Best CodeCanyon alternatives (October 2023)

By Matic Broz, editor-in-chief of Photutorial covering stock media, Adobe, and design. He founded Photutorial while finishing his PhD in computational biosciences.

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CodeCanyon alternatives

The best CodeCanyon alternatives are well worth considering if you want to avoid paying for each item separately. As a part of the Envato ecosystem, CodeCanyon remains a useful marketplace for finding code, scripts, and plugins, but there are better and cheaper alternatives.

Top 5 best CodeCanyon alternatives

  1. Best for affordability: Envato Elements
  2. Best for themes: Themeforest
  3. CreativeMarket
  4. Envato Market
  5. MOJO Marketplace

The best CodeCanyon alternatives in 2023

1. Envato Elements

Best for affordability

Envato Elements logo on green background

Specifications
  • WordPress plugins: 6,500
  • CMS templates: 1,340
  • Web templates: 5,140
  • Add-ons: 21,815
  • Other: 8.1 million images, 4.2 million videos, 36,270 fonts & more
Today’s best deals
  • Annual subscription – US$16.50/mo
  • Photutorial discount – US$11.70 for the first month
  • Student discount – US$11.50/mo

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Reasons to buy
  • Cheaper and unlimited downloads
  • Other assets, such as fonts, images, videos, templates, etc.
Reasons to avoid
  • Smaller code selection than CodeCanyon

Envato Elements is a popular CodeCanyon alternative for a reason. It’s owned by the same company, meaning you can also get many of the same items, but it’s much more budget-friendly. Compared to CodeCanyon, Envato Elements grants you unlimited access to all their assets for a low monthly fee of $16.50, whereas at CodeCanyon, you have to buy each item separately.

Another area in which Envato Elements outperforms CodeCanyon is the sheer volume and variety of content. While CodeCanyon is limited to code only, Envato Elements also has images, videos, fonts, templates, and more—as you can imagine, unlimited downloads and extraordinary variety go well together for creatives.

Yet, CodeCanyon has a much larger selection of code snippets and plugins. The most sensible solution for most creatives is to have an active Envato Elements subscription while occasionally supplementing with single downloads from CodeCanyon.

Read our full Envato Elements review.

2. ThemeForest

The specialist in web themes

Themeforest logo on dark background

Specifications
  • Site Templates: 18,450
  • WordPress: 11,700
  • CMS Themes: 1,700
  • eCommerce: 3,700
  • Marketing: 2,650
  • Template Kits: 3,900
  • UI Templates: 9,150
Today’s best deals

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Reasons to buy
  • Affordable with frequent sales.
  • Popular assets (e.g., Elementor templates).
  • Long-standing platform.
  • High-quality themes available.
Reasons to avoid
  • Poor online reputation.
  • Bloated multipurpose themes.
  • Strict refund policy.
  • Some themes are not optimized post-customization.

ThemeForest and CodeCanyon are similar, but ThemeForest focuses on website themes and templates, while CodeCanyon specializes in code-based products like scripts and plugins. Some popular ThemeForest categories include WordPress themes, HTML templates, email templates, Joomla themes, PSD templates, and Magento themes.

Since they’re both owned by Envato, there are no other crucial differences. Most templates cost $20 to $80, with some exceeding $200. The customer support is the same, as both platforms prioritize user experience and satisfaction. On both sites, buyers can leave ratings and reviews for products they purchase, allowing potential buyers to make informed decisions. Furthermore, both platforms have strict guidelines and quality standards for submissions, ensuring that customers are getting high-quality products.

For developers and designers, the submission process might differ slightly based on the nature of the product. However, the commission structure and earnings potential are relatively similar. One should also note that both platforms regularly host sales and promotions, allowing customers to purchase premium products at discounted rates.

Lastly, while ThemeForest might appeal more to web designers and businesses looking for ready-made website solutions, CodeCanyon is a haven for developers seeking specific functionalities or tools to enhance their projects. Whichever platform you choose, the guarantee is that you’re accessing a marketplace backed by Envato’s reputation and commitment to quality.

Read our full ThemeForest review.

3. CreativeMarket

The hub for unique, crafted designs

Creative Market interface

Specifications

Graphics: 4,650,000+ Fonts: 12,000+ Web Themes: 6,100 Templates: 450,000+ Add-ons: 16,000+ Photos: 3.1 million+ 3D: 10,000+

Today’s best deals

Visit site

Reasons to buy
  • Affordable with frequent sales.
  • Popular assets (e.g., Elementor templates).
  • Long-standing platform.
  • High-quality themes available.
Reasons to avoid
  • Poor online reputation.
  • Bloated multipurpose themes.
  • Strict refund policy.
  • Some themes are not optimized post-customization.

