In this article, you’ll learn:
When people discuss digital asset management (DAM) systems, Bynder often comes to mind. Renowned in its market segment, Bynder boasts high-profile clients like Spotify, Mazda, Five Guys, Puma, and Lacoste. The platform offers a plethora of features, ranging from file sorting and conversion to assigning user-specific access rights and analyzing material usage in storage.
Despite its versatility and rich feature set, Bynder's digital asset management system is not without flaws. It's primarily tailored to large corporations, potentially leaving small and medium-sized businesses struggling with its complex interface and opaque pricing policy.
Therefore, if you are choosing a DAM for yourself, you should first consider the top Bynder alternatives. We'll help you compare them based on functionality, pricing, usability, and integration capabilities with other software.
Bynder Overview
Bynder, one of the world's largest digital asset management (DAM) systems, serves over 1.7 million users, primarily aiding large companies in optimizing workflows quickly and efficiently. However, it's important to be aware of some disadvantages as well.
| Pros | Cons |
| Suitable for all market segments and business areas | Expensive subscriptions, non-transparent tariff plans |
| Supports many file formats and metadata standards | A minimalistic interface but complicated in reality |
| Possibility to share files and collections with external workflow participants | Collections are distributed only via email; no quick links |
| Flexible content organization — many filters and settings, support for intelligent search | AI applies tags only in English and uses a rather limited vocabulary |
| Possibility to choose media formats and quality when uploading | It is more convenient to search for a specific file than to select a wide category of media for your project |
| Private cloud storage that expands as you add user accounts | A file cannot be “pinned” in a collection — as new digital assets appear, it will move to the end of the list |
| Fast deployment — the first few dozen accounts are connected within a day after subscribing |
Similar to other DAM systems, Bynder has a fairly simple goal — to organize a large number of files, providing quick access to them at any time for any employee of the company. For this purpose, it provides powerful tools for working with metadata — advanced search, adding custom fields, automatically filling in lines with tags, instant deletion, etc. The platform works with the majority of popular file formats that businesses use today — text documents, spreadsheets, images, videos, 3D models, sketches, etc. Each of them has different search tools and filters.
Working with metadata is the backbone of every DAM. Bynder also adds the following features to it:
- Creative project management. Collaborative work with multimedia files. With the clear organization, you can assign roles in the team, collect feedback instantly, and approve or reject changes in real time.
- Developing a brand identity. Bynder allows you to create a digital brand book, filling it with certain design elements, color schemes, fonts, and text samples. This will ensure the integrity of the company's image and consistency of communications.
- Video editing. The platform helps you to adapt raw material to specific marketing channels — websites, messengers, social networks, etc. You can cut clips, apply filters, and change the aspect ratio.
- Branded materials templates.Ready-made schemes for designing advertisements, posters, flyers, letterheads, etc. Bynder offers more than 100 templates for digital and print use.
- Analytics. By launching the corresponding module, you can view statistics on the use of certain digital assets and determine the productivity of individual workplaces. This will be useful for optimizing HR, product, and marketing policies.
From this list, you can understand that Bynder developers are more likely to focus on large businesses with an extensive organizational structure, many departments, and project teams. This service has many tools for solving marketing tasks, but it leaves almost no room for the creative work of individual specialists and freelancers.
As we've already mentioned, Bynder has a non-transparent pricing policy. The company's website states that it develops individual tariff plans for each client and has no standardized subscriptions. But in the reviews, we found information that the most affordable Bynder offer involves connecting 5 users at $450 per month. Medium-sized businesses that spend more than $2,500 per month on DAM systems pay $49-59 per user account. And large companies with subscriptions costing more than $10,000 pay $33 per user. This is much higher than average market prices.
Another problem is the system's interface. UI developers tried to simplify it, leaving a minimum of functional elements on one screen. However, the effect was the opposite — most functions were moved to voluminous menus, where it is difficult to find them. In testimonials, users complain that they discover new features of the program by accident, months after the release.
Bynder Alternatives
If you're looking for a feature-rich, flexible, and user-friendly DAM platform, you should first look at other options. We have selected affordable Bynder alternatives that will suit not only large businesses.
1. Pics.io
| Pros | Cons |
| Transparent tariff plans suitable for businesses of all scales | The interface may seem overwhelming at first, but after adapting, it will speed up access to key features |
| Fast file sharing outside the Pics.io ecosystem | |
| Many integrations, the ability to use add-ons for popular cloud storage services |
Similar to Bynder, Pics.io works with multiple file types and offers powerful metadata management tools. The platform features AI that can fill in data fields with tags from a controlled vocabulary, making them easier to find in the future. Moreover, you can add external links like regular digital assets, thus linking sample websites, YouTube videos, or stock photos to your collections.
One of Pics.io key benefits is fast file sharing with partners, contractors, and clients. Users use inboxes to receive digital assets and websites to send them. To upload or download files, users only need an email address and password. There's no need to have a guest account, which, at Bynder, requires paying for an additional user and increases the total cost.
Pics.io interface is more similar to traditional DAMs, with both the file structure and the toolbar displayed on the screen. This slightly increases the time spent exploring the platform for the first time but simplifies access to key functions and speeds up work in the future. By the way, the platform has basic photo editing tools ,such as filters, a simple graphic editor, conversion, resolution, and aspect ratio.
With Pics.io, you can add to Amazon S3 or Google Drive without any migration process. If necessary, you'll also have access to the service's cloud storage. For a seamless transition, migration and onboarding services are provided, which we will discuss later.
Unlike Bynder, Pics.io pricing is standardized and transparent. The most affordable plan for small businesses is $150 per month for 10 users. As you increase the number of user accounts, you can reduce the monthly fee to $11 per month. The platform also has a separate tariff plan for individual users — $50 per month.
2. Dash
| Pros | Cons |
| Quick adaptation thanks to a simple, clear interface | Although the pricing is inexpensive, purchasing additional gigabytes is costly |
| Many integrations with other software, direct import of files from the cloud | Most features are available for images, with few tools for other files |
| Supports AI to search for files using natural phrases |
While Bynder tries to cover all possible needs of its users, even theoretical ones, Dash takes an alternative approach. This service focuses on key functions such as metadata management, file distribution, sharing, version control, etc. It makes such tools user-friendly and accessible thanks to its favorable prices and minimalistic (but not too simplified) interface.
Another advantage of Dash is that this platform does not set up paywalls and does not define premium features. All tools are available even in the basic plan. In fact, you only pay extra for additional user accounts and gigabytes of cloud storage. If you are not satisfied with the fixed tariff plans, you can agree on an individual subscription during the demo.
The cost of a user account ranges from $5 to $25 depending on the chosen tariff plan. Each user gets from 10 to 50 GB of disk space in the cloud.
3. Brandfolder
| Pros | Cons |
| Convenient file sharing with external participants in workflows | Inflexible interface — you cannot adjust the scale of thumbnails |
| Supports dozens of file formats; instant online conversion | It is inconvenient to add users to workgroups |
| High-quality customer support |
More of an analog than a full-fledged Bynder alternative. The platforms are similar in their positioning, pricing, and functionality. As the name suggests, Brandfolder is primarily designed to solve marketing tasks. That is why it provides personalized tools for distributing digital assets. With custom portals, you can choose the optimal page structure, add logos and backgrounds, change the design, and even brand the URL!
Another advantage of Brandfolder is its seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud. You can move files from DAM to the graphic editor and vice versa in a couple of clicks, thereby evaluating changes and approving decisions on the fly, with minimal delays. The platform also allows you to define customized access rules for the entire repository, a folder, or individual digital assets, ensuring complete privacy.
Brandfolder has a non-transparent policy. According to reviews, its subscription prices start at $1,600 per month for up to 20 user accounts. At the same time, developers set up paywalls. For example, you will have to pay extra for non-standard integrations or the connection of generative AI.
4. Canto
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast upload and download to your own cloud storage | No trial version — only individual demonstration |
| Supports face recognition technology on photos | Not very convenient to copy and move folders |
| A handy feature for filling in metadata with AI |
It is a simplified software solution for small and medium-sized businesses, without focusing on large branched organizations. Canto doesn't have many file editing and conversion features — instead, the digital asset management system focuses on fast, intelligent search. You can select materials by metadata and attributes, such as storage capacity, creation date, or location.
Canto also offers a Media Delivery Cloud solution for centralized media publishing. You can create scripts to automatically update images on websites, videos on various platforms, and design elements on landing pages. If the standard functionality is not sufficient, you can use the API to maximize Canto's integration into your workflows.
Unfortunately, the developer is also in no hurry to disclose prices. From the reviews, we know that the cost of a user account is estimated at $30 to $80 per month. You can also get a free trial version with limited functionality.
5. Acquia DAM (formerly Widen)
| Pros | Cons |
| The system has a user-friendly admin panel for assigning user roles | There are no pricing plans for small businesses |
| You can create, distribute, and edit collections without physically moving files to a single folder | Portal customization is inconvenient and has many limitations |
| There are many ready-made integrations with other services and APIs |
The developer positions this software as an optimal solution for companies with over 500 employees. That is why it focuses not on basic DAM functions but on the automation of complex workflows using scripts and templates. For example, you can automatically send all files with the development tag to the team that develops the website.
After Widen Collective was acquired by Acquia, the digital asset management system also received a convenient analytics module. It uses AI and ML technology to answer who uses your files, when, how, and why. So, you can optimize your company's development strategy in all aspects, from communications with partners to product policy.
As we have seen in other cases, the pricing policy is hidden. We managed to find information that the version for 50 user accounts costs about $2,000 per month. Larger versions with a lower cost per user are also available.
6. MediaValet
| Pros | Cons |
| High level of cybersecurity | AI functions are limited — there's no intelligent search |
| Equally convenient to work with any file type — not just multimedia | Not very convenient to edit metadata |
| There is a function of automatic archiving of old assets that are no longer used |
One of the reasons to choose this service is the excellent user experience. Developers help clients transfer files to their cloud and develop personalized training and adaptation programs. Businesses also get an individual manager who advises employees on an ongoing basis, helping them to get the most out of DAM.
MediaValet is also known for its high level of cybersecurity. Data in the cloud is encrypted according to top standards and protocols. The platform reminds you to set access rights when importing files and warns the administrator about suspicious user behavior.
The pricing for this product isn't transparent. Online sources suggest that the basic plan starts at $500 per month, and some features and individual modules cost extra. On the bright side, the company does offer both a demo and a free trial version.
7. Aprimo
| Pros | Cons |
| It is an all-in-one solution suitable for budgeting in marketing and analyzing the company's performance | The platform is expensive even for medium-sized businesses |
| Extensive training and adaptation program for new employees | The service is not flexible — you get it “as is,” with minimal customization options |
| Convenient system for obtaining permissions to access, use digital assets, and publish multimedia content |
It is an attractive solution for large businesses. The digital asset management system is only one-third of the Aprimo platform. In addition to it, you can connect financial planning and productivity modules. They interact and transfer data to the AI-powered analytics system, so you can monitor the efficiency of departments, workflows, and individual specialists.
Aprimo's offer is interesting because of its AI. It allows you to automate routine operations without programming. All you need is to activate the virtual assistant and perform a certain action. The platform will build a script on its own, and you will define the conditions for its repetition in the future.
Once again, we had to look for prices in reviews. Each Aprimo module costs $10,000 per year, with no limit on the number of users or projects. There is no free version, but you can book a demo.
8. Nuxeo
| Pros | Cons |
| There is a system for managing brand multimedia content in all communication channels | High price, suitable only for large businesses |
| The basic version includes integrations with Jira and Confluence productivity services | Complicated interface, especially for people without technical background |
| There is extensive support for AI, including for automatic metadata filling |
If you often use the same digital assets, Nuxeo is the right solution. Unlike its competitors, it offers rather convenient tools for managing a fixed media library. Of course, it has sharing and collaboration features, but they are not as convenient as a sophisticated system for searching and organizing files by metadata.
You can use Nuxeo as a hub for optimizing and automating workflows. The system has many ready-made integrations with other types of software. An open API also helps you create custom data flows.
Again, the company does not disclose the prices of its subscriptions. The most affordable version of the platform is estimated at $47,000 per year, so it's not for small businesses. After signing the contract, you can postpone the payment for 30 days and use the system for free during this period.
9. Adobe Experience Manager
| Pros | Cons |
| Support for convenient and effective AI | Creative Cloud subscription is not included in the price of the platform |
| Fast deployment on any scale | The product is recommended for companies with 500+ employees |
| High-quality support, extensive training program |
It's DAM in its purest form — and nothing else. The service organizes files and allows you to set up automatic file sharing between different software platforms. Of course, applications from the Adobe Creative Cloud package are a priority. However, the open API allows you to create personalized solutions as well.
Like other Adobe products, Experience Manager supports extensions through modules sold separately. This way, you can add productivity, communication, and analytics features to the service and tailor the platform to your business needs.
The subscription cost is figured out during a personal consultation. Just a heads up, it’s not the most budget-friendly option—prices range from $30,000 to $100,000 per year.
10. FileCamp
| Pros | Cons |
| Productivity tools — commenting, approval, version control | You'll have to pay extra for cloud storage |
| Convenient access rights settings at several levels | Few ready-made integrations with other programs |
| Ability to create brand books for companies of any scale |
If you're tired of waiting for a small business solution, consider this Bynder alternative. FileCamp offers affordable DAM that can be used by freelancers, photographers, creators, bloggers, nonprofits, and even individuals who don't run a business. All of this is thanks to its favorable pricing and extremely simple interface.
