If you’re a video editor, you need a great stock footage subscription that also offers audio, templates, and more, but it can be hard to know which provides the best value for your money. While I have my favorite (Envato), it might not be the right choice for you. If you’ve already narrowed the search to Envato Elements, Motion Array, and Storyblocks, you’re very close to making the right choice. But which one is right for you?
Storyblocks was a no-brainer a few years ago if you wanted videos with unlimited downloads. But in recent years, Envato Elements and Motion Array grew while Storyblocks hasn’t shown any signs of life. If you want the largest selection among unlimited download subscriptions, Envato Elements is the way to go. But if you need 8K footage, you should be looking at Motion Array (or even its parent company, Artlist).
Side-by-side comparison
| Envato Elements | Motion Array | Storyblocks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $16.50–$39.00/month | $19.99–$37.50/month | $30–$35/month |
| Videos | 4.2 million | 90,000 | 1.5 million |
| Music | 145,000 | 100,000 | 19,440 |
| SFX | 629,000 | 100,000 | 43,000 |
| Images | 8.1 million | 30,000 | 230,000 |
| Templates | 461,000 | 60,000 | 25,000 |
| Other media | 3D, fonts, add-ons, templates, plugins | – | – |
| Special deals | • Student discount (30%) • Photutorial discount (70%) • Annual discount (57%) | • 2 months free | – |
| Max. video res. | 4K | 5K+ | 4K |
| Plugins | Downloadable | Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Vegas Pro, DaVinci Resolve, etc. | Creative Cloud, Maker Video Editor |
Envato Elements vs. Motion Array vs. Storyblocks
Diving into the specifics of the multimedia platforms, Envato Elements immediately stands out with its comprehensive library sizes. Boasting 4.2 million videos, a whopping 8.1 million images, and 629,000 sound effects, it significantly overshadows Motion Array and Storyblocks in terms of sheer volume. Additionally, the array of “Other media” offered by Envato, such as 3D models, fonts, add-ons, and plugins, is unparalleled. Their price range, starting from $16.50/month to $39.00/month, comes with enticing offers like a 30% student discount, a 70% Photutorial discount, and a 57% annual discount. All of this, combined with a maximum video resolution of 4K, makes Envato Elements a compelling option for those seeking extensive resources.
Moving the lens to Motion Array, it distinguishes itself with an impressive maximum video resolution of 5K+, outdoing both its competitors. With a range of $19.99–$37.50/month, Motion Array offers a balanced collection of videos, music, and SFX, though not as vast as Envato. However, its edge lies in the diversity of plugins available. Specifically tailored for various video editing software like Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and more, it’s an enticing platform for video editing professionals who frequently switch between different tools. Additionally, Motion Array offers a special deal of two free months, which can be an attractive proposition for those looking to trial the service.
Storyblocks, priced between $30–$35/month, competes in the middle ground. With 1.5 million videos, it offers a respectable library that slots between Envato’s vast collection and Motion Array’s more limited selection. However, its music and SFX libraries are considerably smaller than the other two platforms. One noteworthy feature of Storyblocks is its compatibility with Creative Cloud and Maker Video Editor. So, for users who heavily rely on these platforms, Storyblocks might be the more apt choice.
Which platform fits your creative needs best? Is the sheer volume of resources at Envato Elements more enticing, or do the specialized plugins of Motion Array catch your eye? Maybe you’re a Creative Cloud aficionado, making Storyblocks a natural choice? Share your thoughts below!
Comments