Artlist vs Epidemic Sound 2026: Which Should You Choose?

Last Updated: 2026-01-27

Quick Answer

Our verdict: Both are excellent. We use both. If we had to pick one: Artlist for creators who need an all-in-one platform (music + footage + templates + AI), Epidemic Sound for those who primarily need audio (larger SFX library, better trial).

Licensing: How They Actually Compare

Both Artlist and Epidemic Sound use similar licensing models — despite what some articles claim.

What BOTH platforms offer:

• ✅ Projects published during your subscription stay licensed forever
• ✅ You can keep monetizing those videos after canceling
• ✅ Copyright protection continues for content registered during subscription
• ❌ You cannot use tracks in new projects after canceling

The Real Difference: AI-Generated Content

One actual difference: Artlist allows you to use AI-generated outputs (images, videos, voiceovers) even after your subscription ends. Epidemic Sound doesn't have comparable AI tools.

Bottom line: Don't choose based on "perpetual license" claims — both platforms work the same way for published content. Choose based on other factors like library size, footage, and features.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Pricing Comparison (January 2026)

Artlist Pricing

Epidemic Sound Pricing

Bottom line: Similar pricing at entry level. Artlist's Max plans offer more value if you need footage.

When to Choose Artlist

✅ Choose Artlist if you:

1. Need stock footage — Artlist includes 180,000+ video clips; Epidemic Sound has none
2. Want an all-in-one platform — Music, SFX, footage, templates, AI in one subscription
3. Need video templates — 20,000+ templates for Premiere Pro, After Effects
4. Want AI creative tools — Generate videos, images, voiceovers within the platform
5. Prefer a curated library — Smaller but high-quality, easier to find good tracks

❌ Artlist may NOT be right if you:

• Want a true free trial before committing
• Primarily need sound effects (Epidemic Sound has more)
• Prefer a mobile-first workflow

When to Choose Epidemic Sound

✅ Choose Epidemic Sound if you:

1. Want to try before buying — 30-day full-access trial (not just watermarked previews)
2. Need a large SFX library — 90,000+ sound effects vs Artlist's 50,000
3. Upload frequently to YouTube — The subscription model works well for consistent uploaders
4. Prefer mobile editing — Epidemic Sound's app is more polished
5. Just need music — Don't need footage or templates

❌ Epidemic Sound may NOT be right if you:

• Need stock footage (they don't offer it)
• Want video templates
• Need AI video/image generation tools

Music Quality Comparison

Both platforms offer high-quality, professionally produced music. The difference is in curation philosophy:

Artlist: Smaller, more curated library. Every track feels hand-picked. Less filler, easier to find something good quickly. Strong in cinematic, indie, and acoustic genres.

Epidemic Sound: Larger library with more variety. More digging required, but more options when you need something specific. Strong in electronic, pop, and trending sounds.

Our experience: We find the "right" track faster on Artlist, but Epidemic Sound has more options when we need something very specific.

Sound Effects Comparison

Winner: Epidemic Sound — If SFX are important to your workflow, Epidemic Sound has the edge with nearly double the library.

The "All-in-One" Factor

In 2026, Artlist and Epidemic Sound have taken different strategic directions:

Artlist has expanded into:

• Stock footage (180,000+ clips)
• Video templates (20,000+)
• AI video generation
• AI image generation
• AI voiceovers
• Plugins for Premiere, Final Cut, DaVinci

Epidemic Sound has focused on:

• Perfecting their audio library
• Better search and discovery
• Improved mobile experience
• Artist partnerships

Which approach is better? Depends on your needs. If you want one subscription for everything, Artlist. If you want best-in-class audio, Epidemic Sound.

Free Trial Comparison

Winner: Epidemic Sound — Their 30-day trial lets you actually use the music in real projects. Artlist's free account is just for previewing.

Copyright Protection

Both platforms protect your content from false copyright claims:

Artlist Clearlist:

• Connect your YouTube channel
• Automatic claim clearing
• Works retroactively

Epidemic Sound:

• YouTube Content ID whitelisting
• Automatic protection
• Works immediately

Both work well. No significant difference in practice.

Our Recommendation

After 3+ years using both platforms, here's our honest take:

For YouTubers & Social Media Creators

Start with Epidemic Sound. The 30-day free trial lets you test it properly. The larger SFX library helps with editing. The subscription model aligns with frequent uploading.

Try Epidemic Sound Free for 30 Days →

For Filmmakers & Video Professionals

Go with Artlist. The all-in-one platform (music + footage + templates) simplifies your workflow. Having everything in one subscription saves time and money.

Get Artlist — 2 Months Free →

For Agencies & Teams

Consider both. Many agencies subscribe to both — Artlist for footage and templates, Epidemic Sound for the larger SFX library and variety.

FAQs

Is Artlist better than Epidemic Sound?

Neither is objectively "better." Artlist offers more features (footage, templates, AI). Epidemic Sound has a larger SFX library and true free trial. Choose based on your specific needs.

Can I use Artlist music after canceling?

Projects published during your subscription stay licensed forever. However, you cannot use downloaded tracks in new projects after canceling — you'd need to resubscribe.

Can I use Epidemic Sound music after canceling?

Same as Artlist: content published during your subscription stays covered. You cannot use tracks in new projects after canceling without resubscribing. Both platforms work the same way here.

Which has better music quality?

Both have excellent quality. Artlist is more curated (easier to find good tracks). Epidemic Sound has more variety (better for specific needs).

Which is cheaper?

Both start at $9.99/month with annual billing. Artlist's Max plans cost more but include footage and templates. Value depends on what you need.

Can I use both?

Yes, many creators do. Use Artlist when you need footage or templates alongside music. Use Epidemic Sound for the larger SFX library and when you need more audio variety.

Conclusion

Both Artlist and Epidemic Sound are excellent platforms. The right choice depends on your workflow:

• Need stock footage? → Artlist
• Need video templates? → Artlist
• Want all-in-one creative tools? → Artlist
• Want AI video/image generation? → Artlist
• Want a true free trial? → Epidemic Sound
• Need more SFX? → Epidemic Sound
• Mobile-first workflow? → Epidemic Sound

We use both and recommend both. They complement each other well.

Sources:

• Artlist Pricing
• Artlist Help Center
• Epidemic Sound Pricing
• G2 Artlist Reviews
• G2 Epidemic Sound Reviews