Introduction
The WordPress ecosystem is a vibrant and thriving community of developers, designers, and users. With its open-source nature, it allows for anyone to contribute to the platform, resulting in an expansive marketplace of tools, themes, and plugins. This means that you have a lot of choices when it comes to creating your website, as you can take advantage of the numerous tools available to help you achieve your vision.
Customizing WordPress page layouts can be a challenging task, especially for beginners. Although many premium WordPress themes provide various page layouts, customizing them can be tricky for individuals who lack coding knowledge. Fortunately, themes designed for page builders can provide a starting point, and allow you to customize your website easily, even without technical expertise.
With a vast array of tools available for WordPress, it can be daunting to choose the right one. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of the most popular WordPress page builders, to help you make an informed decision.
The Page Builders
Here is the list of the page builders we will cover in this article:
WordPress Block Editor
Let’s start with the editor that has been built-in to WordPress since version 5.0. The WordPress Block Editor, also dubbed the Gutenberg editor, is the default visual editor for WordPress. The editor was named after Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the printing press, as the new editor aims to revolutionize the way content is created and managed on the WordPress platform.
Advantages
Unlike traditional WordPress editors, which rely on shortcodes and HTML to create complex layouts, Gutenberg uses a drag-and-drop block-based system. Users can create content using a variety of blocks, which can be added and rearranged to build custom page layouts. Each block represents a different type of content element, such as a paragraph of text, an image, a video, or a quote. The editor comes with a limited set of blocks out of the box, which can be limiting in terms of functionality and flexibility. However, there are several third-party plugins available that offer additional blocks and customization options. While the editor does not offer as much functionality and flexibility as other top page builders, it is still a viable option for simple websites.
The Gutenberg editor has a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to create custom page layouts without any coding knowledge. Users can also access a wide range of blocks from the block library, which can be easily customized and extended using third-party plugins.
One of the primary advantages of the Gutenberg editor is its focus on accessibility. The editor includes a range of accessibility features, such as keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and support for semantic HTML markup, which helps to ensure that content is accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.
In terms of performance, the Gutenberg editor is lightweight and efficient, with a low memory footprint and fast load times. This means that pages and posts created with Gutenberg should load quickly, even on slower connections or older devices.
Disadvantages
One disadvantage is that, while most of the blocks you use in the editor will be responsive by default, the editor doesn’t provide as immediate a way of previewing your page on different screen resolutions and quickly making changes that apply to each resolution. This could be a disadvantage if you are making many pages.
The Gutenberg editor is free to use, as it is included with WordPress core. However, some third-party blocks and plugins may require a premium subscription or one-time payment.
Overall, the Gutenberg editor is a viable option for users who want to create simple websites without investing in a third-party page builder. While it may not offer as much functionality and flexibility as other top page builders, it is easy to use, has excellent performance, and is highly compatible with other WordPress plugins and themes. Additionally, it is free to use, making it accessible to users on a budget. Its mobile responsiveness is also adequate, although users may need to make manual adjustments to ensure that the website looks great on all devices.
Learn more at WordPress.org, and check out their documentation on the Block Editor here.
Divi
Divi is a popular WordPress theme and editor developed by Elegant Themes. It’s a powerful and versatile tool that offers a range of customization options for creating stunning websites, regardless of your technical skill level.
Advantages
One of the biggest advantages of using Divi is its attractive drag-and-drop builder. It allows you to easily create page layouts by simply dragging and dropping different elements onto the page. The builder is well-designed so it is clean and understandable. There are a vast selection of pre-made modules and templates, making it easy to get started with your website design.
Divi also offers a range of customization options, allowing you to adjust everything from the font size to the color scheme. It also comes with a variety of design elements, including animations, hover effects, and more, which can help you create visually appealing websites.
Another advantage of Divi is its extensive documentation and support. The platform has a large and active community of users who are willing to share their knowledge and experience, making it easy to find help and support when you need it. The Divi Marketplace allows users to also extend default functionality either by purchasing premade themes or extensions.
Disadvantages
However, Divi is not without its drawbacks. One of the main criticisms of the platform is that it can be quite slow and bloated, which can impact website performance. Additionally, while the builder is relatively easy to use, it can take some time to master all of its features and capabilities.
Another potential downside is the cost. Divi is a premium WordPress theme that will cost you either a yearly subscription or a one-time lifetime access cost. Themes and extensions on the Divi Marketplace are also an additional cost. While it does offer a lot of value, it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
Overall, Divi is a powerful and versatile tool for creating stunning websites. It offers a range of customization options and has a large community of users for support. However, it can be slow and bloated, and may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
Divi is $89 per year or as a 1-time payment for lifetime access. Visit Divi’s official site here.
Elementor
Advantages
Elementor is a popular page builder for WordPress that allows users to create custom designs for their websites without needing to know any code. One of the biggest advantages of Elementor is its ease of use. The drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, and the live preview allows you to see your changes as you make them, including options to easily see how it will look on mobile and tablet screen sizes. Plus, Elementor comes with a variety of pre-designed templates and widgets that can help you get started quickly.
