What is better than Elementor for WordPress?
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Updated 24 January 2025
Intro Building websites doesn’t have to be complicated. Modern page builders like MaxiBlocks offer powerful, easy-to-use alternatives to Elementor, helping you create stunning sites without slowing them down or blowing your budget.
Key takeaways
- MaxiBlocks is a modern, open-source alternative to Elementor, fully compatible with WordPress’s Gutenberg editor, offering drag-and-drop functionality, dynamic content, and advanced customisation tools.
- MaxiBlocks is highly cost-effective, with free access to its website builder and theme, plus an extensive Pro Library priced at $9.99/month, $49/year, or $149 for lifetime access.
- Unlike Elementor, MaxiBlocks prioritises performance with lightweight, bloat-free code, ensuring faster-loading websites and smoother user experiences.
- MaxiBlocks provides a massive library of over 17,000 block patterns and 14,000+ SVG icons, far exceeding Elementor’s offerings and enabling unmatched design flexibility.
- MaxiBlocks’ integration with Gutenberg ensures compatibility with WordPress updates, making it a future-proof choice for website creators.
- Dynamic content and responsive design capabilities come standard with MaxiBlocks, allowing websites to deliver personalised experiences across all devices.
- User reviews highlight MaxiBlocks as a feature-rich, affordable alternative to Elementor, with many praising its intuitive interface and professional results.
- While Elementor remains a strong choice, MaxiBlocks is an excellent option for those seeking affordability, modern technology, and a large pattern library.
Exploring MaxiBlocks as an Elementor open source alternative
Introducing the MaxiBlocks WordPress website builder
MaxiBlocks is an open source website builder designed for WordPress. The page builder which works with the WordPress core block editor Gutenberg has a comprehensive range of features including full site editing, drag and drop editor, 100 style cards and dynamic content amongst many more. With thousands of patterns and over 14,000 icons and shapes, MaxiBlocks focuses on supporting creative layouts while making the design process easier to use.
Pricing for MaxiBlocks
MaxiBlocks stands out as one of the best cost-effective choices for building WordPress websites. Both the MaxiBlocks website builder and the MaxiBlocks Go block theme are available completely free, with no hidden costs. Designers and developers can access over 500 patterns and templates, along with 14,329 SVG icons, without paying a penny. Both the Go Free as well as the Go Pro option allows limitless websites that means MaxiBlocks can be used on 1 or even 100 websites or more. Pricing is currently $9.99 per month and $49,00 per year for the Pro Library. A lifetime deal of $149 is available for a short period of time.
Introducing the Elementor WordPress page builder
Elementor is the most used page builder for WordPress, known for its drag-and-drop interface and wide range of features. It’s been around for several years and is a go-to choice for many looking to create professional websites without needing coding skills. Elementor works with most WordPress themes and offers a limited number of widgets and templates to help bring designs to life.
Pricing for Elementor
When it comes to pricing, Elementor has a free version, but it’s limited compared to the Pro plans. The middle range of the Advanced to Expert options are Advanced Solo Professional plus eCommerce for one website at a cost of $84, Advanced Professional plus eCommerce for up to three websites at $108. Expert option for freelancers who need multiple sites up to 25 websites comes in at $204. And a slider option will calculate the rates for higher numbers of websites. These plans unlock advanced features like custom CSS, motion effects, and a larger template library, which many website page builders offer as well. Prices may change and it’s best to visit the website to check current options. Elementor also has a hosting option which can be useful to have. Pricing for this option is quite steep and web designers should be aware that there are many hosting companies with more competitive pricing.
Three further important advantages of MaxiBlocks as an Elementor alternative
1. WordPress pattern library
The other difference is the design library. Elementor offers 86 Pro Widgets with its advanced options. MaxiBlocks currently offers over 17 000 WordPress elements in its block patterns library.. The distinction is that MaxiBlocks works with Gutenberg which introduced block patterns to WordPress. Elementor is focused on WordPress without Gutenberg although Elementor can still be used with Gutenberg but is not dedicated to this newer website builder technology as MaxiBlocks is.
