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Flaticon is listed from $6.50 and has a free plan, but its FAQ caps Premium downloads at 2,000 icons per day. A Reddit thread also reports a sharp Freepik API price change, though that is not a confirmed change to Flaticon’s subscription. The alternatives below are broader stock libraries and design marketplaces, not guaranteed one-for-one icon replacements. Check their asset coverage, license terms and download limits before moving a project.
01Why people leave Flaticon
API pricing changed
One Reddit thread reports Freepik API access shifting from pay-as-you-go to $80 a month, with per-icon charges still applying; it does not confirm a Flaticon subscription change.
Free downloads feel restricted
A Reddit post complains that some SVG icons advertised as free can only be downloaded by Premium members.
Premium has a daily cap
Flaticon’s FAQ lists a limit of 2,000 icons per day for Premium, which may matter for high-volume projects.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Varied stock assets
VecteezyVecteezyVecteezy is a reasonable first comparison if you want a broad stock-asset library rather than a dedicated icon catalog. The listing includes a free plan and a starting price of $9. It also flags download caps and license terms, so check both before relying on it for a large commercial project.
Trade-off: Download caps and license terms need checking.
6.4/10from
$9/mofree plan - Mixed creative assets
Envato ElementsEnvato ElementsEnvato Elements may suit teams that want varied creative assets beyond icons: its listing highlights stock, templates and AI tools. It starts at $16.50, above Flaticon’s listed $6.50 starting price. Consider it when asset variety matters more than a low-cost icon-only subscription, but our comparison warns about stock quality and predictable AI volume.
Trade-off: Higher starting price; stock quality and AI volume may disappoint.
7.3/10from
$16.50/mo - Marketplace design assets
Creative MarketCreative MarketCreative Market is a design-asset marketplace, with a free plan and a listed starting price of $9.95. Its weekly freebies may work for occasional needs, while monthly credits are aimed at regular buyers. It is a possible alternative if you prefer choosing individual design assets, but the source flags uncertainty between sellers.
Trade-off: Seller consistency and monthly credit value are uncertain.
6.0/10from
$9.95/mofree plan - Assets with API access
ShutterstockShutterstockShutterstock is worth comparing if API licensing is central to your switch: the listing specifically includes developers licensing assets through an API. It also covers multiple media types and lists built-in editing tools. The starting price is $25, so check seat, billing and fair-use limits before treating it as a replacement.
Trade-off: Check seat, billing and fair-use limits.
6.8/10from
$25/mo - Commercial-use licensing
iStockiStockiStock is listed for buyers who need varied licensed media and commercial-use licensing. Its starting price is $29, substantially above Flaticon’s listed $6.50. It may fit a broader licensed-media buying need, but the comparison flags an annual commitment and reported cancellation friction, so review the term before subscribing.
Trade-off: Annual commitment and reported cancellation friction.
6.3/10from
$29/mo - Editorial and varied media
AlamyAlamyAlamy is a broader media option if your work needs editorial imagery alongside other creative stock. The listing starts at $139 and describes it as a wide-ranging library. That is a much higher starting price than Flaticon, so it makes more sense when your requirements extend well beyond icons.
Trade-off: High starting price; check editorial licensing costs.
6.2/10from
$139/mo - AI and stock toolkit
ArtlistArtlistArtlist combines AI tools and stock in one service, according to its listing, and starts at $11.99 with a free plan. It is not presented as a dedicated icon library, so consider it only if your switch also covers other creative needs. The comparison notes catalog friction and uncertainty around credits.
Trade-off: Catalog friction and credit uncertainty.
6.0/10from
€11.99/mofree plan
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.2 | £6.50/mo | Yes | Designers needing varied icon formats | |
| 6.4 | $9/mo | Yes | Creators seeking varied stock assets | |
| 7.3 | $16.50/mo | No | Creatives needing varied asset types | |
| 6.0 | $9.95/mo | Yes | Designers seeking varied digital assets | |
| 6.8 | $25/mo | No | Teams sourcing multiple media types | |
| 6.3 | $29/mo | No | Teams needing varied licensed media | |
| 6.2 | $139/mo | No | Teams needing creative stock monthly | |
| 6.0 | €11.99/mo | Yes | Creators needing AI and stock in one service |
Questions people ask
Which Flaticon alternative is closest for icons?
The published comparisons do not establish that any option is a like-for-like icon replacement. Vecteezy is the closest broad-stock comparison here, with a free plan and a $9 starting price, but check its actual icon selection, download caps and license terms for your project.
Did Flaticon raise its API price to $80 a month?
The Reddit report describes a Freepik API change to $80 a month, with per-icon charges still applying. It does not confirm that Flaticon’s subscription price or API terms changed. Treat the report as a reason to verify the current API pricing and terms directly before switching.
What should I check before leaving Flaticon?
Compare the assets you need, commercial-use licensing, download limits and billing terms. Flaticon’s FAQ lists a 2,000-icons-per-day Premium cap. Among these alternatives, Shutterstock is specifically listed for developers licensing assets through an API; the published information does not publish API details for the others.