Another advantage of Elementor is its flexibility. With Elementor, you can customize nearly every aspect of your website’s design, from the header and footer to individual pages and posts. Built-in is the ability to customize many aspects of your site’s presentation, including adding advanced animations, custom fonts, and dynamic content. It comes with a vast library of pre-built templates and widgets that can be customized to meet specific needs. The flexibility of Elementor allows users to create unique and highly functional websites.
Elementor is a mature ecosystem with a large and active community of users and developers, which means that there is a wealth of support and documentation available. It is also highly compatible with third-party plugins, making it easy to integrate with other tools and platforms.
Disadvantage
However, there are some potential drawbacks to using Elementor as well. One common issue is the performance of Elementor sites. Since Elementor is a visual editor, it can add a lot of code to your site, which can slow it down if you’re not careful. Additionally, some users have reported issues with Elementor’s compatibility with certain themes or plugins, which can cause conflicts and errors.
Another potential disadvantage of Elementor is its pricing. While there is a free version of Elementor available, it is limited in terms of functionality. To access more advanced features, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid version, which can be expensive depending on your needs.
Overall, Elementor is an excellent page builder for WordPress, with a lot of functionalities and flexibility. It is easy to use and is highly compatible with third-party plugins. Its mobile responsiveness is also top-notch. While the pro version comes with a price tag, the basic features are free, making it accessible to users on a budget. The support and documentation available also make it easy for users to get started and create stunning websites.
Elementor Pro starts at $10 a month for 1 site and goes up from there. It is also free to use with a limited feature set. Learn more at their official site.
SeedProd
SeedProd is a popular page builder for WordPress, designed to help users create professional-looking websites quickly and easily. It is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive drag-and-drop editor, which allows users to create stunning pages without any coding experience.
Advantages
One of the main advantages of SeedProd is its simplicity. The interface is easy to use, and even beginners can create custom pages in a matter of minutes. It offers a wide range of templates and pre-designed blocks, making it easy for users to get started with their designs. Users can also customize their designs further by changing the layout, fonts, and colors to match their brand.
SeedProd also offers a number of features that make it stand out from other page builders. For example, it has a built-in coming soon and maintenance mode feature, which is helpful for website owners who want to create anticipation for their upcoming website launch or make changes to their website without disrupting the user experience.
Another advantage of SeedProd is its focus on page speed and performance. Its code is optimized to ensure fast loading times, and it is compatible with a wide range of caching plugins. This is important because page speed and performance are key factors that impact the user experience and can affect a website’s search engine ranking.
Disadvantages
On the downside, SeedProd does have some limitations. Unlike other page builders, it does not have a wide range of widgets and add-ons. This means that users may need to rely on third-party plugins to add additional functionality to their pages.
In terms of pricing, SeedProd offers a range of plans to suit different needs and budgets. The basic plan is affordable and provides access to the core features of the page builder. Higher-tier plans offer more advanced features, such as integrations with email marketing services and advanced analytics.
Overall, SeedProd is a great option for users who want a simple, user-friendly page builder that focuses on page speed and performance. While it may not have as many features as some of its competitors, it is an excellent choice for beginners and those who prioritize simplicity and ease of use.
SeedProd starts at $79 per year. Read more at their official site.
Beaver Builder
Beaver Builder is a popular drag-and-drop WordPress page builder that allows users to create custom pages and content with ease.
Advantages
One of the key advantages of Beaver Builder is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to use for both beginners and advanced users. The builder offers a fairly clean design that enables users to quickly create custom layouts, add widgets and content, and edit pages with minimal effort.
Another advantage of Beaver Builder is its extensive library of templates and modules, which makes it easy to build professional-looking pages without having to start from scratch. The templates are customizable and can be adjusted to fit the needs of the user, allowing for a high degree of flexibility and personalization.
In terms of functionality and flexibility, Beaver Builder offers a range of features that can help users create dynamic and engaging content. The builder comes with a variety of modules, including text, images, videos, sliders, and more, as well as third-party integrations that allow users to add advanced functionality such as e-commerce or email opt-ins. Users can also create custom modules using HTML and CSS, which provides even more flexibility.
Disadvantages
One potential downside of Beaver Builder is its relatively high cost compared to other page builders. While there is a free version available, it has limited features and functionality, and users will need to upgrade to a paid version to access the full range of features. Another disadvantage is that while the builder is fairly easy to use, it may not be as intuitive as other builders. There is still a learning curve for beginners, and some users may find it challenging to get started.
However, despite these potential drawbacks, Beaver Builder is a powerful and versatile page builder that can help users create custom content and layouts quickly and easily. With its extensive library of templates and modules, and range of advanced features, it is a great choice for users who are looking for a flexible and powerful page builder for their WordPress site.
Beaver Builder starts at $99 per year for unlimited sites, or $199 per year with the Beaver Builder Theme. Learn more at their official site.
Oxygen Builder
Oxygen Builder is a newer WordPress page builder that was launched in 2018. It has quickly gained popularity due to its flexibility and focus on speed and performance. The main selling point of Oxygen Builder is that it allows users to create custom and dynamic WordPress websites with complete control over the design and functionality.
