Five paid Elementor alternatives to consider in 2025
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Updated: 29 January 2025
Five paid Elementor alternatives
Elementor is one of the most widely used WordPress page builders, with data from BuiltWith showing its reach on over 17 million websites. Currently, more than 9.9 million active websites are built using Elementor, with another 7.8 million having used it in the past. Its success is largely due to its drag-and-drop interface, which allows users to design complex layouts and pages without any coding skills, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and seasoned developers.
Elementor has long been a popular choice for those seeking a WordPress page builder, offering a wide range of tools and features to simplify website design. However, its extensive capabilities come with a price tag that may not suit everyone. For many web designers, the sheer number of tools included in Elementor can be unnecessary, especially if they only need a more straightforward solution. This is where paid Elementor alternatives come into play, providing essential features at a lower cost and with less complexity.
One such option is MaxiBlocks, a WordPress page builder that offers a large library of pre-made templates, blocks, and patterns. This library allows users to build professional websites quickly without starting from scratch. Unlike Elementor, which includes many tools that some users may never need, MaxiBlocks focuses on delivering a lightweight and efficient experience. Its emphasis on simplicity and performance makes it a practical choice for designers who want to work effectively without unnecessary features. For those looking for a cost-effective and user-friendly tool, MaxiBlocks is a strong contender among paid Elementor alternatives.
The immense popularity of Elementor, with millions of active and historical users, has inevitably sparked fierce competition among new WordPress page builder developers. As web design trends evolve and WordPress continues to become more sophisticated, users are demanding better performance all round and more cost-effective solutions. This has created an opportunity for competitors to carve out their space by addressing the gaps left by Elementor, such as high subscription costs or compatibility challenges with new WordPress updates. The race to become the go-to alternative Elementor WordPress website builder has intensified, driving innovation and choice for website creators.
This is by no means a complete list of all of the Elementor alternatives available. These WordPress page builders are also not necessarily the best options. They do however all have features that are good. Users might want to explore more options before making a decision if any.
1. MaxiBlocks a worthy competitor as a paid Elementor alternative
Performance
MaxiBlocks is designed with performance at its core, ensuring fast-loading websites that operate smoothly across devices. By using server-side attribute storage and optimised code output, it reduces browser load, improving both speed and SEO rankings. Its lightweight framework ensures efficient resource use, which is crucial for maintaining high PageSpeed Insights scores. For website creators focused on delivering a seamless experience to visitors, MaxiBlocks offers reliable performance without compromising functionality or design quality.
Ease of use
MaxiBlocks offers a straightforward drag-and-drop interface that simplifies the website-building process. Its user-friendly design is suitable for both beginners and experienced developers, making it easy to customise layouts and add features without technical expertise. With reusable patterns and pre-designed blocks, it streamlines the workflow, saving time while maintaining creative control. The intuitive layout ensures that even complex designs are achievable with minimal effort.
Design flexibility
MaxiBlocks shines in its ability to give designers full creative freedom. With an overall Pro library of 17,127 currently of which 2,180 are pre-designed patterns, 231 page layouts and 14,000+ icons and shapes with tools like Style Cards, users can customise their websites to suit specific branding and project needs. Advanced features like hover effects, shape masks, and scroll-triggered animations allow for interactive and visually engaging designs. Whether creating a professional business site or a creative portfolio, MaxiBlocks offers the flexibility to match any vision.
Pricing and value
MaxiBlocks provides a cost-effective solution for website creators, with a generous offering of free features and tools. Unlike Elementor, which locks many features behind its Pro plan, MaxiBlocks includes essentials like dynamic content integration, responsive design tools, and customisation options at no additional cost. For those who require even more advanced features, MaxiBlocks Pro offers affordable pricing that delivers excellent value without recurring subscription costs.
What makes MaxiBlocks such a good paid Elementor alternative?
MaxiBlocks provides affordable pricing with no hidden costs and supports unlimited website creation. This makes it an excellent option for designers and agencies managing multiple projects without restrictions.
MaxiBlocks presents itself as a modern, affordable alternative to Elementor, balancing advanced features with an accessible design approach. Its focus on performance, ease of use, and design flexibility makes it a standout option for WordPress users. By addressing common frustrations like high costs and heavy resource use, MaxiBlocks is positioned as a strong contender in the competitive page builder market.
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2. Divi Builder: a further paid Elementor alternatives
Introduction to Divi Builder
The Divi Builder, created by Elegant Themes, is a well-known website builder in the WordPress page builder market. Close to 1 million web developers and designers use it for its flexibility and wide range of features. Its drag-and-drop editor is simple to use, letting people create custom layouts without needing to know any code. Divi also includes a large collection of templates and modules, as well as +300 website packs making it easy to build websites for different industries. Divi is suitable for freelancers as well as small to bigger businesses. The entry level option as well as the Pro version has an affordable annual price as well as a good priced lifetime option, Divi remains a popular choice for anyone looking to design professional websites.
Ease of use
Divi Builder offers a highly intuitive user interface that ensures a smooth experience for web creators. The visual editor is easy to navigate, allowing users to drag and drop elements to create their pages. Even beginners can quickly get up to speed with Divi’s user-friendly controls.
Templates and design elements
The Divi Builder provides access to a vast library of pre-made templates and layouts, covering a wide range of industries and niches. These templates, although in many cases quite basic, do still offer a good starting point for any project. Additionally, Divi includes extensive customisation options, allowing users to adjust every aspect of their design to suit their specific needs and preferences.
Performance
Divi has struggled with slower website speeds. The ongoing Divi 5 project is currently the main focus for Elegant Themes. This rebuild is designed to improve compatibility with the Gutenberg editor and promises significant upgrades across the board. However, with the development of Divi 5 now in its fourth year, many of Divi’s existing performance issues remain unresolved. While new AI tools have been introduced in recent updates, the core Divi Theme still feels cumbersome and outdated when compared to more streamlined alternatives. The Divi 5 project aims to provide backward compatibility to ensure existing users can maintain their projects, making its release highly anticipated within the Divi community.
Pricing and value
Divi Builder offers a competitive pricing structure, including annual access plans that cater to a wide range of budgets. Additionally, the lifetime plan provides a one-time payment option, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term users who want to avoid recurring fees. Elegant Themes enhances the value of Divi Builder by consistently releasing weekly Starter Template Packs, which provide ready-made designs for a variety of projects. Together, these pricing options and resources make signing up to the Divi Builder an attractive proposition.
Conclusion
Divi Builder is a solid paid alternative to Elementor, particularly for those who value design flexibility and advanced customisation. While its steeper learning curve and lack of a free version may deter beginners, it remains a good choice for experienced users looking for more control over their website’s design. Check the Nick Roach video on progress on Divi 5.
Is Divi a good paid alternative to Elementor?
Divi is a good choice for advanced users prioritising design flexibility and customisation. However, beginners might prefer Elementor’s more user-friendly interface and free version.
3. WPBakery page builder a classic choice as a paid Elementor alternative
Introduction to WP Bakery
WP Bakery is a longstanding page builder known for its intuitive drag-and-drop editor and broad compatibility with WordPress themes and plugins. It’s a popular choice for designers who prefer a straightforward visual editing experience without needing coding skills. With a library of pre-designed templates and customisable content blocks, WP Bakery makes it easy to create unique layouts tailored to different industries or personal styles. Its backend and frontend editing options offer flexibility for developers and beginners alike, allowing for seamless integration into both new and existing WordPress projects. While it’s a premium tool, its range of features and ease of use justify the investment for those looking to create professional, polished websites.
Ease of use
This is one of the original WordPress page builders, offering a straightforward drag-and-drop interface. It includes both front-end and back-end editors, allowing users to customise their designs in real-time or through a structured backend environment. While it is simple to use for beginners, its interface can feel a little dated compared to newer Elementor alternatives. However, its familiarity and intuitive controls still make it a reliable option for those seeking ease of use in a paid Elementor alternative.
Templates and design elements
This WordPress page builder provides a reasonable library of pre-designed templates and content elements, giving users a wide variety of options to build professional websites. These templates cover different industries, making it suitable for everything from blogs to business sites. Its compatibility with most WordPress themes and third-party plugins allows designers to expand functionality and enhance layouts, ensuring flexibility for a variety of projects. Although WPBakery’s templates are robust, they lack some of the advanced interactive elements seen in newer WordPress page builders.
Performance
Delivers stable performance across most WordPress themes and plugins. While its code output is clean, it doesn’t have the same level of optimisation as some modern Elementor alternatives, which can lead to slower load times for complex websites. However, for smaller projects or simple designs, WPBakery remains reliable. Users who prioritise cutting-edge performance tools may find it less appealing compared to more modern WordPress page builders designed with speed in mind.
