As WordPress continues to evolve, page builders have become essential tools for creating websites without diving into code. WordPress itself even has its own page builder built into itself (Gutenberg). But as the saying goes, your mileage will vary depending on the page builder. Each one does things differently and in quirky ways. Some work fine, and some are bloated messes. In the last year in the course of some freelance web work, I’ve had to work with almost all of them. It’s very hard to find realistic reviews of these page builders because most of the WordPress review sites are just affiliate sites, so you can’t really trust them. We are not an affiliate site.
Here’s my in-depth look at the most popular page builders, which will help you choose the right one for your next project.
Elementor
Elementor is probably the most popular drag-and-drop page builder for WordPress that empowers users to design visually stunning websites without requiring coding skills. Offering a user-friendly interface, it allows real-time editing and customisation of layouts, fonts, colours, and more. Elementor includes a library of pre-designed templates and widgets, such as forms, sliders, and galleries, making it versatile for any website type. It also supports advanced features like responsive design, custom CSS, and integrations with marketing tools. Whether for beginners or professionals, Elementor simplifies website creation while maintaining flexibility and creative freedom.
I’ve used Elementor extensively in the last year and it’s not my favorite platform to work with. While the templates are nice, it’s when you customise things that it gets tricky. And while you can pretty much alter any feature of design, finding the right settings can be a bit fiddly to work with. I had to Google the documentation quite a few times to complete minor changes. Using it for pages is OK, but I really don’t like using it for blog posts. It makes publishing a blog post way harder than it needs to be. I also think it’s a bit bloated and slow.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intuitive drag-and-drop interface | Can slow down site performance if overused |
| Extensive widget library | Premium version can be expensive |
| Robust free version | Some features locked behind annual subscription |
| Real-time visual editing | Can leave shortcodes when deactivated |
| Strong third-party integration support | |
| Large community and resource library | |
| Regular updates and improvements | |
| Mobile editing capabilities |
Best For: Beginners to intermediate users who want a balance of features and ease of use.
Divi Builder
Divi is a robust WordPress page builder and theme developed by Elegant Themes, designed to provide a seamless and intuitive web design experience. Featuring a visual drag-and-drop editor, Divi allows users to create and customise web pages in real-time, with a library of pre-made templates and an extensive range of modules like sliders, forms, and testimonials. Its built-in responsive design tools ensure that websites look polished on any device, while advanced features such as custom CSS, animations, and global elements make it a favourite for professional designers. Divi also supports complete theme building, allowing users to design headers, footers, and archive pages without touching code.
While Divi offers impressive flexibility and creative control, its learning curve may be steeper than other page builders for beginners due to its numerous features and options. The builder’s reliance on shortcodes can also complicate migration to other platforms. However, frequent updates, an active community, and Elegant Themes’ lifetime support make it a solid investment for long-term projects. Divi shines as an all-in-one solution for individuals and agencies looking to build stylish, feature-rich websites with extensive design control and customisation options.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Lifetime pricing option available | Can be overwhelming for beginners |
| Comprehensive design options | No free version available |
| Built-in A/B testing | Can be slower than other builders |
| Excellent responsive design controls | Heavy reliance on shortcodes |
| Includes hundreds of pre-built layouts | Switching themes can be complicated |
| Global elements and styles | |
| Backend and frontend editing options |
Best For: Agencies and developers who want a complete design solution and don’t mind the learning curve.
Gutenberg (WordPress Block Editor)
The Gutenberg Block Editor is WordPress’s default content editor, introduced in version 5.0 to revolutionise the way users create and edit posts and pages. Built on a block-based system, it enables users to add, arrange, and customise content elements such as text, images, videos, and more with ease. Each block is modular, allowing for fine-tuned control over individual components of a page or post. Gutenberg also includes advanced features like reusable blocks, block patterns, and full-site editing, making it versatile for both simple and complex layouts. Its seamless integration with WordPress core ensures reliability and compatibility with most themes and plugins.
While Gutenberg is user-friendly and great for beginners, it has faced criticism for its limited design flexibility compared to third-party builders like Elementor or Divi. Some users find the block-based interface less intuitive for more intricate layouts or advanced customisation. However, continuous updates and a growing library of third-party block plugins are steadily improving its functionality. For users seeking a streamlined, code-free way to build content within the WordPress ecosystem, Gutenberg offers a powerful starting point, especially for blogs and straightforward websites. Gutenberg has come a long way since it first debuted. When it first came out, I hated it and refused to use it because it was so awful to use. It’s grown on me over the years, and now I don’t mind using it, even with its limitations. The development of Full Site Editing is going to be a major gamechanger for WordPress and Gutenberg, but it has a steep learning curve.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built into WordPress core | Limited design flexibility compared to other builders |
| No additional cost | Fewer advanced features |
| Lightweight and fast | Still evolving |
| Growing block library | Learning curve for complex layouts |
| Native WordPress integration | Limited animation options |
| Regular updates with WordPress | |
| No lock-in concerns |
Best For: Users who want a native WordPress experience and don’t need complex layouts.
WPBakery Page Builder
WPBakery Page Builder, formerly known as Visual Composer, is a well-established drag-and-drop page builder for WordPress. It enables users to create custom page layouts without coding, offering a robust backend and frontend editing experience. Packed with over 50 design elements and a large library of templates, WPBakery allows users to build complex designs quickly. It is compatible with most WordPress themes and supports integrations with popular plugins like WooCommerce, making it a versatile tool for various website types. Its responsive design capabilities ensure that layouts look great on all devices.
