Envato Elements vs Storyblocks: which should you choose?
Quick answer: Envato Elements is built for all-in-one-library, while Storyblocks suits unlimited-subscription. For most users Envato Elements is the stronger default, but Storyblocks can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case. Storyblocks has the lower entry price.
Envato Elements and Storyblocks look similar on the surface; the differences show up in practice. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| Envato Elements | Storyblocks | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Stock Subscription Bundle | Stock Subscription Bundle |
| What it's known for | Single flat subscription gives unlimited downloads across stock video, photos, music, graphics, fonts and templates (Premiere/After Effects, Canva, WordPress), making it the broadest all-in-one creative library. | Subscription-only (no per-clip fees) unlimited downloads of stock video, audio and images, predictable pricing aimed at high-volume video creators. |
| Pricing | From ~$16.50/mo billed yearly (~$198/yr) individual unlimited; higher Teams tiers per seat | Unlimited video/audio/image subscriptions billed annually by tier |
| Best audience | Video editors, agencies and content creators who want one unlimited library covering footage, music and editable templates. | High-volume video editors and creators wanting unlimited footage and audio at a flat annual price. |
| Best for | all-in-one-library, video-editors | unlimited-subscription, high-volume-video |
| Entry price | $16.50/mo (annual) | ~$11/mo (annual) |
| Biggest strength | Broadest all-in-one creative library for one flat fee. | True unlimited downloads with no per-clip surprise costs. |
| Main caveat | License is tied to the subscription; complex registration for items used in end products. | Full music/SFX library locked behind the Unlimited All Access tier. |
Features compared
Beyond the spec sheet, these are the capabilities that define each tool:
Envato Elements key features
- Single subscription unlocks unlimited downloads across the entire asset library
- Covers stock video, photos, music, SFX, graphics, fonts, 3D and templates
- Templates for Premiere Pro, After Effects, Canva and WordPress
- Built-in AI generation (download limits vary by tier)
Storyblocks key features
- Subscription-only model with no per-clip fees
- Unlimited downloads of stock video, audio and images
- 7M+ clips (8K/4K/HD), motion backgrounds, templates, photos, vectors
- Tiers differ by audio access, AI credits and license scope
Pricing tiers side by side
Envato Elements plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Core | $16.50/mo (annual) | Unlimited stock downloads, 10 AI generations/mo |
| Plus | $39/mo (annual) | Unlimited stock, 100 AI generations/mo |
| Ultimate | $109/mo (annual) | Unlimited stock and unlimited AI generations |
Storyblocks plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | ~$11/mo (annual) | Footage/images; full audio library locked out |
| Unlimited All Access | ~$30/mo (annual) | Full library incl. music/SFX, more AI credits |
| Unlimited video | $65/mo or $360/yr | Unlimited video focus |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where Envato Elements wins
The widest single-subscription creative bundle, spanning video, audio, graphics and templates in one library.
- Broadest all-in-one creative library for one flat fee.
- True unlimited downloads (subject to fair-use policy).
That makes it the stronger pick for video editors, agencies and content creators who want one unlimited library covering footage, music and editable templates.
Where Storyblocks wins
Subscription-only unlimited downloads with no per-clip fees, built for high-volume video creators.
- True unlimited downloads with no per-clip surprise costs.
- Predictable subscription pricing.
That makes it the stronger pick for high-volume video editors and creators wanting unlimited footage and audio at a flat annual price.
Verdict: choose by fit
Pick by fit rather than by an overall score.
- Choose Envato Elements if you fit its core audience — video editors, agencies and content creators who want one unlimited library covering footage, music and editable templates.
- Choose Storyblocks if you fit its core audience — high-volume video editors and creators wanting unlimited footage and audio at a flat annual price.
FAQ
Is Envato Elements better than Storyblocks?
Envato Elements is the stronger default for most users, but Storyblocks can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between Envato Elements and Storyblocks?
Envato Elements is the widest single-subscription creative bundle, spanning video, audio, graphics and templates in one library. Storyblocks is subscription-only unlimited downloads with no per-clip fees, built for high-volume video creators.
Which is cheaper, Envato Elements or Storyblocks?
Entry pricing differs: Envato Elements starts at $16.50/mo (annual), while Storyblocks starts at ~$11/mo (annual). Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for Envato Elements and Storyblocks: