With 10+ million active installations and 6,200+ positive ratings, Elementor is one of the most popular page builders for WordPress. Even beyond WordPress, Elementor is a well-known website design tool. It gives a simple drag-and-drop way to design websites without coding.

From small business owners to professional developers, many people choose Elementor. But popularity does not always mean it is the best choice for everyone. Before you spend money on a premium plan, it is important to look closely at both the good and the bad.

In this post, I’ll break down the main pros and cons of Elementor, comparing it with other popular page builders and web design tools. By the end, you will have a clear picture of whether Elementor deserves your money or not. So, let’s get into the discussion right away!

What Is Elementor and How Does It Work?

Elementor works with a drag-and-drop interface, so you can create pages without writing any code. You can add widgets like images, text blocks, buttons, and videos, and arrange them the way you like. Or, you can choose from ready-made templates if you don’t like to build from scratch.

Elementor works with almost any WordPress theme. It runs on a live editing system. This means you see the changes on your page in real time while you design it. You can adjust colors, fonts, spacing, and layouts directly on the screen.

Elementor also offers responsive controls, so your design will fit well on desktops, tablets, and mobiles.

Brief Comparison of Elementor to Other Web Building Tools

Elementor is not the only tool you can use to design a WordPress website. There are several other no-code web design tools for WordPress. Each builder has its own strengths, price range, and learning curve. So, before exploring its pros and cons, it’s better to have an idea about the other tools in comparison with Elementor.

Elementor primarily has three alternatives. They are:

WordPress Page Builders	Divi, Beaver Builder, Brizy, SeedProd, WPBakery, Thrive Architect, Oxygen Builder, etc.
Gutenberg Editor	Gutenberg Core (default editor), Ultimate Blocks, Kadence Blocks, GenerateBlocks, Spectra, Stackable, etc.
Non-WordPress Web Builders	Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, Shopify, Weebly, Framer, etc.

Explore this blog post to know how to choose the best page builder for your website.

# Elementor vs WordPress Page Builders

Elementor shares the WordPress environment with builders like Divi, Beaver Builder, Brizy, and Oxygen. All offer drag-and-drop design, but their focus and pricing vary. If you are choosing among WordPress-only builders, these points separate Elementor from the rest:

• Ease of setup: Elementor’s interface is clearer and faster to learn than Divi or Oxygen.

• Design range: Largest library of widgets, motion effects, and templates for both free and Pro users.

• Pricing style: Affordable annual plans, while Divi’s lifetime license suits agencies managing many sites.

• Code output: Beaver Builder and Oxygen generate cleaner, lighter code, which can boost speed.

• Target users: Elementor fits beginners to pros, while Oxygen is aimed mainly at developers.

# Elementor vs Gutenberg Editor

Gutenberg is the default WordPress block editor and comes free with every installation. It is lightweight and future-proof, but not as feature-rich. Here are the main contrasts:

• Cost: Gutenberg core is free to use, while Elementor Pro adds a yearly fee. Besides, all the other block plugins have a free version.

• Features and Widgets: What is a feature in Elementor is known as a block in Gutenberg. However, blocks aren’t as feature-rich for website and page design as Elementor.

• Performance: Gutenberg’s native blocks load faster, whereas Elementor slightly slows down the page loading speed.

• Flexibility: Elementor includes a theme builder, advanced animations, and dynamic templates. Gutenberg has to depend on themes and additional plugins to do all these things.

• Great for: With Gutenberg block plugins, you can design minimalistic websites, while with Elementor, you can design complex websites. Gutenberg is actually best for blog post content creation and content marketing.

# Elementor vs Non-WordPress Web Builders

Hosted platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Webflow remove the need for WordPress altogether. They bundle hosting, updates, and security into one plan. Key differences include:

• Hosting & maintenance: Non-WordPress builders handle everything. (However, Elementor has recently started offering hosting services.)

• Ownership: Elementor lets you export and move your site freely. Hosted builders lock you into their ecosystem.

• Scalability: WordPress with Elementor supports unlimited plugins and custom code. Most hosted platforms don’t have a vast plugin collection like Elementor.

