Head-to-head · Stock Video Websites
MotionElements vs Pexels
MotionElements leads on 0 checks, Pexels on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreMotionElements · 9.0/10
- Free planonly Pexels
- Most featuresMotionElements · 3 of 3
MotionElements scores higher on our rubric for stock video websites: 9.0 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #5.
Pexels offers free plan; MotionElements doesn't.
MotionElements is the better fit for flexible video buying and pro workflows. Pexels is the better fit for free video with apps and API access.
- MotionElements fits best
Flexible video buying and pro workflows
- Pexels fits best
Free video with apps and API access
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Side by side
| Feature | MotionElements 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | Pexels 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #4 in Stock Video Websites | #5 in Stock Video Websites |
| Best for | Flexible video buying and pro workflows | Free video with apps and API access |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $198/yr | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Phone, Docs | Docs |
| Integrations | 9 integrations | 6 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features MotionElements 3/3 · Pexels 1/3 | ||
| Commercial license | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Editorial footage | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| API access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Maximum resolution | 4k | Not checked yet |
| License type | Royalty-free | Not checked yet |
| Buying model | Subscription | Not checked yet |
| Monthly downloads | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | MotionElements is an online marketplace for royalty-free stock video and other creative assets, including animations, templates, music, sound effects, photos, vectors and 3D content. It serves freelancers, design agencies, corporate users… Read the review → |
Pexels is a free stock media website for individuals, businesses, creators, and developers. Its searchable photo and video libraries are supported by curated content feeds, collections, creator profiles, and downloads for personal and… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
MotionElements — where it wins
- Pay-per-item purchases start at $1 with royalty-free licensing.
- Pro plans include unlimited downloads, 4K video and AI tools.
- Integrates with major creative apps and supports API access.
Where it doesn't
- There is no free plan, despite weekly free stock downloads.
- Team plan pricing is not shown with the plan description.
- The broad asset catalog may exceed the needs of video-only buyers.
Pexels — where it wins
- Free searchable video and photo libraries
- RESTful JSON API for websites and applications
- Apps, browser tools, and design integrations
Where it doesn't
- Focused on media discovery and downloads rather than editing
- API users need development work to embed media
- Vector-themed results are not presented as a verified vector format
- MotionElements9.0/10 · Paid
Flexible stock video licensing with pay-per-item and unlimited Pro downloads.
Visit MotionElementsFull verdict → - Pexels8.8/10 · Free plan
A free stock media library with apps, integrations, collections, and API access.
Visit PexelsFull verdict →
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All stock video websites comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update