At the same time, FileCamp offers many features. Among them are customized portals for data exchange with the ability to customize every design element. In addition, the platform can automate the work with metadata, such as file selection, information cleaning, and tagging.
Now for the best part — the basic version starts at just $29 per month for one user. If you add more features, the price can go up to $59. Plus, you get a 30-day trial period, but keep in mind you’ll need to link a bank card.
Bynder vs. Pics.io
Which service should you choose? To answer this question, we've made a direct comparison based on several key points.
Functionality
Let's be honest — Bynder is the undisputed market leader in terms of features. It offers as many as 99 tools for organizing files and improving workflows. But among them are many highly specialized solutions, such as those for combining the media libraries of two companies. Many of these tools may not even be used by large businesses, let alone smaller ones.
With Pics.io, we decided to focus on developing the most popular features. These include metadata management, version control, off-platform file sharing, collection creation, and analytics. This approach allowed us to optimize the interface of each tool and improve its integration into existing workflows. This increases business productivity and reduces onboarding time.
User experience
Bynder gives the impression of a sleek and minimalistic product — no sharp corners or unnecessary buttons. But only the most basic functions remain on the surface. If you want to change access rights settings or open collection options, you have to go deeper into the menu. This is inconvenient, especially when most of your employees are not technically trained.
Pics.io is the exact opposite. Most tools are placed on the surface of the platform's interface. At first, this can slow down learning a bit, because the user wants to get acquainted with all the features of the platform. But over time, workflows begin to speed up because all the features are at your fingertips — just a mouse click or a keyboard shortcut away.
Integrations
Both services can integrate with other software. Even if you don't have any ready-made integrations, the platform's APIs or specialized apps like Zapier can help you. Still, Pics.io is half a step ahead in this regard. Bynder connects users to its own cloud storage. Pics.io can be used as an add-on to Google Docs or Amazon S3. This way, you don't have to do any data transfer.
Customer service
Once again, both DAMs are equal. They offer migration and onboarding assistance services. You get a personal manager who advises you during the transition period, selects the best solutions, and trains your employees. The difference is that Bynder specializes in working with large businesses and offers only large-scale onboarding programs. Pics.io has customized solutions for small, medium, and large companies.
Pricing policy
The cost of a Pics.io subscription for businesses ranges from $11-15 per user account and for individual users — $50 per month. Bynder is much more expensive — from $33 to $90 per user account. This service does not offer individual subscriptions.
It is also worth noting that in 2022, the Bynder platform was bought by the investment fund Thomas H. Lee Partners. The new owners set a course for cooperation with big business. Therefore, we should not expect democratization and simplification of the service in the near future.
Factors to Consider When Choosing DAM
Still don't have a final decision? We can advise you to take a closer look at each DAM system, considering the following factors:
- Company's business model. Make sure that the platform covers all the workflows that should be optimized, such as finding photos for social media posts or selecting graphic assets for marketing campaigns.
- Team requirements. The software should have appropriate roles for each employee who will use it. This applies to both granting the necessary rights and restricting access to sensitive information.
- Integration capabilities. If you are already using other software, it will be convenient to combine it with DAM, establishing a two-way information exchange.
- Budgetary limits. Some platforms are designed only for medium or large businesses, so they are not suitable for all companies. Pay attention to the cost of basic tariff plans and potential additional fees, such as for extra features or cloud storage.
- Ease of adaptation. You should consider this point along with the functionality. They should have an optimal balance — the sooner you can adopt each individual function, the better.
- Quality of customer support. No matter how skilled your employees are, they may need help at certain stages. Ideally, it should be prompt and comprehensive.
Conclusion
Bynder is one of the top DAMs on the market, but it also has limitations and drawbacks. It is a rather expensive and cumbersome solution primarily aimed at large businesses. If you're just starting your company and want to realize your goals as quickly as possible, you should consider Bynder alternatives.
The Pics.io platform has plans for small businesses and even individual users. Its interface provides quick access to all the tools. Unlike Bynder, it has only the most useful and popular features that help improve business efficiency. The service offers convenient solutions for migration and onboarding. In addition, it helps you save your cloud storage to Google Drive or Amazon S3, expanding their capabilities.
When picking a DAM system to replace Bynder, focus on what your business really needs — like your organizational model, team structure, and usual workflows. This way, you'll get a system that's easy to integrate, simple to use, and truly beneficial.