• Pricing model: Hosted builders often charge higher monthly fees as traffic or features grow. Elementor costs depend mainly on the price you choose, and it doesn’t change overnight.

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Pros of Elementor in Website Building

Elementor is one of the most popular WordPress page builders, offering a powerful and user-friendly platform for creating professional websites without coding expertise. Its extensive feature set makes it a top choice for beginners, businesses, and developers alike.

Below, we outline the main advantages of using Elementor, focusing on its key strengths.

1. Drag-and-Drop Editing Simplicity

Elementor’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor allows users to build websites visually by simply dragging widgets and elements into place. No coding skills are required, and the real-time preview ensures immediate feedback, making it accessible for beginners and efficient for professionals.

2. Extensive Template and Widget Library

Elementor Free offers over 30 basic widgets (e.g., headings, images, buttons), while Elementor Pro provides over 90 advanced widgets (e.g., forms, portfolios, WooCommerce elements). The platform also includes over 300 templates, including full website kits, enabling users to create polished designs quickly.

3. Advanced Design Flexibility

Elementor Pro’s Theme Builder allows complete customization of WordPress themes, including headers, footers, and archive pages. Features like custom fonts, icons, motion effects, and global widgets provide unmatched creative control, enabling unique and professional designs.

4. Responsive Design Controls

Elementor ensures websites look great on all devices with responsive design tools. Users can adjust layouts, fonts, and elements for desktop, tablet, and mobile views, ensuring a seamless user experience across devices.

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5. Over a Dozen Addons

Elementor supports a wide range of third-party addons, such as Essential Addons, Ultimate Addons, and Happy Addons, which extend functionality with additional widgets, templates, and integrations. These addons enhance Elementor’s capabilities, catering to niche needs like advanced forms or animations.

6. Able to Design Dynamic Web Pages

Elementor Pro supports dynamic content, allowing users to integrate custom fields, post types, and external data sources (e.g., WooCommerce products). This feature automates content updates, making it ideal for blogs, portfolios, and listing sites.

7. Support for eCommerce

Elementor Pro’s WooCommerce Builder provides specialized widgets for customizing product pages, shopping carts, and checkout processes. Features like sticky add-to-cart buttons and trust badges enhance eCommerce functionality, boosting conversions.

8. Flexible Pricing Options

Elementor offers a robust free version for basic needs and a Pro version with tiered pricing plans (e.g., Personal, Plus, Expert) starting at $59/year for a single site. These plans cater to different user needs, from solo bloggers to agencies managing multiple sites.

9. Countless User Guides and Documentation Available

Elementor provides extensive documentation, video tutorials, and a community-driven knowledge base. The official website, blog, and YouTube channel offer step-by-step guides, troubleshooting tips, and best practices, making it easy for users to learn and resolve issues.

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10. Allows to Add Custom CSS for Advanced Effects

Elementor Pro enables users to add custom CSS to individual widgets or pages, allowing for precise design tweaks. This feature, along with custom HTML and JavaScript support, caters to advanced users seeking unique effects like animations or interactive elements.

11. Offers 24/7 Customer Support

Elementor Pro users receive 24/7 priority support via tickets and live chat, ensuring prompt assistance. The active community forums and social media channels also provide additional support and insights from other users.

12. Active Development

Elementor is regularly updated with new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. The development team actively incorporates user feedback, ensuring the platform remains cutting-edge and compatible with the latest WordPress updates.

Cons of Elementor in Website Building

While Elementor is a powerful and popular WordPress page builder, it’s not without its drawbacks. Understanding these limitations is essential for deciding if it’s the right tool for your website-building needs. Below, we explore the main cons of using Elementor, addressing potential challenges users may face.

1. Learning Curve for Absolute Beginners

Despite its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, Elementor can be overwhelming for absolute beginners. The extensive range of widgets, settings, and customization options may require time to master, especially for users unfamiliar with web design concepts like responsive layouts or global styles.

Though tutorials are abundant, the initial learning curve can feel steep for those with no prior experience.

2. Slightly Slows Down Page Loading Speed

Elementor, particularly when using many widgets, animations, or complex layouts, can increase page load times due to the additional CSS and JavaScript it generates. While optimization tools like caching plugins can mitigate this, unoptimized Elementor sites may experience slight performance dips compared to lightweight themes or custom-coded pages.