Pricing and value
One of its standout features is its affordable, one-time purchase pricing model. Starting at $69 for use on a single website, it offers an economical solution for those who don’t want to commit to recurring subscription fees. Its compatibility with many WordPress themes further adds to its value, as users don’t need to invest in additional tools or resources. While it lacks some features found in newer paid Elementor alternatives, WPBakery’s pricing makes it a practical option for budget-conscious users or smaller projects.
Conclusion
WPBakery remains a viable paid Elementor alternative for users looking for affordability and simplicity. While it may not have all the advanced features or performance enhancements of modern WordPress page builders, its one-time pricing and broad compatibility make it a reliable choice for single-site users or smaller projects. For those seeking a dependable tool without ongoing costs, WPBakery still holds its place in the market.
Why is WPBakery a good paid Elementor alternative?
WPBakery is a contender as an Elementor alternative due to its one-time purchase pricing and compatibility with most WordPress themes. It is an affordable option for smaller projects or users who prefer to avoid subscription fees.
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4. Gutenberg block editor
Introduction to a free Elementor alternative
The Gutenberg Block Editor is the default content editor for WordPress, introduced in WordPress 5.0 as a significant upgrade from the classic editor. Built around the concept of “blocks,” Gutenberg allows users to create and customise web pages by stacking reusable content elements like text, images, videos, and widgets. This block-based approach simplifies page building, making it more accessible for beginners while providing enough flexibility for advanced users.
Unlike traditional page editors, Gutenberg is tightly integrated into the WordPress core, ensuring compatibility with themes, plugins, and new WordPress features. Its modular structure makes it easy to create complex layouts without the need for additional page builders. With continuous updates and growing support for block libraries like MaxiBlocks, Gutenberg has become a cornerstone for modern WordPress website design, combining simplicity with adaptability for a wide range of projects.
Ease of use
Gutenberg’s block editor, while modern, has faced criticism for its steep learning curve and unintuitive interface. Many website designers find the Classic Editor simpler and faster for common tasks, which is why it remains a popular choice. Gutenberg’s block-based system can feel overwhelming, especially for beginners, and frequent updates often disrupt workflows rather than improving them.
Another major concern is compatibility issues, as not all plugins and themes are fully optimised for Gutenberg. This leads to design inconsistencies and extra troubleshooting, which can be time-consuming. Combined with limited customisation options compared to third-party page builders, Gutenberg is often seen as less user-friendly for those seeking advanced design control.
Templates and design elements
Gutenberg’s block-based approach supports an ever-growing library of pre-made designs and templates, many of which are available for free on WordPress.org. These user-contributed templates cover a variety of website types, offering a helpful starting point for beginners and professionals alike. While it may lack the extensive pattern libraries of competitors like MaxiBlocks, Gutenberg’s modular system makes it easy to mix and match blocks to create unique designs. Additionally, third-party block plugins can extend Gutenberg’s functionality, providing even more options for creative layouts.
Performance
Gutenberg’s block-based system has raised concerns about performance issues, particularly on content-heavy websites or those with advanced customisations. Designers have reported that the reliance on multiple blocks can lead to slower load times and increased resource usage, which affects the overall responsiveness of the site. These performance bottlenecks often make Gutenberg less appealing for complex projects compared to streamlined alternatives.
Pricing and value
One of Gutenberg’s biggest advantages is that it is completely free to use, as it comes bundled with WordPress itself. Unlike paid Elementor alternatives, Gutenberg allows users to build and customise websites without subscription fees or upfront costs. Combined with the free templates and designs available on WordPress.org, it offers exceptional value for users on a budget. While advanced users may need to invest in third-party blocks or themes for more complex designs, Gutenberg remains a cost-effective solution for creating functional and professional websites.
Gutenberg represents a bold step forward for WordPress, introducing a modern, block-based approach to content creation. However, its adoption has not been without challenges. The steep learning curve, performance concerns, and compatibility issues have left many designers questioning its usability, while limited customisation options and an overwhelming interface add further complexity. These issues highlight the gap between innovation and practical accessibility, making Gutenberg a work in progress rather than a fully embraced solution.
For Gutenberg to truly transform the WordPress experience, its future must focus on addressing these shortcomings. Simplifying the user experience, improving compatibility, and offering more robust customisation tools are key steps to making this editor a reliable choice for all. Until then, its promise of innovation remains tied to the need for greater usability and refinement.
Is Gutenberg a good free alternative to Elementor?
