Epidemic Sound vs Artlist 2026: Which Music Library for Your Channel?

Epidemic Sound is cheaper when you need ads and client rights, and offers monthly billing; Artlist adds stock footage and templates on Max. Compare prices, licensing and which to choose.

Epidemic Sound vs Artlist

Both sell music and sound effects by subscription, safe for YouTube while you're subscribed. The cheapest plans cost almost the same ($9.99/month billed yearly); the differences are commercial pricing, billing options and whether you need stock footage.

Choose Epidemic Sound if

You run ads or do client work and want a cheaper plan (Pro $16.99/month yearly)
You want monthly billing, even for commercial use
You want a 30-day trial before paying

Choose Artlist if

You want cinematic music for travel vlogs and product films
You also need stock footage and templates (Max)
You can pay yearly and only run a personal channel (Social)

Cost

According to price trackers (July–September 2026, US prices): Epidemic Creator is $9.99/month billed yearly ($17.99 monthly), Pro $16.99/month yearly ($39.99 monthly). Artlist Social is $9.99/month yearly ($14.99 monthly), Music & SFX Pro $24.92/month yearly only, Max from $39.99/month.

Verdict

Just safe music, with ads or clients: Epidemic Sound. Great music plus stock footage in one plan: Artlist. With both, videos published while subscribed stay licensed, but you can't use old downloads in new videos after you cancel.

Comparison based on official sites, pricing pages and price trackers, checked October 30, 2026 — no affiliate links.