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3. Has Compatibility Issues with Some Plugins

Elementor may encounter conflicts with certain WordPress plugins, especially those affecting front-end rendering or scripts, such as some SEO plugins, security tools, or other page builders. While Elementor is compatible with most major plugins, occasional issues require troubleshooting or alternative solutions, which can frustrate users.

4. No Deep Integration with the Gutenberg Editor

Elementor operates independently of WordPress’s native Gutenberg editor, lacking deep integration. Users hoping to combine Elementor’s drag-and-drop functionality with Gutenberg blocks may find the workflow disjointed. While Elementor offers a Block widget for embedding Gutenberg content, it’s not seamless, limiting hybrid usage.

5. Lock-In and Migration Challenges

Once a site is built with Elementor, migrating to another page builder or theme can be challenging. Elementor’s shortcodes and custom styling don’t always transfer cleanly, potentially leaving broken layouts or requiring significant rework. This ‘lock-in’ effect can make users hesitant to switch platforms later.

6. Dependence on Pro Version for Advanced Features

Many of Elementor’s most powerful features, such as Theme Builder, Popup Builder, WooCommerce integration, and dynamic content, are exclusive to the Pro version. Users relying on the free version may find its capabilities limited for professional or eCommerce sites, necessitating an upgrade that starts at $59/year for a single site.

7. Has to Depend on Addons for Many Extra Design Options

While Elementor offers a robust set of widgets and templates, some advanced or niche design options (e.g., complex animations, unique sliders, or specialized forms) require third-party addons like Essential Addons or Ultimate Addons. These addons often come with additional costs or complexity, increasing dependency on external tools.

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Elementor Free vs. Pro: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the differences between Elementor Free and Pro is crucial for determining which version best aligns with your needs and whether upgrading is worthwhile. Below, I’ve explored the key features of the free version and the exclusive features offered by Elementor Pro.

Key Features of the Free Version

The free version is an excellent starting point for beginners, small businesses, or those with simpler website needs. Here are the primary features of Elementor Free:

• Visual Drag-and-Drop Editor: It allows you to create custom page layouts by dragging and dropping widgets in real time.

• 30+ Basic Widgets: The free version includes essential widgets like headings, text editors, images, buttons, image galleries, videos, social icons, testimonials, and progress bars. These are covered for fundamental landing page design and practices.

• Responsive Design Controls: You can adjust layouts for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices to ensure that your website is mobile-friendly.

• Basic Animations and Effects: The free version supports basic hover effects and entrance animations to add subtle interactivity to elements.

• Global Styles: You can apply consistent styling (e.g., colors, fonts) across the website to maintain a cohesive design.

• Maintenance Mode and Coming-Soon Features: You can enable maintenance mode or a coming-soon page.

• Multilingual and RTL Support: The plugin supports right-to-left (RTL) and left-to-right (LTR) languages, with translations in over 23 languages, making it versatile for global users.

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Exclusive Features in Elementor Pro

Elementor Pro builds on the free version by offering advanced tools and functionalities tailored for professional designers, and particularly those running eCommerce or dynamic websites. Below are the key exclusive features of Elementor Pro:

• Theme Builder: It allows you to customize every aspect of your WordPress theme, including headers, footers, single post templates, archive pages, and 404 pages. You can design unique blog post layouts for different content types (e.g., blog posts, product pages). By the display conditions, you set templates for targeted users and applications.

• 90+ Pro Widgets: Elementor Pro expands the widget library with over 90 advanced widgets, including Forms, Posts, Portfolio, Price Tables, Countdown Timers, Nav Menus, and WooCommerce-specific widgets (e.g., Product Title, Menu Cart).

• 300+ Professional Templates and Website Kits: Pro users gain access to a larger library of premium templates and full website kits, which include cohesive designs for entire sites (e.g., homepage, about page, contact page).

• Popup Builder: The Popup Builder lets you create custom popups for promotions, email subscriptions, or announcements. Features include triggers (e.g., exit intent, scroll depth), conditional logic, and integration with forms and marketing tools.

