Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) is a combined content management system (CMS) and digital asset management solution (DAM). It helps companies manage and deliver digital files and experiences across various channels, using a range of features including:
- Digital asset management
- Website content management
- Form builder
- Learning management system
- Integrations with Adobe Creative Cloud
- Some analytics data.
Experience Manager Assets is the DAM part of the platform. It’s used by enterprise businesses and global brands, to help organize their brand content and digital files. But Experience Manager Assets isn’t the only — or best — digital asset management platform available. Let’s take a closer look at the platform, and some of the top-rated DAM products you should consider as an alternative.
How Adobe AEM Falls Short as a DAM Solution
Many companies are happy with Adobe AEM as their DAM and CMS, as you’ll see from their largely positive G2 reviews. However, users frequently mention several disadvantages or shortcomings in their reviews.
“What I dislike about Adobe Experience Manager is that it is expensive and can be complex to set up and manage. It has a steep learning curve, requiring skilled developers or training.” – G2 review
Steep learning curve for new users
Some customers find it difficult to start using Adobe AEM due to its steep learning curve. This can then hamper adoption across the business, limiting the value and return on investment you get from the tool.
“The learning curve is steep for new users, and customization often requires specialized technical expertise” – G2 reviewer
“Training new team members always consumes more time than you anticipate.” – G2 reviewer
Highly complex tool
Some customers feel that Adobe AEM isn’t as intuitive and easy to use as other tools in their tech stack. A complex user interface can slow down adoption and limit ongoing use of the platform, meaning companies don’t realize the benefits from investing in a DAM.
“The platform's complexity often requires a significant investment of time in training and onboarding before team members become productive.” – G2 review
“It can be overly complex to configure and maintain. The learning curve is steep for new users, and customization often requires specialized technical expertise.” – G2 review
Expensive product
Many customers feel that Adobe AEM is expensive compared to other options on the market. This is especially true for companies that want the most advanced features from Experience Manager Assets, such as customizing and automation capabilities, which are only available on the top pricing tier.
“The platform is a bit costly and it ranks among the most expensive digital asset management platform in the market.” – G2 review
“My main concerns are the high cost and the steep learning curve, both of which demand a considerable investment in licensing, hosting, and specialized training.” – G2 review
Limited or complicated integrations
Some users want better, simpler integrations between Adobe AEM and other tools they frequently use. However, it’s a popular choice for companies that already use a lot of tools in the Adobe ecosystem.
“Integrating AEM with external systems, including design tools and other marketing platforms, has proven to be complex, often requiring specialized connectors or extensive custom development.” – G2 review
“I wouldn't recommend it unless you already have a number of other Adobe products you're working with.” – G2 review
Best Adobe Experience Manager Alternatives for Digital Asset Management
1. Frontify
Frontify is building the next generation of asset management tools. It brings together DAM, brand guidelines, editable templates, and AI-powered brand governance in one unified platform. Frontify gives enterprise and mid-market companies a holistic brand-building environment built on a foundation of robust governance and asset management. It’s used by thousands of leading brands globally, such as Uber, Vodafone, and Lufthansa.
“Frontify is a proven ROI solution. Every end user can find key assets quickly and self-serve more autonomously.” Head of Corporate Identity & Design, Nestlé
“Frontify is easily the best and most consistent data asset management platform that we've used here.” – G2 review
Top features
- Centralized libraries to store and organize assets: All media assets and brand elements are stored in one platform, rather than scattered across multiple tools or locations.
- Scalable architecture for managing multiple brands: Frontify supports multi-brand architecture out-the-box. Companies with multiple sub-brands can manage them all within the same portal.
- Digital brand guidelines: Frontify offers live, online brand guidelines that are easy to update, share, and enforce across teams. Any changes made update in real-time, improving consistency across regions and markets.
- Scalable templates: Customizable templates for both print and digital media help speed-up content production. Lockable elements ensure brand consistency while enabling teams to create the content they need.
- AI-driven tools to improve searchability and asset reuse: AI-powered search enables fast access to specific assets. AI-powered auto-tagging and metadata creation speeds up asset creation and uploads, helping teams work more efficiently.
- AI Brand Assistant drives company-wide brand adoption: Frontify’s Brand Assistant answers basic brand questions to improve compliance and adoption
- Robust access controls: Manage user access to your DAM system so you can easily share brand assets internally and externally. Assign tailored access levels for internal users and external partners.
- Customizable and extendible platform: Users can change the look and structure of their brand portal to match their brand. The Brand SDK gives users even more visual and functional control over their brand guidelines.