2. Modern technology – Classic vs Gutenberg
Elementor, despite its popularity, is built on older technology also known as the Classic Editor. This can sometimes be a drawback as it may struggle to keep up with the latest advancements in WordPress. Elementor’s foundation can lead to compatibility issues with new updates and features, making it less future-proof compared to newer solutions.
MaxiBlocks, on the other hand, is built with the latest WordPress technologies and is specifically designed to work with the Gutenberg editor. This modern foundation ensures that MaxiBlocks remains highly compatible with new WordPress updates and features. The easy integration with Gutenberg allows for a smoother and more intuitive website-building experience that uses the latest advancements in WordPress. This forward-thinking approach ensures that users of MaxiBlocks are at the cutting edge of WordPress technology, offering a more future-proof solution.
3. Bloat-free performance
While Elementor is powerful, it can sometimes suffer from performance issues due to its extensive feature set. The multitude of options and capabilities, while beneficial, can lead to slower load times and a more cumbersome user experience. This bloat can negatively impact site speed, which is crucial for maintaining a positive user experience and optimizing SEO.
MaxiBlocks is designed to be lightweight and efficient, ensuring that websites built with it load quickly and run smoothly. This bloat-free performance is crucial for maintaining a positive user experience and optimizing site speed, which is essential for SEO and user retention. By avoiding unnecessary bloat, MaxiBlocks ensures that your website remains fast and responsive, providing visitors with a seamless browsing experience.
Use case example:
Scenario: A small business owner wants a responsive and professional website to showcase his products but finds Elementor’s pricing structure too expensive for a small brochure style website.
Solution: Switching to MaxiBlocks, the business owner uses its extensive library of patterns and templates to create sections like product showcases, customer reviews, and call-to-action banners. The responsive design tools and drag-and-drop interface make customisation easy, while advanced options ensure the site looks great on any device.
Result: The business owner quickly builds a modern, functional website without technical issues and compatible with the latest WordPress updates. One on one support and instructional videos help to make the build a fairly smooth process. In particular the small annual fee that covers support and free updates to ensure the website stays safe is affordable as well for a new business. .
Is MaxiBlocks better amongst Elementor alternatives?
MaxiBlocks is not necessarily better than Elementor. Elementor is a well rounded page builder with an extensive range of features. However MaxiBlocks offers a comprehensive range of features as well that can compete with Elementor Pro but without the associated costs. Users have access to thousands of pattern templates and a design library with over 14,000 free SVG icons and shapes. These resources provide extensive customization options, allowing users to create dynamic and engaging websites.
In addition to these resources, MaxiBlocks includes unique tools like style cards and an interaction builder. Style cards allow for consistent and easy styling across different elements of a website, while the interaction builder enables the creation of dynamic interactions and animations. These tools are typically only available in premium versions of other page builders but come standard with MaxiBlocks, providing users with powerful capabilities without the need for additional expenditure.
This is not to say there are no other WordPress website builders with themes and page layouts and block patterns that can’t be considered Elementor alternatives. There is a huge choice of such competing alternatives. As with all market leaders Elementor has many competitors snapping at its heels wishing to take a bite out of the huge cake that Elementor has grabbed for itself. However, within the cost effective pricing and pattern library area MaxiBlocks stands out by far.
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Dynamic content and customization
MaxiBlocks also excels in its ability to handle dynamic content, enabling real-time updates and personalized user experiences. This feature can be complex and costly to implement with other builders, but MaxiBlocks includes it as a standard offering. Dynamic content capabilities allow websites to respond to user interactions and preferences, providing a more engaging and tailored experience.
MaxiBlocks provides advanced customization options and responsive design capabilities. Ensuring that websites look great on all devices is a key requirement in today’s digital landscape, and MaxiBlocks delivers on this front. Users can create responsive designs that automatically adjust to different screen sizes and devices, providing a consistent and appealing user experience across desktops, tablets, and smartphones. This level of flexibility and personalization is essential for creating a unique online presence that stands out in a crowded digital market.
