Envato Elements vs Pngtree
Envato Elements and Pngtree both offer massive creative asset libraries for designers. Envato Elements grants truly unlimited downloads across 23 million diverse assets plus powerful AI tools. Pngtree specializes in transparent PNGs but carries significant user trust issues regarding conduct and licensing.
Essential unlimited library for modern creators.
We find Envato Elements offers unparalleled value for creatives requiring constant, high-quality assets across multiple media types. The truly unlimited download model combined with simplified commercial licensing removes significant operational friction. Overall, it’s an industry-leading platform that dramatically streamlines workflow for individuals and creative teams.
Pros
- Truly unlimited downloads across 23+ million assets.
- Highly competitive individual price point ($16.50/month).
- All assets include a simple, lifetime commercial license.
- Access to a comprehensive AI tool stack (VideoGen, ImageGen, MusicGen).
Cons
- No free trial or money-back guarantee is available.
- Strict usage limits apply to new AI features like VideoGen (30 uses/month).
- No refunds are provided if a subscription is canceled.
- Enterprise features requiring custom legal terms need a tailored quote.
Unethical tactics override asset library value
We observe that Pngtree offers an array of compelling design assets, but this strong feature set is entirely overshadowed by alarming user feedback. We found widespread reports alleging copyright extortion, aggressive upselling, and failure to honor lifetime payment commitments. Overall, we cannot recommend a service that employs such aggressive and unethical business practices against its paying user base.
Pros
- Massive resource library specializing in transparent PNG images and templates.
- Free plan allows access to 1 million assets (limited to two daily downloads).
- Includes editable templates and AI tools to streamline design workflow.
- Paid plans offer valid commercial licenses and high-speed downloads.
Cons
- Users report receiving threatening, unfounded copyright infringement claims.
- Widespread allegations of bait-and-switch regarding 'Permanent Lifetime' plans.
- Aggressive sales tactics pressure users to upgrade to expensive Enterprise plans.
- Negative Trustpilot rating (1.4 stars) and extremely poor user sentiment.
AboutEnvato Elements
Envato Elements is a massive creative library built for professionals and hobbyists worldwide. It provides over 23 million premium assets sourced from talented global artists.
You get everything you need in one place, spanning stock video, photos, music, sound effects, and specialized graphic templates. The platform is designed to help you create your best work yet, supplemented by a full stack of cutting-edge AI tools to enhance your workflow. 💡
AboutPngtree
Pngtree functions as a comprehensive stock image market primarily known for its extensive collection of PNG files. It is recognized as the largest asset site for transparent images online. The platform provides access to millions of creative assets like high-quality backgrounds, templates, text effects, and illustrations. Pngtree supports tens of millions of registered designers worldwide. They also help users stay organized by providing a marketing calendar featuring upcoming major holidays and events. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Asset Diversity
Envato Elements offers 23 million assets across all media. Pngtree focuses intensely on transparent PNG files only.
Envato Elements provides a massive library ready for any project type. You get 8.3 million videos and 12.6 million stock photos instantly. This depth makes Envato Elements the ultimate generalist resource. Pngtree shines in one specific area: transparent images and specialty graphics. It carries the web's largest inventory of transparent PNG assets, crucial for quick graphic design work. If your projects require audio, video, or presentation templates, Envato Elements is the clear choice. Pngtree is better if your primary need is high-volume, background-removed graphics.
Generative AI
Envato Elements offers a full creative AI stack. Pngtree provides only a basic AI template design tool.
Envato Elements includes cutting-edge tools like VideoGen, MusicGen, and ImageGen. Users can quickly create unique, custom pieces of media instantly. These powerful tools drastically enhance the creative workflow. Pngtree offers a Free AI Template Design tool and an Online Photo Editor. This helps streamline initial planning and allows for basic template modification. For advanced asset creation via AI, Envato Elements provides far more depth and capability. Pngtree's AI functionality is limited to surface-level design assistance.
Licensing Clarity & Risk
Envato Elements offers a reliable, lifetime commercial license. Pngtree faces serious allegations of license infringement threats.