- Seamless integrations: Frontify natively integrates with other martech, creative, and brand-building tools, as well as other parts of the Frontify platform including templates and brand guidelines.
Compliance, governance & security: Frontify helps global enterprises manage complex compliance and governance needs in one central platform. Frontify offers enterprise-grade security features like single sign-on and compliance with leading data security standards like GDPR and HIPAA.
Why companies choose Frontify over Adobe AEM
No steep learning curve
Some users find that Adobe Experience Manager Assets has a steep learning curve, which makes it hard to achieve widespread adoption across the business. Frontify provides a much more intuitive platform that’s easy for team members to learn and start using.
“It's super easy to search and navigate, friendly interface which makes it simple for anyone to use even if you're not a creator” – G2 review
“My favourite thing is how intuitive it is and how much time it has cut from my workload.” – G2 review
Faster deployment timelines
G2 reviews suggest that it takes companies 6 months to implement Adobe AEM, including asset migration, library setup, and user onboarding and training. In contrast, companies can start using Frontify in as little as 3 months — half the time it takes to deploy Adobe AEM.
Straightforward user interface
Reviewers of Adobe AEM frequently mention that the tool is complex and can be difficult to use, which means people are reluctant to use it frequently and they struggle to achieve company-wide adoption. Frontify provides a streamlined user interface that’s easy for technical and non-technical team members to use.
“The interface is user-friendly, intuitive, and streamlined. We really appreciate the smooth, straightforward uploading process.” – G2 review
“I love how easy it is to find, share, and use brand approved assets across different projects. The visual interface is clean with accessible guidelines and editable formats. It really helps in storing and organising logos, templates, images, and brand guidelines in one easy to access space.” – G2 review
Scalable platform that grows with your company
Frontify accommodates single or multi-brand structures and helps you meet local and global market demands — all within a unified system.
“I also like the ability to edit templates for local teams to modify their marketing materials. I also have the ability to separate the teams by groups, i.e., European team, US team, etc. Separate libraries are created for assets and branding, which gives me the flexibility to organise everything.” – G2 review
“I appreciate how I can concentrate all brand materials and guidelines in a single place and check it easily as well. Plus it allows to work with multiple brands.” – G2 review
Pricing
Custom pricing available on request. Pricing is based on the number of monthly active users so you only pay for the people who are actively using your brand assets.
2. Bynder
Bynder was one of the first DAM solutions on the market. Since its launch in 2013, it has developed more comprehensive brand management functionality, including brand guidelines and creative templates. It serves enterprise and mid-market companies.
“Bynder had the main things we were looking for - a searchable database so people could find what they were looking for and permissions and expiration features that provided protection and tracking for our assets.”
– Lauren Lewis, Director of Marketing & Communications at Five Guys
Top features
- Store and organize your brand files
- Control access and usage rights
- Share files internally and externally
- AI-powered metadata and duplicate detection
- Download files in your desired format
- Seamlessly integrates with your entire martech stack
Why companies choose Bynder over Adobe AEM
Faster deployment timeline
G2 reviews suggest that it takes 6 months to implement Adobe AEM. In contrast, companies can start using Bynder in as little as 4 months..
More intuitive user interface
While reviewers often mention that Adobe AEM has a complex user interface and a steep learning curve, many customers feel that Bynder has an easier, more intuitive interface which helps team members start using the platform.
“Bynder’s intuitive interface meant everyone was up and running almost immediately.” – G2 review
Pricing
Custom pricing available on request. Bynder’s pricing is based on three product tiers:
- Digital asset management (DAM)
- DAM + Scale content production — gives you access to other features, such as content workflows and print brand templates.
- DAM + Enhance digital experiences — provides access to all the features in the “scale” tier, plus additional functionality to create a more connected brand environment, such as an integration marketplace and partner network.
3. Canto
Canto is an established DAM vendor that provides a platform for companies of all sizes to organize, store, and distribute their digital files. With over 30 years’ experience, Canto is a trusted provider in the DAM space. Alongside its asset management system, it also offers a product information system (PIM), providing a single source of product content and information.
“Our success with Canto has been defined by providing a streamlined, professional and collaborative experience for our customers, vendors and partners.”
