Building a professional-looking WordPress site no longer requires coding skills. With page builders, you can design and customize pages visually using drag-and-drop tools.
Among the most popular options are Elementor, Gutenberg, and Divi. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, making the choice dependent on your needs.
This comparison will help you decide which page builder is best for your WordPress site.
1. Elementor
Overview:
Elementor is one of the most widely used WordPress page builders. Known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, it allows anyone to design custom pages without touching code.
Key Features:
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Drag-and-drop editor with live preview
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Large library of pre-made templates and blocks
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Responsive editing for mobile, tablet, and desktop
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Works with almost all WordPress themes
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Advanced features (pop-up builder, theme builder, WooCommerce builder) in the Pro version
Pros:
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Very intuitive for beginners
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Huge template library
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Strong community and third-party add-ons
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Flexible design options
Cons:
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Free version is limited compared to Pro
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Can be heavy and affect site speed if not optimized
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Some features require Elementor Pro subscription
Best For: Users who want design flexibility and advanced features without coding.
2. Gutenberg (Block Editor)
Overview:
Gutenberg is the default WordPress block editor introduced in WordPress 5.0. It’s not a standalone plugin but comes built-in with WordPress, focusing on a block-based editing system.
Key Features:
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Native to WordPress, no extra plugin required
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Block-based editing (paragraphs, images, videos, buttons, etc.)
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Lightweight and fast
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Compatible with most modern themes
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Extensible with block plugins (e.g., Spectra, Kadence Blocks)
Pros:
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Free and built into WordPress
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Lightweight, doesn’t slow down your site
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SEO-friendly due to clean code output
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Works seamlessly with the WordPress ecosystem
Cons:
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Limited design flexibility compared to Elementor or Divi
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Learning curve for users used to classic editor
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Fewer pre-designed templates out of the box
Best For: Users who prefer a simple, lightweight editor and want to keep their website fast.
3. Divi
Overview:
Divi is a premium WordPress theme and page builder developed by Elegant Themes. It offers a highly visual editing experience and is bundled with the Divi theme and Divi Builder plugin.
Key Features:
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Visual drag-and-drop editor
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2000+ pre-made designs and layout packs
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Built-in A/B testing for marketing optimization
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Global design settings for consistency
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Advanced design customization
Pros:
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Massive library of design layouts
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Built-in marketing tools (like split testing)
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Strong design flexibility
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Single subscription includes all Elegant Themes products
Cons:
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Requires a paid subscription (no free version)
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Can be resource-heavy
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Locked into Divi ecosystem, harder to switch later
Best For: Users who want a premium all-in-one design solution with advanced customization.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Elementor | Gutenberg | Divi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free + Pro ($59/yr) | Free (built-in) | Premium ($89/yr or $249 lifetime) |
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | Moderate | Beginner to advanced |
| Speed/Performance | Moderate (requires optimization) | Fast & lightweight | Moderate (heavy at times) |
| Templates & Layouts | Large library | Limited (extendable) | 2000+ layouts included |
| Best For | Flexibility & design freedom | Lightweight & simple editing | Premium design & marketing tools |
FAQ
Q: Which page builder is fastest for WordPress?
Gutenberg is the fastest since it’s built into WordPress and outputs clean code.
Q: Is Elementor better than Divi?
Elementor is more beginner-friendly, while Divi offers more design features but comes at a cost.
Q: Can I switch page builders later?
Yes, but switching may break layouts. It’s best to choose carefully from the start.
Q: Do page builders affect SEO?
They can if they add bloated code. Gutenberg is the most SEO-friendly, but Elementor and Divi can also rank well if optimized.