This is the first page builder for WordPress that I ever used, so I have a bit of a soft spot for it. While WPBakery remains a popular choice, it has limitations compared to newer page builders like Elementor or Divi. Its interface can feel outdated. Additionally, WPBakery relies heavily on shortcodes, which can leave behind cluttered code if the plugin is removed (this really annoys me, forcing me to keep it active for pages that aren’t worth deleting but not worth redesigning). Despite these drawbacks, WPBakery is a reliable option for users familiar with its interface and those seeking compatibility with older WordPress themes or plugins. It’s particularly suitable for developers and agencies working on legacy projects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Frontend and backend editing | Dated interface |
| Extensive shortcode support | Steeper learning curve |
| Compatible with most WordPress themes | Heavy shortcode usage |
| One-time payment option | Can be clunky compared to modern alternatives |
| Strong template system | Limited free features |
| Legacy support |
Best For: Users familiar with the classic WordPress editor who want more layout control.
Beaver Builder
Beaver Builder is a popular WordPress page builder that offers a straightforward drag-and-drop interface, making it ideal for beginners and professionals alike. Its clean, user-friendly design allows users to create custom layouts and add various elements, such as text, images, and forms, directly on the frontend with real-time previews. Beaver Builder includes a selection of pre-designed templates and advanced features like custom CSS and reusable modules, giving users flexibility while ensuring consistent design. It integrates seamlessly with most WordPress themes and plugins, and its code output is clean, making it developer-friendly.
While Beaver Builder is praised for its simplicity and reliability, it lacks some of the advanced styling options and dynamic features found in competitors like Elementor or Divi. Its free version is limited, requiring the premium version for full functionality, which may deter budget-conscious users. However, its focus on stability, ease of use, and compatibility makes it a solid choice for those prioritising performance and simplicity over flashy design features. Beaver Builder is particularly suitable for businesses, developers, and users who value a lightweight and dependable page builder.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clean, bloat-free code | Limited free version |
| Stable and reliable | Fewer fancy effects and animations |
| Excellent support | Higher price point |
| User-friendly interface | Fewer templates than competitors |
| Good documentation | Basic styling options |
| Minimal impact on site speed | |
| Easy white-labeling for agencies |
Best For: Professionals and agencies looking for a reliable, performance-focused builder.
Avada Page Builder
Avada Page Builder, formerly known as Fusion Builder, is the proprietary page-building tool integrated with the Avada WordPress theme. Known for its deep customisation options, it offers a drag-and-drop editor that allows users to design complex layouts with ease. The builder features a library of pre-designed templates, customisable design elements, and responsive controls to ensure a consistent look across all devices. Avada Page Builder stands out for its seamless integration with the Avada theme, giving users precise control over site-wide design elements like headers, footers, and global typography settings.
While Avada Page Builder is highly functional, its reliance on the Avada theme means it is not a standalone solution, limiting flexibility for users who prefer different themes. Additionally, the extensive options and settings can feel overwhelming for beginners. Despite these drawbacks, it is ideal for those seeking an all-in-one solution with granular design control and performance optimisation. Avada Page Builder is particularly suited for experienced designers and agencies looking for a reliable tool to create visually impressive, feature-rich websites within the Avada ecosystem. I’ve worked with Avada quite a bit in the last year, and in all honesty, I used to hate Aavada quite a bit. But after working with it for many hours, this has probably turned into my favourite page builder. It’s intuitive, fast, and easy to figure out where a setting is.
As an aside, Avada is what we use for the Blacknight blog theme.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast | Messy on blog posts |
| Easy to learn | Lots of shortcodes to deal with |
| Flexible for different types of websites | Uses Envato for licensing |
| Many design options |
Best for: Most uses and easy to learn to use.
Practical Considerations
Performance Impact
When choosing a page builder, consider its impact on your site’s performance. Heavier builders like Divi and Elementor can affect page load times, while lighter options like Beaver Builder and Gutenberg have minimal impact.
Long-term Maintenance
Consider how the page builder handles:
- Updates and compatibility
- Security patches
- Content migration
- Theme switching
- Plugin conflicts
Cost Analysis
Factor in:
- Initial purchase price
- Annual renewal fees
- Additional add-ons needed
- Number of sites licensed
Learning Curve
Consider your team’s expertise and time available for training. Some builders like Elementor offer a gentler learning curve, while others like Divi require more time to master.
Recommendations
For Beginners:
- Elementor: Easy to use with a robust free version
- Gutenberg: Native WordPress solution with no additional cost
- Avada
For Agencies:
- Avada
- Beaver Builder: Reliable and stable for client sites
- Divi: Comprehensive feature set with lifetime pricing option
For Developers/Publications:
- Avada
Conclusion
We recommend testing the free versions where available before committing to a particular builder. Consider starting with Gutenberg for simple sites and upgrading to a premium builder like Elementor or Beaver Builder as your needs grow. If I had to recommend one above all the others, I would suggest going with Avada; it’s the one that has given me the fewest headaches over the last year.
Remember that while page builders can make website creation more accessible, they should be chosen carefully to ensure they align with your project’s requirements and don’t compromise on performance or maintainability. Be sure to test all the demos you can, and view all possible templating options before you make a decision. When you consider the time and effort that goes into initially building a website, you are going to be stuck with whatever page builder you choose for quite some time.
About the Author: Jonathan Thomas
