Envato Elements vs. PhotoDune There are a few myths floating around regarding Envato Elements vs. PhotoDune.

Maybe myths is the wrong word, but the topic has confused so many people and it’s time to set the record straight.

Before we get to our comparison of Envato Elements and PhotoDune, we need to clear the confusion between these two platforms.

What’s so confusing, you might ask?

Well, when two “facts” contradict each other, things can get really confusing.

Let me explain with a little example starring my friend Timmy:

One day Timmy stumbles into a forum discussion…

“Hi guys, my name is Timmy and I’m new to photography. Just wondering which platform is better, Envato Elements or PhotoDune?”

New_To_Photography “Envato Elements is the best deal. You get unlimited downloads, so there’s no reason to use PhotoDune.”

ILOVEUNLIMITED “PhotoDune has higher-quality images. You’re better off paying per item and getting exactly what you need.”

QualityOverQuantity “Subscription models suck! I’d rather own my images outright.”

Annoying_Own_It_Guy12345 “Wow, I didn’t know it was this confusing.”

New_To_Photography Now, there are actually some really helpful creative forums around, but there’s also some like the one I just made up above.

You might stumble across a discussion like this and see 10 posts in a row from people all in favor of Envato Elements. You think you’ve found a winner, then all of a sudden a group of PhotoDune users give their opinion, along with a grumpy “pay once, own forever” advocate.

The problem arises when everyone’s opinion is stated as a fact. So when you read two opinions which look a lot like facts and they contradict each other, you get confused. Who wouldn’t get confused?

It’s not just forum discussions. There might be an article which lists the pros and cons of each, and the author decides to say that one is better for budget users and the other is better for professionals. Is this true? Maybe…

Both platforms clearly work. With all digital asset libraries, it usually always comes down to personal preference. The truth is, it’s all based on personal opinion.

This personal preference applies to the discussion between unlimited downloads and pay-per-item as well. There’s not a clear winner. There will always be people on each side of the fence.

So what are you to do?

I think it’s much better to analyze and compare specific use cases. When you just compare “platforms,” you’re really looking at a broad list of assets because there are so many types of content available, and they’re all a bit different.

Comparing specific use cases is a better approach to finding the right platform for you, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do here. We’re going to look at Envato Elements vs. PhotoDune and hopefully by the end of the comparison, you will have enough information to choose the right one for you.

Envato Elements vs PhotoDune: Selection and Quality

What’s Included in Envato Elements?

Envato Elements provides unlimited access to a massive library of over 17 millions of stock photos. In addition to images, it includes a variety of other digital assets such as graphics, fonts, templates, and videos. Many of PhotoDune’s stock images are also included within the Envato Elements subscription, making it a more comprehensive option for creatives who need diverse assets.

What’s Included in PhotoDune?

PhotoDune, on the other hand, is a dedicated stock photo marketplace offering high-quality images on a pay-per-item basis. It is designed for users who need to purchase specific images without committing to a monthly plan, making it a more flexible option for occasional users.

Envato Elements vs PhotoDune: Pricing

How Much Does Envato Elements Cost?

• Annual Plan: $198/year ($16.50 per month) – Best value
• Monthly Plan: $39 per month (No commitment)
• Student Plan: $11.50 per month (30% discount)
• Team Plan: Starts at $10.75 per member (for teams of 5+)

If you download at least 3-4 assets per month, Envato Elements saves you money compared to Envato Market.

How Much Does PhotDune Cost?

PhotoDune follows a pay-per-image model, with prices typically ranging from $2 to $10 per image. While this approach is suitable for users who only need occasional images, costs can add up quickly for those who require multiple assets frequently.

Envato Elements vs PhotoDune: Licensing & Usage Rights

Licensing is a major factor when choosing between Envato Elements vs PhtoDune

Envato Elements: offers a simple licensing model where one subscription covers unlimited projects under a commercial license. However, to maintain usage rights, an active subscription is required. This makes it a great choice for those who need continuous access to stock images and other digital assets.

PhotoDune: operates on an individual licensing model where each image must be purchased separately. It offers both standard and extended licenses, depending on the intended use. Unlike Envato Elements, the license remains valid after purchase, even if the user does not make future purchases.

Final Thought

First, I hope we made it clear that when it comes to Envato Elements vs. PhotoDune, there’s no clear-cut winner. There are too many specific assets, and too many personal experiences and opinions which contradict any theories regarding which is better.

Some people only like one, and others like both. End of discussion.

After clearing that up, we did what everyone should do: analyze two specific use cases side by side, rather than debate over broad categories.

Specifically, we looked at Envato Elements and PhotoDune.

The first main difference was in the pricing model. Envato Elements offers unlimited downloads for a flat subscription fee, making it ideal for users who need a large number of assets regularly. On the other hand, PhotoDune operates on a pay-per-item basis, which can be more cost-effective if you only need a few specific images.

The actual quality of images on PhotoDune is generally higher since it follows a more selective pricing model. Meanwhile, Envato Elements prioritizes volume, making it great for users who need a wide variety of images on a budget.

When I compared the overall value, I personally found that Envato Elements is the better deal if you need frequent assets. However, if you’re looking for the absolute best quality on a per-item basis, PhotoDune might be the better choice.

At the end of the day, I think you will like both. Based on my personal experience, I would recommend Envato Elements for most users due to its affordability and variety. However, if you prefer to pay for only what you need at a higher quality, PhotoDune is still an excellent option.

Whatever platform you choose, I hope you get good results!