What are the best Elementor alternatives for membership sites in 2025?
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For building membership sites, alternatives to Elementor such as MaxiBlocks and Paid Memberships Pro offer strong tools for managing protected content. These solutions support features like dynamic content, access control, and tiered membership levels, making them well suited for creating member-only areas in WordPress.
Elementor alternatives for membership sites in 2025
Building a membership site on WordPress used to mean hiring a developer, dealing with clunky plugins, and struggling to customise the experience. That’s changed but not all tools make the job easier. If you’ve tried Elementor and found it too slow, too pricey, or too bloated, this guide will show you smarter alternatives. We’ll focus on MaxiBlocks, a free and performance-first builder that’s become a go-to for WordPress creators wanting more control.
What is a membership site?
A membership site gives access to exclusive content, features, or community areas usually in exchange for payment or registration. You’ve seen them used for online courses, premium content libraries, paid newsletters or digital downloads, coaching groups, and subscription-based products. They often include protected pages, drip-fed content, user profiles, and integration with payment processors. A well-built membership site keeps users engaged, helps monetise content, and works around the clock.
What is Elementor?
Elementor is one of the most popular page builders for WordPress. It lets you design pages visually using drag-and-drop tools instead of writing code. It’s widely used by freelancers, agencies, and DIY site owners who want design control without needing to learn HTML or CSS. You can use it to build landing pages, marketing sites, and even membership platforms but it’s not always the best fit.
Why you might move away from Elementor
Elementor has grown into a large platform, but that size brings downsides. Common reasons for moving on include slower load times, especially on membership sites where speed matters. Many features are now locked behind Pro plans, and costs stack up quickly. It’s also known for adding extra code and scripts that can bloat your site and impact performance. If you’re working with custom content, Elementor’s disconnect from Gutenberg can make long-term content management harder.
What is MaxiBlocks?
MaxiBlocks is a free WordPress builder that works natively with the Gutenberg editor. It’s built for speed and simplicity, using clean HTML and CSS, with full visual editing and layout control. You can add text, images, pricing tables, testimonials, and more without writing a line of code. All the features are free. No locked blocks. No licence keys. No domain limits. You can also build reusable components, apply global style changes, and access a large library of templates, SVG icons, and block patterns.
Why MaxiBlocks works better for membership sites
MaxiBlocks puts performance first. It avoids the bloat and heavy scripts often associated with visual builders. Because it’s Gutenberg-native, content remains portable and easy to manage over time. The builder supports advanced layout control with Flexbox and multiple breakpoints, so your pages look sharp on all devices. It works seamlessly with major membership plugins like MemberPress, WP Fusion, Restrict Content Pro, and Paid Memberships Pro. The free version includes everything no upsells or paywalls.
How to build a membership site with MaxiBlocks
- Install WordPress on your hosting platform
- Choose a lightweight theme compatible with Gutenberg
- Install MaxiBlocks from the WordPress plugin directory
- Install a membership plugin (see recommendations below)
- Create your core pages (home, pricing, register, login, dashboard)
- Use MaxiBlocks to build and style each page
- Set up membership rules, payment options, and user roles
- Launch and test the entire flow from sign-up to restricted access
You can start with pre-built templates from the MaxiBlocks library or create your own using their visual editor and block system.
Best WordPress membership plugins to use with MaxiBlocks
- MemberPress: Powerful and feature-rich. Works well with LMS tools and content dripping.
- Restrict Content Pro: Lightweight and developer-friendly. Great for simple, focused sites.
- Paid Memberships Pro: Flexible rules, reporting, and payment integrations.
- WishList Member: Visual rules and user management. Easier for non-tech users.
- WP Fusion: Not a membership plugin itself, but connects your CRM to WordPress and adds advanced user automation.
Key features your membership site should have
- Member login and user dashboards
- Protected content: posts, pages, or sections
- Payment gateway integration (Stripe, PayPal, etc)
- Support for subscriptions, trials, and one-time payments
- Content dripping and course delivery (if needed)
- Compatibility with CRM or LMS tools
- Clean, responsive design for all screen sizes
- Fast page speed and clean code (important for SEO and conversions)
Final verdict: is MaxiBlocks worth switching to?
If you’re building a membership site and want speed, simplicity, and full design control, MaxiBlocks is a solid choice. It gives you all the tools you need without slowing down your site or locking features behind a paywall. For freelancers, creators, or agencies building WordPress sites that need to perform well and scale easily this is one of the best free alternatives to Elementor right now.
Other Elementor alternatives for membership sites
Elementor isn’t the only page builder in town. Here’s how Gutenberg, Brizy, and Wix compare when building a membership-based site.