Creative Market stands out as a unique marketplace in the world of digital assets. Unlike platforms like Envato Elements or ThemeForest that are managed under a single company, Creative Market functions as an open platform, allowing designers and creators from all over the world to sell their products. This ensures that the assets found on Creative Market are diverse and unique, catering to a wide range of design needs.

Their platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing users to quickly find and purchase the digital assets they need. From graphics and fonts to templates and 3D models, Creative Market boasts an impressive collection. Additionally, they often have promotions, bundle deals, and even freebies, making it an enticing option for designers on a budget.

However, since it’s an open market, the quality and support for products can vary from one seller to another. While many products are top-notch, some might not live up to expectations or come without the needed support. It’s crucial for buyers to read reviews, check ratings, and communicate with sellers if needed.

In essence, Creative Market is the go-to platform for those looking for unique and diverse digital assets. Whether you’re a freelancer, a business owner, or simply a hobbyist, there’s something for everyone.

4. Envato Market

The comprehensive creative marketplace

Envato Market interface

Envato Market is a good alternative to CodeCanyon because it is a marketplace for a wider range of digital assets, including graphics, fonts, photos, videos, music, templates, and courses. It also has a more flexible pricing model, with both pay-per-item and subscription options.

Here are some of the reasons why Envato Market is considered a good CodeCanyon alternative:

  • Wide range of assets: Envato Market has a wider range of assets than CodeCanyon, including graphics, fonts, photos, videos, music, templates, and courses. This means that you can find everything you need to create a project, from a logo to a website to a video.
  • Flexible pricing: Envato Market has both pay-per-item and subscription options. This means that you can choose the pricing model that best suits your needs. If you only need a few assets, you can pay for them individually. If you need a lot of assets, you can subscribe to a plan and download as many as you need.
  • Easy to use: Envato Market is easy to use. You can browse the library of assets by category or keyword, and you can preview the assets before you purchase them.
  • High-quality assets: The assets on Envato Market are high-quality. They are created by professional designers and developers, and they are royalty-free, so you can use them in your own projects without having to worry about copyright infringement.
  • Good customer support: Envato Market has good customer support. If you have any problems with an asset, you can contact customer support and they will help you resolve the issue.

Overall, Envato Market is a great alternative to CodeCanyon. It offers a wider range of assets, more flexible pricing, and easier use. If you are looking for a comprehensive resource for digital assets, Envato Market is a great option.

Here is a table comparing Envato Market and CodeCanyon:

FeatureEnvato MarketCodeCanyon
AssetsGraphics, fonts, photos, videos, music, templates, coursesPlugins, scripts, themes, templates
PricingPay-per-item: $1-$200+, Subscription: $16.50/monthPay-per-item: $20-$100+
User interfaceEasy to use, browse by category or keywordCan be difficult to navigate, not as many filters
Quality of assetsHigh-quality, created by professional designers and developersVaries, some assets are low-quality
Customer supportGood, responsive to customer inquiriesCan be slow to respond to customer inquiries

5. MOJO Marketplace

Streamlined, quality-driven platform

MOJO Marketplace interface

MOJO Marketplace is a marketplace for digital assets and services for WordPress, including themes, plugins, and custom development services. It is a good alternative to CodeCanyon for WordPress developers and designers.

Here are some of the reasons why MOJO Marketplace is considered a good CodeCanyon alternative for WordPress developers and designers:

  • Specializes in WordPress: MOJO Marketplace specializes in WordPress, so you can find everything you need to create a WordPress website.
  • Wide range of assets and services: MOJO Marketplace offers a wide range of assets and services for WordPress, including themes, plugins, and custom development services. This means that you can find everything you need to create a WordPress website, from a basic blog to a complex e-commerce store.
  • Good pricing: MOJO Marketplace offers good pricing for its assets and services. You can find themes and plugins for as low as $20, and custom development services start at $100 per hour.
  • Easy to use: MOJO Marketplace is easy to use. You can browse the library of assets and services by category or keyword, and you can preview the assets and services before you purchase them.
  • High-quality assets and services: The assets and services on MOJO Marketplace are high-quality. They are created by professional designers and developers, and they are regularly updated with new features and bug fixes.
  • Good customer support: MOJO Marketplace has good customer support. If you have any problems with an asset or service, you can contact customer support and they will help you resolve the issue.