– Krista Short, Marketing Director, Falcon Structures
Top features
- Digital asset management
- AI-powered search functionality
- Customize workflows to manage the full asset lifecycle
- User controls and access permissions
- Robust governance features including version control, digital rights management, amd asset expiration dates
- Integrations with creative and collaboration software, including Adobe products
- Enterprise-level security including HIPAA compliance
Why companies choose Canto over Adobe AEM
Faster deployment timeline
G2 reviews suggest that it takes 6 months to implement Adobe AEM. In contrast, companies can start using Canto in as little as 2 months.
Quality customer service
Some reviewers feel that they don’t get the best quality service from the Adobe team. In contrast, reviewers often praise Canto’s support team. On G2, reviewers score Canto’s customer support as 9.0 against Adobe Experience Manager's 7.8.
“The customer support team is always quick to respond and very helpful whenever I need assistance” – G2 review
Pricing
Custom pricing on request. Canto has four different pricing tiers:
- Core essentials: basic DAM plan providing secure asset storage and intuitive search functionality.
- Enhanced collaboration: Canto’s “DAM Plus” plan, providing asset storage, workflows for collaboration, advanced search functionality including AI, and customizable brand portals.
- Omni Brand Solution: Canto’s DAM functionality with added content and product data management features.
- Advanced: Canto’s enterprise plan. The “Dam Pro” plan provides sophisticated customization, robust security, and dedicated support.
4. Acquia DAM
Acquia DAM is an enterprise digital asset management solution that helps companies manage and distribute assets across teams, tools, and channels. Acquia DAM is available standalone or as part of the Acquia Digital Experience Platform (DXP). It’s a popular choice for enterprise companies that already use other products in the Acquia Digital Experience Platform, such as the Drupal content management system.
“I like that Acquia DAM (Widen) is versatile enough to support different upload profiles for various brands and areas within our company, which helps in organizing our assets efficiently. I appreciate how it accommodates different user profiles, allowing us to specify access and visibility, so each user only sees what they need to.”
Top features
- Asset libraries to organize, find, and use assets across your business
- Branded portals to share assets and guidelines with external teams
- Templates for creating on-brand materials at scale
- Flexible workflows to streamline asset creation, approval, and release
- AI-powered tag, description, and transcription generation, color detection, text extraction, and translations
- Analytics functionality to track asset usage
Why companies choose Acquia DAM over Adobe AEM
Use other products in the Acquia DXP
Acquia DAM is available standalone or as part of Acquia’s digital experience platform (DXP). For companies that already use other parts of the Acquia DXP, it is the obvious choice for asset management as well.
Quality customer service
Some reviewers feel that they don’t get the best quality service from the Adobe team. In contrast, reviewers often praise Acquia DAM’s support team.
“Acquia's customer service has been excellent, providing quick access to a knowledgeable, friendly and most importantly living, breathing real people on the other end” – G2 review
Pricing
Custom pricing on request. Acquia DAM has three different pricing tiers:
- Workgroup: for up to 50 users
- Enterprise: unlimited users
- DAM + PIM: up to 50 users with additional product information management functionality.
Acquia DAM also has several add-ons to its DAM, which companies can choose for an additional cost.
5. Brandfolder
Brandfolder is a digital asset management solution that was acquired by Smartsheet, an enterprise work management platform, in 2020. Since this acquisition, Brandfolder has expanded its collaboration capabilities and DAM functionality.
[product image - side-by-side comparison of Brandfolder and Adobe AEM]
“Brandfolder has made us a lot more efficient in our work. We are a global company, so by having our marketing assets in Brandfolder, we can share them internationally very quickly."
– Ben Peters, President at Zeal Optics
Top features
- Organize and find your brand files
- Digital rights management to control asset usage
- Share files internally and externally
- Creative workflows for collaborating on new assets
- Integrations with creative and other tools, including Smartsheet
- Analytics data to track and measure asset use
Why companies choose Brandfolder over Adobe AEM
User friendly interface
While reviewers often mention that Adobe AEM has a steep learning curve and a complex interface, many customers feel that Brandfolder has a more intuitive interface which helps drive adoption and streamlines change management when first rolling out the platform.
“I find Brandfolder's visual interface and ease of sorting and browsing assets incredibly valuable. The intuitive and easy setup process made onboarding straightforward with excellent support assistance.” – G2 review
Native Smartsheet integration
Many companies use Smartsheet as their chosen work management system. Companies that are already using Smartsheet are often drawn to Brandfolder when looking to add digital asset management into their tech stack, as Brandfolder is now a Smartsheet company.
Pricing
Custom pricing available on request. Brandfolder offers three pricing tiers:
- Core DAM package
- Premium for organizations that are looking for a more scalable, intelligent digital asset management platform
- Enterprise for large-scale deployments that have significant storage, user, and distribution requirements.