Every download from Envato Elements includes a lifetime license for that registered project use. This simple structure ensures legal clarity and provides immediate peace of mind for freelancers. Envato Elements is a trusted platform. Pngtree provides commercial licenses but is shadowed by allegations of aggressive legal threats. Users claim Pngtree pressures them into costly Enterprise plans after initial purchases. Envato Elements easily wins on trust and reliability regarding commercial use. Using Pngtree carries significant reputational and legal risk due to documented user complaints.
Download Limits
Envato Elements offers truly unlimited downloads on all paid tiers. Pngtree restricts downloads on its shorter paid plans.
Envato Elements promises truly unlimited downloads across all 23 million assets for every subscriber. High-volume content creators never worry about hitting a cap or running out of assets. Pngtree limits users on its 3-month and 6-month paid plans to just 30 downloads daily. Only the expensive Annual or Lifetime plans grant truly unlimited daily access. If you use assets frequently or in bursts, the limits on Pngtree's shorter plans can be very restrictive. Envato Elements offers superior flexibility for heavy usage.
Pricing Structure
Envato Elements is subscription-only and predictable. Pngtree features a tempting, but risky, lifetime purchase option.
Envato Elements operates purely on a subscription model starting at $16.50 per month. This predictable annual or monthly fee covers everything, ensuring budget consistency for creators. No assets are ever individually priced. Pngtree offers several tiers, including a one-time Lifetime Plan for $199. This allows permanent access without recurring fees, which is a powerful value proposition. However, Pngtree's alleged failure to honor the lifetime deal severely undermines its value. Envato Elements provides reliable, recurring value without the associated financial risk.
Our Verdict
The choice between Envato Elements and Pngtree is fundamentally about risk and trust. Envato Elements provides a highly trusted, all-inclusive subscription for creative professionals. Pngtree offers a niche specialization but carries severe reputational risk that cripples its overall value proposition. Envato Elements shines with its truly unlimited downloads across 23 million diverse assets. You get massive libraries of stock video, music, and specialized templates for one flat fee. The full generative AI stack inside Envato Elements is also a massive win for modern creators seeking speed. This simple, lifetime commercial licensing ensures easy compliance for client work. Pngtree specializes overwhelmingly in difficult-to-find transparent PNG files and illustrations. If transparent graphics are 90% of your required output, Pngtree’s specialized library might be tempting. Pngtree also offers a deeply discounted Lifetime Plan, which is very appealing initially. However, the deciding factor is the massive difference in legal and business conduct illustrated in user reviews. Envato Elements provides clear terms, predictable costs, and very high user satisfaction. If you value commercial security and wish to avoid potential copyright threats, Envato Elements is the winner. Stick with Envato Elements for professional, high-volume, diverse creative needs and peace of mind. Only consider using the Pngtree Free Plan if you occasionally need specialized PNGs with minimal financial commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small teams: Envato Elements or Pngtree?
Envato Elements is far better for small teams (2–5 members) due to its specialized Team plan. The Envato Elements Team plan offers savings and centralized asset management. Pngtree plans are oriented heavily toward individual use only.
Does Envato Elements have transparent PNGs like Pngtree?
Yes, Envato Elements includes graphic assets and templates with transparent elements. However, Pngtree is specifically known as the web's largest site specializing in collecting transparent PNG images.
Is the Pngtree Lifetime Plan truly a better value than Envato Elements?
The Pngtree Lifetime Plan ($199 one-time) seems cheaper than recurring Envato Elements fees. However, user reviews strongly indicate that Pngtree fails to honor this plan, making Envato Elements the more reliable value.
Which tool is safer for commercial licensing?
Envato Elements is significantly safer due to its simple, lifetime commercial licensing policy. Pngtree users report aggressive legal conflicts and bad business practices regarding commercial usage.
Why is Pngtree's user rating so low?
Pngtree's Trustpilot rating is extremely low (1.4 stars) due to business conduct issues. Users allege aggressive upselling, copyright infringement threats, and failure to honor payment promises.
Does Envato Elements offer a free trial or money-back guarantee?
No, Envato Elements does not offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee for new individual users. Pngtree, conversely, does offer a 15-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.