Envato Elements vs Epidemic Sound
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Envato Elements | Epidemic Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $16.50/mo (monthly) or $9.95/mo (annual) | $15/mo (Personal) or $49/mo (Commercial) |
| Best for | Graphic designers, video editors needing assets beyond audio | YouTubers, content creators focused on monetized video |
| Music & SFX quality | Unlimited audio downloads, but curated collection | Hundreds of thousands of tracks, AI soundtracking, search by video |
| Integrations | Adobe Creative Cloud plugin | Adobe, DaVinci Resolve, YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and more |
| Monetization safety | Commercial license included | Direct license for worry-free monetization on major platforms |
| Non-audio assets | Millions of photos, graphics, templates, fonts, video | None (music and SFX only) |
If you need unlimited audio plus stock graphics, templates, and video, Envato Elements is the better all-in-one value. If your primary need is royalty-free music and SFX with guaranteed, worry-free monetization on YouTube and social platforms, Epidemic Sound is the specialized winner.
Royalty-free music & SFX with worry-free global monetization for creators
Visit WebsiteFeature-by-feature
Envato Elements provides a vast library of over 2,000 new assets monthly across photos, graphics, templates, fonts, video, and audio. A commercial license is included, making it ideal for designers and video editors who need varied assets. Epidemic Sound focuses exclusively on music and sound effects with features like AI-powered Studio (syncs music to video), search-by-video, and similar tone search. Its direct global license ensures worry-free monetization on YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and more, and content published during subscription stays cleared forever. Epidemic Sound integrates deeply with video platforms and editing tools (Adobe, DaVinci, VEED, elevate.io), while Envato offers only an Adobe Creative Cloud plugin. For pure audio needs with monetization safety, Epidemic Sound excels. For mixed media projects, Envato is more versatile.
Pricing compared
Envato Elements costs $16.50/month billed monthly or $9.95/month billed annually. A single-user license covers all assets. Epidemic Sound offers Personal ($15/month) for individual creators and Commercial ($49/month) for businesses, including multi-channel monetization. Both subscriptions include commercial use. Envato is cheaper for annual subscribers and includes non-audio assets. Epidemic Sound’s higher Commercial tier adds value for teams and broadcast use. Occasional users may find Envato’s unlimited model more cost-effective than per-track purchases.
Who should pick which
- Graphic designer needing stock photos and fontsPick: Envato Elements
Envato offers millions of graphics and fonts, not just audio.
- YouTuber monetizing videosPick: Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound's direct license ensures no copyright claims on monetized content.
- Video editor needing stock footage and musicPick: Envato Elements
Envato includes unlimited video clips and audio in one subscription.
- Social media creator on TikTok/InstagramPick: Epidemic Sound
Epidemic Sound has native integrations and worry-free monetization for short-form videos.
- Small agency producing diverse contentPick: Envato Elements
One subscription covers graphics, templates, video, and audio for multiple clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Envato Elements music on YouTube for monetization?
Yes, the commercial license covers YouTube, but check the track's license for attribution requirements. Epidemic Sound offers a more streamlined monetization experience.
Does Epidemic Sound offer sound effects or only music?
It includes both royalty-free music and sound effects (SFX).
Which service has more assets overall?
Envato Elements has millions of assets across photos, graphics, templates, fonts, video, and audio. Epidemic Sound focuses specifically on music and SFX (hundreds of thousands).
Can I download assets from Envato Elements after canceling?
No, downloads are available only while subscription is active. For Epidemic Sound, tracks used during subscription remain cleared forever.
Do both services offer plugins for video editing software?
Envato has an Adobe Creative Cloud plugin. Epidemic Sound offers plugins for Adobe Creative Cloud and DaVinci Resolve Studio, plus desktop apps.
Which is cheaper for annual use?
Envato Elements annual plan ($119.40/year) is cheaper than Epidemic Sound Personal annual ($180/year) or Commercial ($588/year).
Can I use Epidemic Sound music in broadcast or TV?
Epidemic Sound offers custom licensing for TV, cinema, and broadcast under its Enterprise tier. Envato's license is for standard commercial use.
Does Envato Elements have AI-powered music tools?
No. Epidemic Sound features AI-powered Studio for soundtracking and search-by-video.
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