6. Aprimo
Aprimo is a combined DAM and content operations platform. It’s used by companies of all sizes to organize and manage their brand files and increase content discoverability across the business. It provides essential features for organizing, retrieving, and sharing assets efficiently. Aprimo also offers robust search capabilities, metadata management, and basic analytics to streamline your asset management workflows.
[product image - side-by-side comparison of Aprimo and Adobe AEM]
“Within the Aprimo DAM, we now have this very clean one asset system, but when we’re distributing to retail sites, Aprimo will automatically replicate the file using whichever naming convention we need”
– Rina Mody, Senior Product Analyst at Hachette Book Group
Top features
- Organize and find your brand files
- Share files internally and externally
- Creative review and approval workflows for collaborating on new assets
- Metadata automation including smart tagging, video summaries, and OCR
- AI-powered search
- AI-supported image editing including asset resizing and auto-cropping
- Basic analytics functionality to track and measure asset use
Why companies choose Aprimo over Adobe AEM
Integrations beyond Adobe tools
Many companies choose Adobe Experience Manager Assets for their asset management because they are already using lots of tools in the Adobe ecosystem. However, it’s not as strong when it comes to integrating with other tools. In contrast, users often praise Aprimo’s integrations with other tools — including the Adobe suite.
“Aprimo's integration with tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Salesforce facilitates seamless content creation and campaign performance tracking, providing substantial time savings and alignment across our marketing processes.” – G2 review
Straightforward user interface
Reviewers of Adobe AEM frequently mention that the tool is complex and can be difficult to use. But customers say that Aprimo is easy to use (though it does have a steep initial learning curve).
“The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, even for users who aren't technically inclined.” – G2 review
Pricing
Custom pricing available on request. Aprimo’s enhanced AI functionality is available as an optional add-on to its standard DAM package, requiring additional budget to access its more advanced features.
7. Scaleflex
The Scaleflex DAM is one part of the Scaleflex Visual Experience Platform. The platform also includes AI-powered automation, brand portals, and media optimization. Scaleflex helps enterprise and SMBs strengthen the organization, management, and deployment of their digital content.
“Activo's real DNA is people, and the Scaleflex teams are extremely approachable.” – Frédéric Sanuy, CEO & Co-Founder at Activo
Top features
- Organize and find your brand files
- Share files internally and externally
- Compatible with all applications and operating systems
- AI functionality to automate repetitive media processing tasks
- Customizable access controls
- Headless APIs and widgets that allow for custom connections and integrations
Why companies choose Scaleflex over Adobe AEM
Reliability
Reviewers of Adobe AEM often mention that the platform sometimes feels slow or unresponsive, especially during peak usage times. In contrast, users say Scaleflex is very reliable, consistently meeting their performance expectations.
“We use our DAM solution in critical "always on" consumer facing applications, and have strict SLA to respect towards our customers. In the years that we have been using Scaleflex, we never experienced any flaw that would have caused a SLA breach on our side.” – G2 review
Quality customer service
Some reviewers feel that Adobe’s customer service doesn’t meet their expectations. In contrast, customers often praise Scaleflex’s support team in their reviews.
“When we face any difficulty, the support team is reachable by email and answer pretty fast.” – G2 review
Pricing
Custom pricing available on request. Scaleflex offers three pricing tiers, but due to limitations on number of users only the Enterprise plan is likely to be suitable for mid-size or large businesses:
- Developers: 3 users and up to 50 GB storage
- Digital teams: 5 users and up to 50 GB storage
- Enterprise: more users and storage capacity than on other plans.
Choose the Best DAM for Your Business
Adobe Experience Manager Assets is a popular DAM provider — especially for companies using lots of other tools in the Adobe ecosystem. It’s one of the more traditional DAM providers, with an interface and user experience that will suit legacy-minded businesses.
Traditional DAMs like Adobe AEM focus on storing and organizing brand assets, but they often rely on slow, manual processes for uploading, tagging, and using those files. Many of these traditional DAMs lack the usability, automations, and integrations that modern businesses need.
The Frontify DAM is leading the way with a new generation of DAM tools. It sits at the heart of your asset management efforts and connects directly with the rest of our brand-building platform and your other creative and collaborative tools (including tools in the Adobe suite). Thanks to governance-focused AI, and a platform that is scalable by design, Frontify is built for growing businesses — now and as your needs change in the future.
See how it can work for your organization: book your free demo today.