Gutenberg
Gutenberg is the default editor for WordPress. It’s fast, lean, and tightly integrated with the WordPress core. Unlike Elementor, it doesn’t rely on shortcodes or heavy wrappers, which makes for faster load times and better long-term flexibility.
Pros:
- Native to WordPress so no extra builder needed
- Works well with lightweight themes
- Plays nicely with membership plugins like MemberPress, WP Fusion, and Paid Memberships Pro
- No cost, no upsells
Cons:
- Fewer layout tools and design options out of the box
- Requires block plugins or something like MaxiBlocks for more advanced layouts
- Not as beginner-friendly without addons
Best for: developers or site owners who want full control, fast performance, and are happy using third-party blocks or tools like MaxiBlocks to extend Gutenberg.
Brizy
Brizy offers a visual, drag-and-drop editor with a cleaner interface than Elementor. It has a growing ecosystem, cloud hosting options, and supports WordPress-based membership sites through plugin integration.
Pros:
- Clean, user-friendly UI
- Pre-designed blocks and templates
- Integration with key WordPress membership plugins
- White label features for agencies
Cons:
- Core features require Pro version
- Code output isn’t as clean as Gutenberg or MaxiBlocks
- Smaller community and fewer plugin integrations compared to Elementor
Best for: freelancers and small teams that want a visual builder with a better UI than Elementor, and don’t mind upgrading for Pro features.
Wix
Wix is a hosted website builder, not a WordPress plugin but it’s worth mentioning for those considering switching platforms entirely. It includes built-in membership tools, payments, and gated content out of the box.
Pros:
- All-in-one platform, hosting included
- Simple membership tools built in
- Fast setup and fewer moving parts
Cons:
- Not WordPress so no plugin ecosystem
- Limited flexibility for custom functionality
- Design freedom is more restricted
- Monthly fees add up
Best for: creators who don’t want to manage hosting or plugins and just need a simple membership site fast, with fewer custom needs.
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GenerateBlocks
GenerateBlocks is a lightweight block plugin designed to extend the capabilities of the native Gutenberg editor. It doesn’t try to be a full page builder like Elementor, but gives you just enough tools to build fast, clean layouts especially when paired with the GeneratePress theme.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and performance-friendly
- Clean HTML output, great for SEO and Core Web Vitals
- Works seamlessly with membership plugins like WP Fusion and Restrict Content Pro
- Developer-friendly, with excellent control over layout and spacing
- Works natively inside Gutenberg, so there’s no builder lock-in
Cons:
- Limited design components compared to visual builders
- Styling options are more manual no style cards or template packs
- Best results come when paired with GeneratePress (paid)
Best for: developers, agencies, or performance-focused users who want full layout control without visual clutter, and don’t mind building from scratch. Ideal for lean, no-bloat membership sites that prioritise speed and flexibility.
Additional Elementor alternatives for membership sites
Divi
Divi is a long-running visual builder known for its flexible design system and animation features. It comes with a massive library of pre-designed layouts and supports global styles, dynamic content, and visual editing. Divi’s builder works inside the WordPress dashboard and can handle complex designs without touching code.
Pros:
- Huge template library
- Built-in split testing and animation tools
- Works with most membership plugins
- Good support and active development
Cons:
- Heavier on resources can slow down larger sites
- Shortcode-based structure makes switching away harder
- Pro version only no free tier
Best for: agencies and site owners who want design flexibility, visual flair, and don’t mind paying for Pro.
How to use: Install the Divi Builder plugin or theme, choose a layout, customise it in the visual editor, and connect to your preferred membership plugin.
Spectra
Spectra (formerly Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg) is a lightweight block plugin that enhances the default editor. It gives you more styling control, animation options, and pre-built templates all without leaving Gutenberg. It’s built by the team behind Astra, so it pairs well with their theme ecosystem.
Pros:
- Performance-friendly and Gutenberg-based
- Focused on conversions and layout control
- Pre-built block patterns and sections
- Works with most major membership plugins
Cons:
- Not a full page builder extends Gutenberg, doesn’t replace it
- Some features are limited without pairing with Astra Pro
Best for: users who want to stay in the WordPress block editor but need more power and flexibility than core Gutenberg offers.
How to use: Install the Spectra plugin, open any page or post in the block editor, and start adding pre-made blocks or custom layouts. Connect your preferred membership plugin to control access.
Build like a pro
How do free Elementor alternatives compare to Elementor?
Free Elementor alternatives like MaxiBlocks, Gutenberg, Brizy, Wix, and GenerateBlocks offer a wide range of features, including drag-and-drop interfaces, extensive customisation options, and responsive design capabilities. They also provide pre-made templates, saving time and effort in building a website. While Elementor offers a lot of functionality, its free version is limited compared to these alternatives.
Can these free Elementor alternatives handle complex projects?
