectly with the phase where you're making the majority of your creative decisions. For instance, if you're working on a video, you can sift through various music tracks, dial in the mood you're aiming for, and even explore different graphic templates to complement your content. It's all about having the flexibility to iterate and customize until you nail that exact feeling or vision you had in mind.

Moreover, the platform is not just about quantity; it's about quality too. The assets are meticulously curated, ensuring that you're getting top-notch materials to work with. And it's not just me who thinks this way. Over 500,000 creators worldwide rely on Envato Elements, with many attesting to how the platform has saved them countless hours and provided invaluable inspiration.

Pricing Comparison

Opting for the yearly subscription of Envato Elements has always felt like the best bang for my buck. The sheer volume of assets, combined with the flexibility of unlimited downloads, aligns perfectly with the phase where I'm making the majority of my creative decisions. The platform's structure allows me to sift through various assets, tweak them to my liking, and integrate them seamlessly into my projects. For those on a budget, especially when considering the broader range of assets and the cost-saving yearly plan, Envato Elements stands out as the optimal all-in-one solution.

Envato Elements Pricing and Offerings:

Cost:

  • 7 Day Free trial (no longer available)
  • Monthly: $39.00
  • Yearly: $16.50 (This translates to a 57% discount when billed annually, which, in my experience, is a significant saving for those committed to long-term projects.)

Content Access: Unlimited downloads from a collection that includes over 13 categories, encompassing videos, music, templates, photos, and more.

Special Discounts:

  • Students are given a leg up with a 30% discount, bringing their monthly cost down to just $11.50. (For budding creators, this is a boon.)
  • For teams, the pricing model becomes even more attractive. Each additional team member is priced at $10.75/month.

Refund Policy: Refunds are available, but there's a catch. As long as you haven't downloaded any content, you're eligible. Once you start downloading, the refund option is off the table.

Payment Methods: The platform is pretty flexible here. Traditional payment methods like credit cards are accepted, along with PayPal and even Apple Pay.

Artlist Pricing and Offerings:

Cost:

  • A flat rate of $29.99/month grants you access.

Content Access: The platform boasts around 500,000 assets, including videos, templates, and audio. However, it's worth noting that plans for either videos or audio alone match the full subscription cost of Envato Elements.

Team Pricing: For those looking to onboard their entire team, Artlist nudges you towards their Enterprise plans, which, from my perspective, can be a bit on the pricier side.

Refund Policy: Much like Envato Elements, Artlist offers refunds but with a stipulation. If you've downloaded content, the refund door closes.

Asset Library

Without a doubt, Envato Elements takes the cake here. Not only do they have a lot more assets, but they have more categories. From website templates to Video templates, they have everything you need as a digital creative.

Platform Video Templates Graphic Templates Presentation Templates Royalty-Free Music Other Assets Quality
Envato Elements 96,000+ 270,000+ 110,000+ 140,000+ Stock videos, photos, graphics, sound effects, fonts, add-ons, web templates, CMS templates, WordPress themes, 3D assets High-quality assets suitable for professionals and commercial projects.
Artlist - - - 80,000+ songs & SFX SFX, footage, story-driven footage, professional templates High-quality tracks suitable for a wide range of video themes.

Licensing

Licensing requirements broken down

When you're diving into the world of digital assets, the waters can sometimes get a bit murky, especially when it comes to licensing. Having spent a considerable amount of time navigating both Envato Elements and Artlist, I've come to understand the nuances of their licensing models. Let's break it down, step by step.

The Basics of Royalty-Free Licensing

At the heart of both platforms is the royalty-free license. Essentially, this means that once you've acquired an asset, you can use it without continuously paying royalties to the original creator. It's a model that offers flexibility and freedom, but with that freedom comes responsibility to understand the specifics.