Advantages
One of the main advantages of Oxygen Builder is its flexibility. It offers complete control over every aspect of a website’s design, allowing users to create custom designs and layouts. Additionally, Oxygen Builder has a large library of pre-built design elements, making it easy to quickly create pages without starting from scratch. The builder also allows users to create reusable elements and styles, which can save time and improve consistency across a website.
Another advantage of Oxygen Builder is its speed and performance. Since it is a standalone product, it does not rely on bloated code or unnecessary plugins, which can slow down a website’s performance. Additionally, Oxygen Builder offers built-in optimization tools, such as lazy loading and asset optimization, which can further improve website speed and performance.
Disadvantages
One potential disadvantage of Oxygen Builder is its learning curve. While the interface is intuitive, there are many features and customization options, which can be overwhelming for beginners. Additionally, since Oxygen Builder is a standalone product, it may require some knowledge of HTML and CSS for more advanced customization.
Another potential disadvantage of Oxygen Builder is its pricing model. Unlike some other page builders that offer a one-time fee or annual subscription, Oxygen Builder has a yearly subscription model. While the cost is reasonable for the features and flexibility offered, it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
Overall, Oxygen Builder is a powerful and flexible page builder that offers complete control over website design and performance. While it may have a learning curve and a yearly subscription model, it is a great option for those who want complete control over their website design without the need for coding skills.
Oxygen Builder starts at $129. You can get WooCommerce integration for $149, or $179 for still more features. Learn more at their site.
Brizy Builder
Brizy is a relatively new player in the WordPress page builder market, having been launched in 2018. It was developed by ThemeFuse, a company that has been creating WordPress themes since 2012. Brizy was created with a focus on ease of use and speed, with the aim of allowing users to build professional-looking websites without the need for any coding skills.
Advantages
One of the main advantages of Brizy is its simplicity and ease of use. Even beginners can quickly get the hang of the builder and start designing pages. The builder’s user interface is intuitive, and the various elements are well-organized, making it easy to find the tools you need. Out of the box, Brizy offers a range of features and functionality, including the ability to create custom headers and footers, dynamic content, and custom post types. The builder also includes a range of pre-built elements, including forms, galleries, and pricing tables. Brizy also integrates with a range of third-party tools and services, including Google Analytics, Mailchimp, and WooCommerce.
Another advantage of Brizy is its speed and performance. The builder is lightweight and optimized for speed, which means that pages built with Brizy load quickly, enhancing the user experience. Additionally, the builder is mobile-responsive, ensuring that websites created with Brizy look great on all devices.
Brizy also offers a wide range of design options and flexibility. Users can choose from pre-built templates or build pages from scratch, and the builder provides numerous customization options for each element. The builder also has a library of design blocks that can be used to quickly add various design elements, such as buttons, forms, or images, to pages.
Disadvantages
However, there are some potential downsides to using Brizy. For example, while the builder does offer a lot of design flexibility, some users may find the customization options limited compared to other builders. Additionally, while the builder is relatively new, it is still developing, which means that there may be some bugs or compatibility issues that need to be ironed out.
Overall, Brizy is a user-friendly and fast WordPress page builder that offers a lot of design options and flexibility. While it may not offer quite as many customization options as some other builders, it is still an excellent choice for users looking for a simple and effective way to build professional-looking websites.
Brizy Builder costs $79 per year for 1 site, or $299 a year for additional sites and features. Learn more at their site.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing a WordPress page builder, it really depends on your specific needs and level of expertise. For those who are new to website building or have simpler needs, the Gutenberg block editor is a great choice. Check out the WordPress Patterns directory for pre-made layouts and inspiration.
However, if you require more flexibility and customization options, Elementor is a popular choice with a robust community and a plethora of extensions to choose from. The intuitive drag-and-drop interface also makes it easy for beginners to get started and create professional-looking designs. You can start with the free version and see how you like it.
Divi is also a solid choice, especially with the upcoming release of Divi 5.0, which promises to address existing performance issues. We offer our own selection of high-quality themes and layouts for Divi through our website Divify. We have themes for a variety of businesses and use-cases, providing you a perfect starting place. As a special offer, we’re giving away our Webinar Event Landing page for free – it’s the perfect way to get started with Divi and create a stunning, professional-looking landing page for your next webinar. So why wait? Visit Divify today and take your website to the next level.
While the other page builders we’ve discussed, such as SeedProd, Beaver Builder, Oxygen Builder, and Brizy, all have their merits and unique approaches, they simply don’t offer the same level of support, community, and extensions as the more popular builders like Elementor. This doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth considering, especially if their unique features align with your needs, but it’s important to keep in mind that their smaller user bases may mean less support and a more limited range of extensions and integrations. Ultimately, the best page builder for you will depend on your individual needs, so be sure to consider all the options and choose the one that best fits your website’s requirements.
If you’d like more guidance, we offer free consultations to help you with everything related to your website. Our team can guide you through the many different aspects of building a successful website, including design, SEO, tracking and more. Let us help you realize your vision today.