Many free page builders can handle complex projects. MaxiBlocks offers dynamic content and interactive elements, while Brizy and Wix provide extensive customisation options and reusable templates. These Elementor alternatives are suitable for advanced website needs, allowing you to build professional and intricate membership sites.
Limitations of free Elementor alternatives
Free page builders might have fewer advanced features compared to their paid versions, and some customisation restrictions might exist. However, for many users, these free Elementor alternatives provide sufficient functionality to create a professional website.
How MaxiBlocks stands out
MaxiBlocks offers a comprehensive set of features entirely for free, including custom blocks, a vast design library, and responsive design capabilities. It’s particularly appealing for those wanting to build beautiful websites without high costs, making it a top Elementor alternative.
Final thoughts
Finding the right website builder is important for creating effective membership sites. While Elementor is a popular choice, its high costs and limited free features make exploring other options worthwhile. MaxiBlocks, Gutenberg, Brizy, Wix, GenerateBlocks, Divi, and Spectra are excellent Elementor alternatives, each offering unique features to help create a stunning website.
Discover the best Elementor alternatives for WordPress
Explore a complete collection of Elementor alternatives with tips, comparisons, and tutorials for every type of WordPress site.
FAQs about Elementor alternatives for membership sites
What are some good Elementor alternatives for membership sites?
One notable Elementor alternative for membership sites is MaxiBlocks. It provides a comprehensive set of features tailored for creating and managing membership sites, ensuring flexibility and ease of use.
Why should site owners consider MaxiBlocks as one of the Elementor alternatives for membership sites?
MaxiBlocks offers advanced membership management options, seamless integration with various membership and subscription tools, and a user-friendly interface. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for efficient Elementor alternatives for membership sites.
How does MaxiBlocks compare to other Elementor alternatives for membership sites?
MaxiBlocks provides similar functionalities to Elementor but with additional features designed specifically for membership sites, such as customizable member dashboards, tiered access levels, and enhanced performance optimizations.
Can MaxiBlocks handle large membership bases as one of the Elementor alternatives for membership sites?
Yes, MaxiBlocks is designed to manage large membership bases effectively. It supports robust membership management features, high scalability, and efficient workflows suitable for managing extensive member communities.
Is MaxiBlocks cost-effective as one of the Elementor alternatives for membership sites?
MaxiBlocks offers competitive pricing plans that cater to the budgetary constraints of site owners. With its feature-rich platform, it provides great value for money, making it a cost-effective Elementor alternative for membership sites.
What kind of support can site owners expect from MaxiBlocks as one of the Elementor alternatives for membership sites?
MaxiBlocks provides excellent customer support, including dedicated assistance for membership sites. This includes comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and a responsive support team to help with any issues.
Does MaxiBlocks offer design templates and themes suitable as an Elementor alternative for membership sites?
MaxiBlocks comes with a wide range of professional templates and themes tailored for membership sites. These templates are highly customizable, allowing site owners to create unique and visually appealing membership sites.
How easy is it to migrate from Elementor to MaxiBlocks as an Elementor alternative for membership sites?
MaxiBlocks offers straightforward migration tools and support to help site owners transition from Elementor smoothly. This ensures minimal downtime and disruption during the migration process.
Can MaxiBlocks be integrated with other tools commonly used for membership sites as an Elementor alternative for membership sites?
MaxiBlocks supports integration with a variety of third-party tools and services commonly used for membership sites, such as payment gateways, CRM systems, and email marketing platforms, enhancing its versatility as an Elementor alternative for membership sites.
Want to read more?
Take a look at what’s better than Elementor for WordPress, or find out if Elementor is still free in 2025. Curious how it compares to Gutenberg? Read which is better: Gutenberg or Elementor and whether Elementor is better than Gutenberg in 2025. You can also explore alternatives better than Elementor or browse the full list of Elementor alternatives.
WordPress itself
Official Website
wordpress.org – This is the official website for WordPress, where you can download the software, find documentation, and learn more about using it.
WordPress Codex
codex.wordpress.org/Main_Page – This is a comprehensive documentation resource for WordPress, covering everything from installation and configuration to specific functionality and troubleshooting.
WordPress Theme Directory
wordpress.org/themes – The official WordPress theme directory is a great place to find free and premium WordPress themes. You can browse themes by category, feature, and popularity.
maxiblocks.com/go/help-desk
maxiblocks.com/pro-library
www.youtube.com/@maxiblocks
twitter.com/maxiblocks
linkedin.com/company/maxi-blocks
github.com/orgs/maxi-blocks
wordpress.org/plugins/maxi-blocks
Kyra Pieterse
Author
Kyra is the co-founder and creative lead of MaxiBlocks, an open-source page builder for WordPress Gutenberg.
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