User reviews and testimonials
The positive feedback from MaxiBlocks users further highlights its advantages over Elementor. One user shared, “I couldn’t believe how wow MaxiBlocks is! I wanted a plugin website builder for Gutenberg that was templatized for easy deployment of professional websites. MaxiBlocks makes me feel like a professional designer.” This sentiment is echoed by many who appreciate the comprehensive, free features and the professional results they can achieve.
Another user, who transitioned from Elementor to MaxiBlocks, stated, “The best page builder plugin I’ve ever seen. It has so many features available for free in MaxiBlocks that you’d only get in Elementor Pro. I’m surely ditching Elementor for this.” This shift underscores the appeal of MaxiBlocks’ cost-effectiveness and feature-rich platform.
Another reviewer noted, “After some more time poking around, I see a lot of potential in your product. It has the ability to be the Elementor in the Gutenberg field. Overall, I find your product very promising.” This highlights the promise and potential users see in MaxiBlocks as a modern alternative to Elementor.
MaxiBlocks’ intuitive interface and extensive library of pre-built blocks have also impressed users. One user remarked, “After being wowed by MaxiBlocks’ intuitive interface and huge library of pre-built blocks, I’m now seriously considering making the switch from Elementor.” This review points to the ease of use and the rich design resources that MaxiBlocks offers, making it a strong contender in the page builder market.
While Elementor remains a popular and powerful page builder, its high costs and past issues with updates make it less appealing for some users. MaxiBlocks offers a modern, cost-effective, and bloat-free alternative. Its free access to comprehensive features, integration with the latest WordPress technologies, and efficient performance make it a strong contender for anyone looking to build a professional and dynamic website on WordPress. By understanding the strengths of both Elementor and MaxiBlocks, and recognising how MaxiBlocks can improve your website-building experience without breaking the bank, you can make an informed decision on which tool is best for your needs.
Build like a pro
Final thoughts on Elementor alternatives
Selecting an alternative to Elementor often depends on the need for a more modern and adaptable solution. Older technology can present challenges, particularly when WordPress introduces updates or new features. Options like MaxiBlocks provide a fresh approach, offering ease of use and compatibility with the latest advancements. Those looking for a smoother experience with fewer technical hassles might find it useful to consider more newer tools.
The best website builder ultimately depends on the specific goals of the project. Whether it’s designing a blog, an online store, or a professional portfolio, more up to date tools like MaxiBlocks allow for Easy-to-use custom options while ensuring compatibility with WordPress updates. Considering alternatives can help create a website that is both reliable and future-ready.
FAQ: Exploring alternatives to Elementor
What is the best Elementor alternative free?
MaxiBlocks is a top Elementor alternative free option that provides a comprehensive suite of features without any cost. Unlike Elementor, which requires a Pro subscription to access its full capabilities, MaxiBlocks offers advanced customization, thousands of pattern templates, and a vast library of design elements entirely for free.
Where can I find an Elementor alternative free download?
You can find an Elementor alternative free download in the WordPress plugin repository. MaxiBlocks is available for download directly from there, making it easy to install and start using immediately without any cost.
Is there an Elementor alternative that is free and offers extensive features?
Yes, MaxiBlocks is an excellent Elementor alternative free option that provides extensive features. It includes advanced tools like style cards, an interaction builder, and dynamic content capabilities, all available without any cost, making it a robust solution for building professional websites.
Are there any open source Elementor alternatives?
Yes, there are open source Elementor alternatives. One notable example is MaxiBlocks, which is designed to integrate seamlessly with the Gutenberg editor and uses the latest WordPress technologies. This ensures it remains highly compatible with new WordPress updates and features, providing a future-proof solution for website builders.
What are some recommended open source Elementor alternatives?
Recommended open source Elementor alternatives include MaxiBlocks, which offers a free and extensive feature set designed to work with Gutenberg. It provides users with thousands of pattern templates, a design library with over 14,000 free SVG icons and shapes, and advanced customization options, all at no cost.
Is Elementor free good enough for professional websites?
While Elementor free is a good starting point, it has limitations compared to the Pro version. For those seeking advanced features and customization without the high costs, MaxiBlocks is a superior Elementor alternative free option. It offers a comprehensive range of tools and design elements at no cost, making it suitable for professional website development without the need for paid upgrades.
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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