• Dynamic Content and Custom Fields: This allows you to pull data from custom fields, post types, or external sources (e.g., WooCommerce products). This automates content updates, making it ideal for blogs, eCommerce, or listing sites.

• WooCommerce Builder: Elementor Pro offers specialized widgets and tools for customizing WooCommerce stores, including product pages, shopping carts, and checkout pages.

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• Form Builder with Integrations: The visual Form Builder supports advanced forms with conditional logic, multi-step forms, and over 20 field types. It integrates with CRM systems and marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Zapier), streamlining lead management.

• Custom CSS and Code: Pro users can add custom CSS directly to widgets or blocks for precise design tweaks. Custom HTML and JavaScript integration is also supported, offering advanced customization for developers.

• Motion Effects and Interactions: Advanced features like Sticky Elements, Scroll Snap, Motion Effects, Lottie Animations, and Mouse Effects add engaging interactivity to websites, enhancing user experience.

• Global Widgets: Pro allows users to create reusable widgets that can be edited once and updated across multiple pages, saving time for sites with repetitive elements (e.g., opt-in forms).

• Custom Fonts and Icons: Users can upload custom fonts or connect to Adobe Fonts and use thousands of icons to align designs with brand identity.

• Priority Support and Regular Updates: Pro users benefit from 24/7 priority support and frequent updates, ensuring access to new features and timely assistance.

• Cloud Templates: Pro offers cloud-based storage for design elements, making them accessible across multiple Elementor Pro sites for scalable workflows.

Is Elementor Worth the Investment?

Elementor is a leading WordPress page builder, but its value depends on your specific needs, budget, and project goals. Take a look at the pricing plans of Elementor below.

• Free plan – This free version offers basic-level design options

• Essential – $60/year (1 website, includes 57 pro widgets)

• Advanced Solo – $84/year (1 website, includes 86 pro widgets)

• Advanced – $99/year (3 websites, includes 86 pro widgets)

• Expert – $204/year (25 websites, including 86 pro widgets)
  $399/year (1000 websites, including 86 pro widgets)

If you are completely new to the web design industry and have no coding experience, the Elementor Free version would be a great choice. Once the plugin starts becoming easier, you can choose to subscribe to any of its premium versions as you wish.

Although Essential is a premium plan, it doesn’t unlock all of its premium design options. So, it’s better to avoid this plan.

Advanced Solo and Advanced plans unlock all the premium design options. If you are planning to build websites only for you or your business, you can subscribe to any of these plans.

Agency plans could be a great choice for freelancers and those who have to design websites for lots of clients.

Compared to competitors like Divi ($89/year) or WPBakery (one-time $56), Elementor Pro’s pricing is competitive, especially given its extensive feature set and regular updates.

Best Elementor Addons

If you ever feel that Elementor alone isn’t enough to meet your no-code design needs, and you need more widgets and features for advanced website or landing page design, you can explore Elementor addons.

The good news is that Elementor has a great collection of free and premium addons. Many of them have millions of active installations and thousands of positive ratings and reviews. Take a look at them below.

• Essential Addons – 110+ widgets
• HappyAddons – 140+ widgets and 28+ features
• Elements Kit – 90+ widgets and 18+ features
• Ultimate Addons – 50+ widgets
• WP Royal – 100+ widgets
• Premium Addons – 100+ widgets
• Unlimited Elements – 140+ widgets
• Qi Addons – 100+ widgets

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Final Takeaways!

Elementor gives you the freedom to build a professional website without touching a line of code. Its drag-and-drop editor, rich library of widgets, and flexible design options make it easy to create pages that match your exact vision.

Whether you are running a small blog, managing a business site, or building landing pages for clients, Elementor offers tools that can grow with your goals. You stay in control of the design while working inside WordPress, which keeps your site open and fully yours.

If you want a platform that mixes creativity with simplicity, Elementor is worth serious thought. It can turn your ideas into a polished website even if you have no technical skills. And if you later need more advanced features, the Pro version and a wide range of addons are ready when you are.

Choosing Elementor means choosing a builder that supports your growth, from your first page to a complete, professional online presence.