Overall, MOJO Marketplace is a great alternative to CodeCanyon for WordPress developers and designers. It offers a wide range of assets and services, good pricing, and easy use. If you are looking for everything you need to create a WordPress website, MOJO Marketplace is a great option.

Here is a table comparing MOJO Marketplace and CodeCanyon:

FeatureMOJO MarketplaceCodeCanyon
AssetsThemes, plugins, and custom development services for WordPressPlugins, scripts, themes, templates
PricingThemes and plugins start at $20, custom development services start at $100 per hourPay-per-item: $20-$100+
User interfaceEasy to use, browse by category or keywordCan be difficult to navigate, not as many filters
Quality of assets and servicesHigh-quality, created by professional designers and developersVaries, some assets are low-quality
Customer supportGood, responsive to customer inquiriesCan be slow to respond to customer inquiries

Summary of CodeCanyon alternative

CodeCanyon alternativeCostContent
Envato Elements
Best for affordability
$16.50/monthVideo, images, audio, plugins, themes, add-ons, templates, fonts, etc.
ThemeForest
Best for themes
$20–$80/downloadSite templates, WordPress themes, UI templates, eCommerce, CMS themes, blogging, Jamstack

More alternatives

There are other CodeCanyon alternatives out there, like hiring a freelance developer or a developing agency. But these are option are generally more expensive, take weeks to finish, and you’re rarely eligible for a refund.

As a result, more freelance developers looking for a CodeCanyon alternative pick Envato Elements—it’s affordable and you get everything from plugins to add-ons and WordPress themes with unlimited downloads. These are the best deals for Envato Elements right now:

Why even consider a CodeCanyon alternative?

Indeed, CodeCanyon has its share of proponents, with users praising its extensive collection of code, including themes, plugins, scripts, and templates. Its affordability can’t be overlooked either, providing many budding developers and businesses an entry point without breaking the bank. Add to this mix its straightforward interface and a commendable customer support team ever ready to assist, and you might wonder why anyone would ever look elsewhere.

However, when the coin is flipped, shadows of doubt creep in. Some users, after diving deep into their purchases, have surfaced with tales of buggy code. Others found themselves navigating the labyrinthine corridors of poorly documented code, adding hours to their development time. Tales of low-quality code also echo in some corners, adding a layer of trepidation to potential purchases. And while the topic of refunds is often a sensitive one in any industry, CodeCanyon, unfortunately, finds itself amidst claims of a less than streamlined process in this regard.

With such a juxtaposition of opinions on Reddit and elsewhere, the need for an alternative starts to crystalize. For those who’ve faced challenges with their purchases or for those who’ve heard the cautionary tales, an alternative might offer peace of mind. It’s always prudent to diversify one’s sources, especially in an industry as dynamic as software development.

FAQs

What is the best CodeCanyon alternative?

Envato Elements stands out as a prime CodeCanyon alternative, offering a wider range of creative assets beyond plugins. With a monthly fee of $16.50, users enjoy unlimited downloads. However, it doesn’t entirely replace CodeCanyon, as certain plugins remain exclusive to the latter, necessitating occasional separate purchases.

What is CodeCanyon?

CodeCanyon is a digital marketplace owned by Envato that offers a variety of software scripts, plugins, and code snippets. Developers sell their products, while businesses and individuals can purchase high-quality tools to enhance their web projects.

What are the features of CodeCanyon?

CodeCanyon offers features like a vast library of scripts, plugins, and code snippets for different platforms (e.g., WordPress, Joomla), a rating system for products, user reviews, support from authors, and regular item updates. It also ensures secure payments and offers item support.

What are the pros and cons of CodeCanyon?

Pros: Wide variety of tools, often affordable, user ratings/reviews aid in decision-making, secure transactions, and potential access to developer support. Cons: Some items may be poorly coded or unsupported, potential compatibility issues with other software, and once-off purchases might not include future updates.

How do I choose the best CodeCanyon alternative for me?

When choosing a CodeCanyon alternative, consider factors like your specific software needs, the platform’s reputation, the range and quality of available tools, pricing structure, user reviews, support options, and update policies. Researching and comparing options will lead to an informed decision.

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