If you’re a designer, marketer, or creative of any kind, you know how important it is to have access to high-quality assets. But with so many platforms out there, it’s tough to know which one truly fits your workflow. Today, I want to break it down for you—Envato Elements vs. Adobe Creative Cloud—and which one I think is the best choice based on my own experience.

What is Envato Elements?

Envato Elements is a massive library of over 17 million digital assets—graphics, templates, stock photos, videos, music, fonts, and more. You pay one flat fee and get unlimited downloads. That means you can experiment freely without worrying about extra costs. If you’re constantly working on creative projects, this unlimited access can be a game-changer.

I’ve used Envato Elements for everything from social media templates to website mockups, and it’s a lifesaver when you need something fast. The ability to download as many assets as I want without worrying about extra charges makes it an easy go-to in my workflow.

What is Adobe Creative Cloud?

Adobe Creative Cloud is the industry standard for creative software. It includes tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and more. Unlike Envato Elements, which provides digital assets, Adobe Creative Cloud gives you the software to create and edit your own designs, videos, and animations.

I’ve been using Adobe’s software for years, and it’s indispensable for in-depth, custom work. But here’s the thing—while Adobe is amazing for creating from scratch, it doesn’t offer the instant variety that Envato Elements does. If I need a high-quality mockup or a quick template to save time, Adobe alone won’t cut it.

Envato Elements vs. Adobe: Selection and Quality

If you’re looking for variety, both platforms offer valuable resources but serve different purposes. Envato Elements provides instant access to ready-made assets like templates, stock photos, and music, making it ideal for quick projects and inspiration.

Adobe Creative Cloud, on the other hand, is all about customization. It’s perfect if you want full control over your designs, videos, and animations. While it doesn’t come with unlimited stock assets, it gives you the tools to create anything from scratch.

There have been times when I needed a professional-looking presentation template or a stylish Instagram post in a pinch—Envato Elements saved the day. But when I wanted to design a fully custom logo or edit high-end videos, Adobe was the only real option.

Envato Elements vs. Creative Market: Pricing

Let’s talk cost because, let’s be real, we all want the best deal.

• Envato Elements costs $11.99/month (billed annually) for unlimited downloads.
• Adobe Creative Cloud costs $59.99/month for the All Apps plan, which includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and more.
• Adobe Stock starts at $29.99/month for 10 assets per month—meaning you’ll pay extra if you need more.

For me, I can’t justify paying extra for Adobe Stock when Envato Elements already gives me unlimited downloads. But I still need Adobe’s software for my creative work, so I end up using both.

Envato Elements vs. Adobe: Licensing

Both platforms offer commercial licensing, but Envato Elements keeps it simple. A single subscription covers personal and commercial use without complicated fine print.

Adobe’s licensing can be more complex. Creative Cloud software requires a subscription, and if you use Adobe Stock, each asset comes with different licensing terms. If you don’t pay close attention, you might run into restrictions when using assets for commercial projects.

Final Thoughts

So, the big question—do you need powerful design tools, or do you just need unlimited creative assets?

Adobe Creative Cloud is unbeatable if you’re serious about graphic design, video editing, or animation. It’s the go-to for professionals who need advanced tools to create original work.

But if you’re looking for unlimited ready-to-use assets—templates, graphics, and stock media—Envato Elements is the better deal. It’s more affordable and gives you everything you need without extra fees or limits.

Personally, I use both. Adobe Creative Cloud is my powerhouse for design and video editing, while Envato Elements is my go-to for fast, high-quality assets. If you’re on a tight budget and only need assets, go with Envato Elements. But if you need full creative control, Adobe is essential.

So here’s the bottom line:

• If you need top-tier design software, Adobe Creative Cloud is the way to go.
• If you want unlimited stock assets at an affordable price, Envato Elements is the smarter choice.
• If you’re like me and need both, balancing the two can give you the best of both worlds.

It all depends on what you need for your creative workflow!