Project-Specific Licensing: Envato's Approach

Envato Elements adopts a unique approach where each asset you download needs to be licensed for a specific project. Now, while this might sound like an extra step (and to be honest, initially, I thought so too), it's crucial to understand the rationale behind it. With unlimited downloads at your disposal, this model ensures that each asset is used appropriately for its intended project. Think of it as a way to keep your projects organized and ensure that every asset you use is accounted for.

Artlist's Simplified Model

Artlist, on the other hand, simplifies the process. Once you've got an asset, you're good to go for multiple projects. It's a straightforward approach, and while it might seem more convenient, it's essential to remember that the platform primarily offers video and audio assets. So, the need for project-specific licensing is somewhat reduced.

The Merchandise Caveat with Envato

Here's where things get a bit intricate. With Envato Elements, there's a clear stipulation: assets can't be used for merchandise or on-demand services. So, if you had the idea of grabbing a graphic, slapping it on a T-shirt, and setting up shop, you'd need to hit the brakes. The assets are designed to be components of a larger project, not standalone products. It's a distinction that's crucial, especially if you're venturing into the realm of physical products or services.

Artlist's Natural Limitation

While Artlist doesn't explicitly restrict merchandise use, the nature of its assets (video, templates, and audio) inherently limits such applications. You're unlikely to print a video on a mug, right?

Practical Implications

Let's say you're working on a promotional video for a new product launch. You head over to Envato Elements and find the perfect background track. After downloading, you'd license it for that specific project. If, later on, you decide to create a follow-up video, you'd need to license the track again, even though you've already downloaded it. It's a process that ensures clarity and compliance.

On the flip side, with Artlist, you'd download the track once and use it for both videos without any additional steps. However, if you were thinking of using a catchy tune from Artlist for a radio jingle to sell merchandise, you'd be in the clear, but remember, the platform's offerings naturally lean away from such use cases.

Is Artlist better than Envato? - Key Takeaway

Keep in mind that my opinion is completed unbiased and based on facts only. If you were to ask me personally, I would suggest starting off with Envato for a few reasons:

Better Pricing

Firstly, when it comes to pricing, Envato offers a more competitive rate. While both platforms operate on a subscription model, Envato's pricing structure, especially for individuals, starts at a more affordable rate of $16.50/month. This becomes even more appealing when you consider the sheer volume and variety of assets you get access to. It's like walking into a high-end store and finding out that the prices are surprisingly wallet-friendly.

Better Variety

Speaking of variety, Envato truly shines. While Artlist focuses primarily on music, Envato is a treasure trove of diverse creative assets. From video templates, graphic designs, to web templates and 3D assets, the platform caters to a broader spectrum of creative needs. This extensive variety ensures that you're not just limited to one type of asset but have a holistic suite of tools at your disposal.

Quantity of Assets

In terms of sheer numbers, Envato boasts a more significant number of assets. With over 140,000 royalty-free music tracks alone, the platform dwarfs many of its competitors. This vast collection ensures that you'll always find something that fits the bill, no matter how niche or specific your requirements might be.

Well Established History

Furthermore, Envato, as a company, has been around for a while and has established itself as a trusted name in the creative industry. Their years of experience have allowed them to refine their offerings, ensuring that users get top-notch quality consistently. This longevity in the market also speaks volumes about their reliability and commitment to serving the creative community.

Much, Much Better Customer Support

Remember how I said my opinion is unbiased? Well this one alone may be subjective as it is anecdotal experience:

Where Envato truly outshines many of its competitors, including Artlist, is in its customer support. Let me share a personal experience to illustrate this. A while back, I was working on a tight deadline for a client's project. I had downloaded a specific video template from Envato but faced some technical glitches while customizing it. Time was of the essence. I reached out to Envato's customer support, expecting the usual long wait times. To my surprise, I received a response within an hour. Not only did they provide a solution to my issue, but they also offered alternative templates just in case I faced further problems. This proactive approach saved me hours of work and ensured that I met my client's deadline. It's these real-world interactions that make you realize the value of a company that genuinely cares about its users.