Gutenberg can be a viable free alternative to Elementor, but it largely depends on the scope of the project and the user’s needs. As the default WordPress editor, it offers a lightweight and integrated solution for creating basic layouts and managing content without additional cost. Its block-based structure works well for simpler designs and eliminates the need for third-party plugins for straightforward tasks.
However, compared to Elementor, Gutenberg lacks the depth of customisation, advanced features, and flexibility that many website designers rely on for more complex projects. Elementor offers a more polished drag-and-drop experience, a broader range of design options, and pre-built templates that significantly speed up the design process. Gutenberg, on the other hand, can feel restrictive, particularly for those aiming to create highly customised or visually intricate websites.
Gutenberg is a decent option for basic websites or those on a tight budget, but it falls short as a direct replacement for the advanced capabilities and ease of use offered by Elementor.
5. Beaver Builder: A reliable paid Elementor alternative
Introduction
Beaver Builder is a favourite among some WordPress website designers, valued for its focus on simplicity, reliability, and clean code. Its drag-and-drop interface is designed to make website building accessible for both beginners and professionals, offering a balance of ease of use and robust functionality. Known for its seamless integration with WordPress themes and plugins, This is a dependable platform for creating good websites. With flexible pricing plans, it caters to a variety of users, from individuals working on single projects to agencies managing multiple sites, making it a compelling paid Elementor alternative.
Ease of use
This WordPress page builder is known for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it a user-friendly WordPress page builder. It features a clean, organised layout that allows users to build and customise websites without any technical knowledge. Its interface is designed for both beginners and experienced developers, ensuring a smooth workflow. While it may lack some of the flashier tools of other Elementor alternatives, its simplicity and reliability make it an excellent choice for those who value ease of use in a paid Elementor alternative.
Templates and design elements
Beaver Builder provides 50+ pre-designed website templates and 30 content modules, offering a compact but effective library for building websites. These templates are professionally designed and cater to common industries like business, portfolio, and blogging sites. For users focused on straightforward, general-purpose designs, Beaver Builder’s collection provides a good starting point without much complexity.
Performance
Good performance offers lightweight code that ensures fast-loading websites. Its focus on clean, efficient output makes it a strong option for those who prioritise speed and SEO optimisation. The builder offers its own WordPress theme, reducing the risk of compatibility issues. While not as feature-heavy as some other WordPress page builders, The emphasis on reliability and efficiency makes it stand out as a paid Elementor alternative.
Pricing and value
Pricing starts at $89 per year for its Standard plan which is for 1 website with higher prices for more websites. Features are the same across all price categories. The pricing is competitive, and the reliable performance make it a good value compared to Elementor’s premium pricing.
Beaver Builder is a dependable paid Elementor alternative, offering a balance of user-friendly design, reliable performance, and professional templates. Its pricing model, allowing unlimited site usage, makes it particularly appealing for agencies and designers managing multiple projects. Though it may lack some of the advanced features of newer WordPress page builders, Beaver Builder’s focus on simplicity and efficient
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Use case example
A small business owner looking to build a professional website on a budget might consider Gutenberg as a starting point. As a free tool built into WordPress, it eliminates upfront costs and allows the creation of a functional site without investing in premium tools. However, the lack of a robust template library can quickly become a hurdle. With Gutenberg, pre-designed templates are limited, requiring more time and effort to design pages from scratch, which may not be ideal for those with tight schedules or limited design experience.
This is where MaxiBlocks transforms Gutenberg into a valuable tool. MaxiBlocks offers a massive library that includes 2,152 WordPress patterns, 221 page templates, and 14,329 icons and shapes through its Pro version, available for a small fee. Designers can mix and match these pre-designed elements to create professional websites quickly and affordably. Additionally, MaxiBlocks’ free library of over 500 patterns provides a generous starting point for basic projects. By using MaxiBlocks, Gutenberg becomes a highly efficient and flexible solution, offering access to beautiful, ready-made designs without the limitations typically associated with the default editor.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a WordPress page builder, the right option depends on the specific needs of each project. For those who value affordability and simplicity, Gutenberg paired with a tool like MaxiBlocks offers an excellent combination of cost-effectiveness and flexibility. MaxiBlocks enhances Gutenberg’s functionality with thousands of pre-designed patterns, templates, and icons, making it a game-changer for designers seeking efficiency without compromising quality. On the other hand, premium options like Divi and WP Bakery stand out for their advanced design tools and extensive customisation options, appealing to those who require more intricate layouts or unique designs.
