10 Free Icon Marketplaces You Never Knew Existed (But Should Be Using)

As designers, developers, and creatives, we’re constantly on the lookout for new resources to enhance our work. One crucial aspect of this is icons – those small yet powerful graphics that can make or break the user experience. The world of icons is vast and often overwhelming, with numerous marketplaces vying for attention. However, not all these platforms are created equal, and some might be hiding in plain sight.

In this post, we’ll explore 10 free icon marketplaces you may not have known existed but should definitely consider using. We’ll delve into each platform’s features, strengths, and limitations to help you make informed decisions about where to source your next icon set.

Introduction

Icons have become an integral part of our digital landscape, from social media profiles to web applications. The right icons can elevate your brand, while the wrong ones can lead to a confusing user experience. With so many resources available online, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of free and paid icon marketplaces.

Instead of scouring the internet for the best deals or investing time into designing your own icons from scratch, we’ll cut through the noise and present you with a curated list of 10 free icon marketplaces. These platforms offer a mix of design styles, file formats, and licensing terms to cater to various needs.

Free Icon Marketplaces Worth Exploring

1. Noun Project

The Noun Project is an iconic marketplace (pun intended) that offers over 500,000 icons across various categories. Their focus on open-source and free resources makes it a go-to destination for designers and developers alike.

Strengths: Large collection of icons, simple licensing terms.
Weaknesses: Some users report inconsistent quality control.

2. Iconfinder

Iconfinder is a search engine that indexes icon libraries from around the web. It’s not a traditional marketplace but rather a tool to help you find what you’re looking for.

Strengths: Huge database, easy search functionality.
Weaknesses: Quality control issues, some icons may be outdated or low-resolution.

3. Iconmonsters

Iconmonsters is an open-source icon library that offers over 1,500 icons in various styles and formats.

Strengths: High-quality icons, strict licensing terms ensure proper attribution.
Weaknesses: Limited file formats available.

4. Flaticon

Flaticon is another popular marketplace that offers a vast collection of icons, vectors, and illustrations.

Strengths: Huge selection, easy to navigate.
Weaknesses: Some users report issues with licensing and attribution.

5. IconJar

IconJar is an open-source icon library that focuses on simplicity and ease of use.

Strengths: Clean design, well-maintained repository.
Weaknesses: Limited file formats available.

6. Open Icon Library

The Open Icon Library is a collaborative effort between designers and developers to create a free and open-source icon library.

Strengths: Community-driven, high-quality icons.
Weaknesses: Still in development phase.

7. Vecteezy

Vecteezy is an online marketplace that offers a wide range of icons, vectors, and illustrations.

Strengths: Huge selection, easy to navigate.
Weaknesses: Some users report issues with licensing and attribution.

8. Iconscout

Iconscout is another search engine that indexes icon libraries from around the web.

Strengths: Easy search functionality, huge database.
Weaknesses: Quality control issues, some icons may be outdated or low-resolution.

9. Freepik

Freepik is a popular marketplace that offers a wide range of free resources, including icons, vectors, and illustrations.

Strengths: Huge selection, easy to navigate.
Weaknesses: Some users report issues with licensing and attribution.

10. IconMule

IconMule is an open-source icon library that focuses on simplicity and ease of use.

Strengths: Clean design, well-maintained repository.
Weaknesses: Limited file formats available.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect icons for your project can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to free resources. The 10 marketplaces listed above offer a mix of design styles, file formats, and licensing terms to cater to various needs.

When choosing an icon marketplace, consider factors such as licensing terms, quality control, and ease of use. Remember that some platforms may have restrictions or requirements for attribution, so be sure to review their terms before using their resources.

As you explore these free icon marketplaces, keep in mind the importance of proper attribution and licensing. By doing so, you’ll not only ensure that your project is compliant with regulations but also show respect to the creators who contributed to these valuable resources.

What’s your favorite free icon marketplace? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Top Free Icons Marketplaces