Envato Elements, offers a subscription-based model for accessing and using WordPress themes.
This model differs from ThemeForest’s individual purchase model and comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks.
Pros:
- Unlimited Downloads: The most significant benefit of Envato Elements is its unlimited download model. Subscribers get access to a vast library of WordPress themes (and other digital assets like stock photos, graphics, and more) and can download as many as they need, making it a potentially cost-effective option for users who frequently work on multiple projects.
- Cost-Effective for Multiple Projects: If you’re a freelancer, agency, or business working on numerous websites, the subscription-based pricing of Envato Elements can be more budget-friendly in the long run compared to purchasing individual themes.
- Curated Collection: While the overall theme selection on Envato Elements might be smaller than ThemeForest, they focus on providing a curated library of high-quality themes. This can simplify the search process as you’re more likely to encounter well-designed and well-coded options.
- Simple Licensing: Envato Elements uses a straightforward licensing model for all assets, including WordPress themes. Generally, a subscription grants you broad commercial usage rights, simplifying licensing complexities.
Cons:
- Ongoing Cost: The subscription model means an ongoing cost for access to themes. If you only need a theme for a single project or rarely use WordPress themes, purchasing an individual theme might be more economical.
- Limited Theme Selection Compared to ThemeForest: As mentioned, Envato Elements has a smaller pool of WordPress themes compared to the extensive library available on ThemeForest. You might not find highly specialized themes or a theme that perfectly matches very specific requirements.
- Dependence on Subscription: If you cancel your Envato Elements subscription, you lose access to the themes and any other assets you downloaded. While you can continue using themes you’ve already incorporated into projects, you can’t download them again or access updates without an active subscription.
Overall:
Envato Elements is an attractive option for businesses, freelancers, or agencies that require access to a variety of quality WordPress themes (and other digital assets) for multiple projects. The unlimited downloads and simple licensing make it a compelling proposition.
However, the ongoing cost and potentially limited theme selection are factors to weigh against individual theme purchases on marketplaces like ThemeForest.