Beaver Builder provides a balanced middle ground with its user-friendly interface and reliable performance, making it a solid choice for businesses or freelancers looking for ease of use. Each builder brings something unique to the table, catering to different levels of experience and project complexity. By considering factors like design requirements, budget, and long-term scalability, website creators can select a solution that best fits their goals, ensuring a smooth and efficient site-building process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Paid Elementor Alternative
What are some template-based alternatives to Elementor for WordPress?
For those looking for template-based alternatives to Elementor, there are several options available that offer pre-designed templates to streamline your website building process.
Are there any no-code alternatives to Elementor for WordPress users who aren’t familiar with coding?
Yes, there are numerous no-code alternatives to Elementor that allow you to build and customize your WordPress site without any coding knowledge.
What options are available for users who prefer to use custom code instead of Elementor?
For users who prefer to have more control over their site’s design and functionality through custom coding, there are several custom code alternatives to Elementor that cater to this need.
Which page builders offer pre-designed templates similar to Elementor?
If you are looking for page builders that provide pre-designed templates similar to Elementor, you can refer to this resource for a list of viable options.
How can I build a WordPress site without using any code?
Building a WordPress site without using any code is possible with several no-code page builders. Detailed information about these no-code solutions can be found in the link.
What are some advantages of using custom code over page builders like Elementor?
Using custom code allows for greater flexibility and customization that page builders may not provide. For more insights and a list of custom code alternatives to Elementor, visit the provided link.
Are there any free no-code page builders that can replace Elementor?
Yes, there are several free no-code page builders available that can serve as alternatives to Elementor.
What is a good paid Elementor alternative for WordPress?
A good paid Elementor alternative for WordPress is Divi Builder, known for its versatility and extensive feature set. It offers a highly intuitive interface, a vast library of templates, and excellent performance, making it a top choice for many web developers and designers.
Are there any paid Elementor alternatives that offer a one-time purchase option?
Yes, WPBakery Page Builder is a paid Elementor alternative that offers a one-time purchase option. This can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to subscription-based models, providing good value for users who prefer a one-time investment.
Which paid Elementor alternative is best for conversion-focused websites?
Thrive Architect is a paid Elementor alternative designed with conversion optimization in mind. It features a variety of templates and design elements tailored for high-converting websites, making it ideal for marketers and business owners.
What are the performance benefits of using a paid Elementor alternative like Visual Composer?
Visual Composer, as a paid Elementor alternative, ensures optimal performance with its seamless integration with WordPress themes and plugins, along with an optimized codebase. This helps maintain fast loading times and a smooth user experience.
Can I use a paid Elementor alternative like Beaver Builder on multiple websites?
Yes, Beaver Builder offers several pricing plans, including options for annual or lifetime access, allowing you to use it on multiple websites. Its competitive pricing and extensive features make it a versatile choice for various website projects.
Do paid Elementor alternatives come with pre-designed templates?
Yes, paid Elementor alternatives such as Divi Builder, WPBakery, and Visual Composer come with a wide range of pre-designed templates. These templates cover various industries and niches, providing great starting points for your website projects.
What are the customization options available with paid Elementor alternatives?
Paid Elementor alternatives like Divi Builder and Thrive Architect offer extensive customization options. These builders allow users to tweak every aspect of their design to match their vision, providing high flexibility and control over the website’s appearance.
How does the pricing of paid Elementor alternatives compare to Elementor’s premium pricing?
Paid Elementor alternatives like WPBakery and Beaver Builder offer competitive pricing, with options for one-time purchases or lifetime access. This can be more cost-effective compared to Elementor’s subscription-based premium pricing, providing excellent value for the features and support offered.
Are paid Elementor alternatives compatible with various WordPress themes and plugins?
Yes, most paid Elementor alternatives, including Divi Builder, WPBakery, and Beaver Builder, are designed to be compatible with a wide range of WordPress themes and plugins. This ensures smooth integration and a seamless user experience.
What makes Thrive Architect a unique paid Elementor alternative?
Thrive Architect stands out as a paid Elementor alternative due to its focus on conversion optimization. It offers specialized templates for landing pages, sales pages, and lead generation forms, making it an excellent choice for marketers looking to create high-converting websites.
What should I consider when choosing between template-based, no-code, and custom code page builders?
Choosing the right type of page builder depends on your specific needs and expertise. For a detailed comparison and recommendations, refer to the articles on template-based alternatives, no-code alternatives, and custom code alternatives.
Feel free to explore these links for more detailed information on each type of Elementor alternative to find the best fit for your WordPress website needs.
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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