When it comes to sourcing top-quality VFX assets, FX Elements and ActionVFX often appear in the same conversation. Both offer incredible tools for VFX artists, but which one is the better choice for your project? Let’s dive into the key differences, debunk some myths, and help you determine which option works best for your needs.

FX Elements: A Good Option for Individual Clip Purchases

FX Elements is a great solution for filmmakers who need one or two specific assets, especially for one-off clip purchases. Though their selection is much smaller than ActionVFX—ActionVFX adds an average of six collections per month to its growing library—the assets available through FX Elements are high quality. With individual clips starting at $9 (just $0.90 less than ActionVFX), this platform caters to those with minimal requirements or tight budgets.

However, if you need more than one or two assets, ActionVFX is the better choice. Here’s why:

• FX Elements has daily download limits. Unlike ActionVFX, FX Elements’ subscriptions restrict you to 15 downloads per day, which can be a bottleneck for larger projects.
• FX Elements has a smaller library. FX Elements offers fewer options overall, making it harder to find exactly what you need. The ActionVFX library, containing around 12,000 assets, is regularly praised for its wide selection of elements.
• Greater flexibility with ActionVFX. The ActionVFX credits-based model lets you choose only the assets you need, whenever you need them, without restrictions like download limits when using credits. Subscribers also get assets in the Essentials Catalog for free (up to 20 downloads per day).
• All file types included with ActionVFX. With ActionVFX, you get access to all file and resolution types at no extra cost, unlike FX Elements, which charges more for additional file types.

For projects requiring a broader selection of assets or the flexibility to download without daily limits, ActionVFX stands out as the superior choice, especially with an average of six new collections released per month.

Here's a cool testimonial video from Shirogumi, the team that produced Oscar®-winning Godzilla Minus One:

Myths About the ActionVFX Subscription

There’s some misinformation floating around about ActionVFX’s subscription model, so let’s clear things up:

Myth 1: "You’re forced to pay for assets you might not use."

Truth: The ActionVFX subscription gives you credits to spend on any asset in the library, putting you in control. You pay for credits, then spend the credits however you’d like. Other “free for subscribers” offerings do not add to the cost of the subscription.

Myth 2: "There’s less flexibility compared to pay-per-clip options."

Truth: This is true, only if you only need one asset total. With ActionVFX, you get what you need, when you need it. Credits make it easy to tailor your downloads to your current projects while saving significantly compared to individual purchases. Additionally, you can scale your plan by purchasing additional credits if you ever run out.

Myth 3: "ActionVFX limits downloads to a few per month."

Truth: While FX Elements has a 15-asset daily download limit, ActionVFX allows unlimited downloads when using credits. If you run out of credits, you can purchase more without needing to upgrade your plan. For Essentials Catalog assets, subscribers can download up to 20 assets per day.

Myth 4: "Assets are hidden behind a paywall after you subscribe depending on your tier."

Truth: Once you subscribe, you can spend your credits on any asset in the ActionVFX library, including assets created by third-party contributor. No tiered access or restrictions.

Myth 5: "ActionVFX increased their prices."

Truth: The new ActionVFX subscription is a significant price cut for the vast majority of artists. While it’s not as cheap as our old Legacy subscription model, which we discontinued in 2023 due to its unsustainability for our business, most users save about 50% compared to our individual asset purchasing model, which we have used since our launch in 2016.

For example, individual 4k assets used to cost $39. Now, by spending credits, individual assets cost an average of $11.95, and as low as $9.90. Plus, when you download an asset, you get all available resolution types. Here’s a breakdown on how ActionVFX credits work.

Myth 6: "ActionVFX is only for studios."

Truth: While many of our clients are studios, ActionVFX is a also great option for freelancers. Unlike most subscription models, we designed ours so that you keep what you download, even if you cancel. This allows all users to benefit from our library, even those who can only afford a one-time purchase.

Why the ActionVFX Subscription Stands Out

ActionVFX Has More Options, Higher Value

The ActionVFX subscription includes all file types at no extra cost. This contrasts with FX Elements, which charges more for higher-quality files.

All ActionVFX subscribers also get free access to 1570 assets in the Essentials Catalog. Subscribers can download up to 20 of these assets per day without spending any credits.

ActionVFX Offers Incredible Savings

One of the biggest advantages of ActionVFX credit plans is how much more affordable they are compared to individual purchasing. For just $59 per month, you gain access to assets that used to cost up to $195 when purchased individually. That means that as long as you plan to download more than one asset, the credits-based subscription is far cheaper than the old individual asset purchasing model.

The math speaks for itself: subscribing saves you money and gives you more creative freedom.

With ActionVFX, Cancel Anytime and Keep Your Assets

Unlike traditional subscriptions, with ActionVFX credit plans, you keep downloaded assets even if you cancel. This lets independent creators benefit from the savings a credit model provides without needing to maintain a monthly subscription during slow months.

Is ActionVFX a Good Option for Independent Artists?

Absolutely. ActionVFX understands that not every filmmaker works with a blockbuster budget. We also understand that your needs fluctuate throughout the year. Here’s how we solved that:

• Credits roll over for 12 months, meaning you can save up credits during slow periods to spend them as you need.
• Don’t benefit from month-over-month credit accumulation? Subscribe for one month, spend your credits, then cancel. As long as you spend more than one credit, you’ll save $20 to $136 compared to our old individual purchasing model.

As an independent artist, you can access the same high-quality assets used in blockbusters like Godzilla Minus One, Stranger Things, Spider-Man: Far From Home, Avengers: Endgame, and more—all without breaking the bank. The responses to the OP in this thread are great examples of how independent VFX artists use our assets. Read the comments!

FX Elements or ActionVFX: Which One Should I Use?

Both FX Elements and ActionVFX cater to different needs. If you require individual purchasing of a few assets, FX Elements is a great choice. But for anyone needing long-term value, a wide selection of assets, and consistent month-over-month project budgeting, the ActionVFX subscription is a clear winner.

With unparalleled savings, unmatched flexibility, and a library packed with professional-grade assets, ActionVFX continues to set the gold standard in the industry. So, is ActionVFX worth it? Absolutely. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself.

Black Friday: Save 30% on the ActionVFX Subscription

During Black Friday (starting November 26th), you can get 30% off all ActionVFX credit plans. The best news? Those 30% savings last for 6 months if you’re on a monthly plan!

Here’s what else you’ll get:

• 30% off additional credits. This allows you to prepare for any additional assets you’ll need by getting extra credits beyond those provided in your subscription.
• Free Asteroid Pack. 20 CG asteroids available for free only during Black Friday!

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Purchase a Credit Plan

ActionVFX is widely considered the industry's best library of VFX stock elements. If you're interested in trying out our assets, check out our library of 650 free assets!

To get a credit plan for access to our library of over 11,000 assets, visit our pricing page. Credit plans for Individuals start at $42 during Black Friday only!

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