IconScout vs Noun Project: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between IconScout and Noun Project comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Noun Project is our overall pick for icon libraries workflows. Pick IconScout if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
IconScout
Access a vast library of icons, illustrations, 3D assets, and stock photos for your design projects.
Best for you if:
- • Vast library of icons, illustrations, 3D assets, and stock photos.
- • Supports multiple file formats (SVG, PNG, EPS, AI).
Noun Project
Millions of icons and photos for all your visual needs
Best for you if:
- • Curated icon library
- • Community-created icons
| At a Glance |  IconScout |  Noun Project |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Icon Libraries | Icon Libraries |
Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.8/5 |
Choose IconScout or Noun Project?
Choose IconScout if
Access a vast library of icons, illustrations, 3D assets, and stock photos for your design projects.
- Extremely large and diverse asset library
- High-quality and professional-grade assets
- Seamless integration with popular design software
Choose Noun Project if
Millions of icons and photos for all your visual needs
- High quality curation
- Consistent styles
- Active community
| Feature | IconScout | Noun Project |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.0/5 6 reviews | ★4.8/5 19 reviews |
| Categories | Icon LibrariesStock Assets | Icon LibrariesStock Assets |
In-Depth Analysis
IconScout
Access a vast library of icons, illustrations, 3D assets, and stock photos for your design projects.
Strengths
- +Extremely large and diverse asset library
- +High-quality and professional-grade assets
- +Seamless integration with popular design software
- +Regularly updated content
- +Flexible licensing options
Weaknesses
- -Free plan has limited downloads and features
- -Some niche assets might be harder to find
- -Subscription can be costly for individual users without heavy usage
Key features
Noun Project
Millions of icons and photos for all your visual needs
Strengths
- +High quality curation
- +Consistent styles
- +Active community
- +Good search
Weaknesses
- -Attribution on free
- -Smaller than Flaticon
- -Premium required for best use
Key features
Pricing: IconScout vs Noun Project
| Plan | IconScout | Noun Project |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $3 month Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on IconScout pricing and Noun Project pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: IconScout
Want the highest-rated option?
IconScout: 4.0/5 (6 reviews). Noun Project: 4.8/5 (19 reviews).
Go with: Noun Project
Value user reviews?
IconScout: 6 reviews (4.0/5). Noun Project: 19 reviews (4.8/5).
Go with: Noun Project
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are icon libraries tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Noun Project is rated higher: 4.8/5 vs 4.0/5.
Key Takeaways
Noun Project
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.0/5
- Larger review base (19 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
IconScout
- Choose if you want access a vast library of icons, illustrations, 3D assets, and stock photos for your design projects
The Bottom Line
Noun Project is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IconScout or Noun Project better?
Noun Project is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are IconScout and Noun Project used for?
IconScout: Access a vast library of icons, illustrations, 3D assets, and stock photos for your design projects.. Noun Project: Millions of icons and photos for all your visual needs.
What does IconScout cost vs Noun Project?
IconScout is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Noun Project is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.