WordPress Page Builders: 7 Best Options Compared

Many free WordPress themes are not that flexible as in-depth modification requires coding. If you are not familiar with website development, being stuck with the default look of each theme is the only choice.

Fortunately, some third-party developers create page builders for the popular CMS. These plugins give users almost endless ways to adjust the appearance of their website. Whether you want custom grid styles or section dividers, WordPress page builders have it all.

As the name may confuse you, page builders are not web builders. While the latter refers to platforms like Wix or Weebly, page builders are WordPress plugins that provide similar drag-and-drop functionality.

Since each WordPress page builder has its pros and cons, it may be difficult to decide on one pick. In this article, I will help you with my top seven recommended page builders.

Why Should You Use WordPress Page Builder?

WordPress’ built-in options have a couple of drawbacks compared to third-party page builders. First of all, any further customization of appearance demands you to code. At least, you have to understand HTML, CSS, PHP, and Javascript.

The CMS has tens of thousands of free themes in its repository. But as I have mentioned before, their flexibility is limited. Most of them do not allow you to change font style and site layout in general.

To add features like gallery grid, animated backgrounds, and drop-down menus, users need to get multiple plugins. But plugins and themes can clash, so you always must check the compatibility.

Page builders come as an all-in-one solution that breaks the boundaries above. With their drag-and-drop function, even users without technical knowledge can create custom websites.

Top Seven WordPress Page Builders

Here are seven of the best WordPress page builders in the market based on their functions and ease of use.

1. Beaver Builder

The Good

• Beaver Builder can be used along WooCommerce, the most popular ecommerce tool for WordPress.
• It has a responsive design, meaning that your page will look great on all screen sizes, be it a smartphone or a laptop.
• Editing each detail of your site is time-consuming. But with the page builder’s keyboard shortcuts, the process needs takes less effort.
• Whether you are a freelancer or a web design firm owner, getting Beaver Builder’s Agency plan is an excellent investment. Despite the steep price ($399 annually), it supports white-labeling. This means you can rebrand the builder as your product.
• The cool thing about Beaver Builder is that users can choose between light or dark interface for the page editor. For those who often work in a dark environment, this feature can be helpful.

The Bad

• The free version only has five modules, which you can find in WordPress’ built-in editor: audio, video, image, text, and HTML. For further customization, you still need to get the premium one.

The Verdict

The free Beaver Builder only gives you five modules and a couple of column styles. Nonetheless, getting the premium version is not that expensive, as the Standard plan is $99 per year.

There are two other plans – Pro and Agency – that cost $199 and $399 annually, but they are there if you want to enable white-labeling and multisite network settings.

All of the premium plans can be used to work on multiple websites. Plus, the builder comes with templates to speed up your design process.

If you need help with the page builder, it has a knowledge base and user forum, in which you can ask questions.

2. Elementor

The Good

• The free version of Elementor has 30 widgets, including the accordion menu, image carousel, and menu buttons. Without the page builder, you’d need several different plugins to acquire these features.
• Upgrading to the premium version will get you WooCommerce support. What is more, it comes with 18 WooCommerce widgets that will make building ecommerce websites easier.
• The plugin’s live editor is very lightweight. Plus, it enables users to customize hover effects and text styles on each element.
• Both versions of Elementor come with dozens of built-in icons and font styles.

The Bad

• A lot of great features, like global widgets, are only available on the premium version of this page builder.

The Verdict

Elementor is one of the most versatile WordPress page builders. Not only does it provide many types of widgets but also allows in-depth editing of small details.

If you are not satisfied with the free version, which is generous enough, the premium Elementor plan is very affordable. For $49 per year, you can use the page builder to design one website. Users can also upgrade to three websites ($99 per year) or a thousand websites ($199 per year).

For developers, all of the premium plans allow further customization with CSS. Since the page builder is open-source, everyone can create custom widgets as well.

Should you have any questions about Elementor, the customer support is not only available via email, but also via live chat on its website.

3. Divi

The Good

• With Divi, you do not have to replace the default WordPress theme. The page builder already comes with hundreds of beautiful templates that you can customize.
• Divi’s interface can be adjusted to your liking since it can be docked to the side like other page builders or transformed into a floating menu. While in the floating mode, you can resize it as well.
• Users do not have to mess with a template as they can duplicate its design as a new page. With that being said, you can combine the style of multiple templates.
• Ever wished that you can zoom out the editor to see your design from a broader perspective? This page builder allows for that.

The Bad

• Unfortunately, Divi does not have a free version. To get it, you have to pay $89 annually or $249 for lifetime access. Personally, I recommend getting the latter.
• Tiny MCE editor users may get confused with Divi’s text boxes. The formatting buttons are hidden, and they only appear if you highlight a selected text.

The Verdict

As a WordPress page builder that only has paid plans, Divi packs a bunch of benefits. The page builder has a huge selection of customizable templates and flexible user interface.

By purchasing Divi, you also get the Bloom email opt-in plugin and the Monarch social media plugin, which are excellent additions if you want to open a blog or a small business site.

It enables you to modify many elements of your website – even customize section dividers and transform images like in Adobe Photoshop.

Like Elementor, Divi’s customer support is available through email and chat. Unfortunately, the chat feature is only available for registered users.

4. Themify Builder

The Good

• Themify Builder is free to use and comes with 27 modules, 86 blocks (layout parts), and more than a hundred layout templates. The modules include features such as login buttons, image sliders, and testimonial columns. Plus, you can use it to build unlimited sites.
• The paid version adds 25 more modules that include pricing table, progress bar, and WooCommerce products. The good thing is, you can get all of them for $39 (one-time payment).
• If you have a problem with slow loading time, Themify Builder is a good choice to pick. The page builder has a built-in cache system that ensures your pages load faster.

The Bad

• The page builder does not have as much functionality as the previous ones. If you want more control over your design, I suggest you get Divi or Elementor.

The Verdict

With most of the features are included in the free version, Themify Builder suits people who want to create a beautiful WordPress site with little cost.

Even without the premium modules bundle, you can already make a unique-looking website.

Plus, Themify Builder has many page templates that can be duplicated as much as you want. Users can also create global elements, which is a premium feature in other page builders on this list.

To get help with Themify Builder, you can contact them through the inquiry form on the website, their email, or look for answers in the forum or documentation.

5. Page Builder by SiteOrigin

The Good

• SiteOrigin’s page builder is free. However, you can get a premium add-ons bundle that starts at $29 per year. If you handle more than one website, consider choosing the five and unlimited sites plans, which cost $49 and $99 annually.
• The page builder ensures that your pages’ code is in order. Not only does it speed up your site, but it also positively affects SEO.
• There are around 20 website templates that users can use to start designing. If you do not like your latest customization, SiteOrigin allows you to revert to a revision you prefer.

The Bad

• The standard modules that come with the page builder’s free version do not offer various features. Like Beaver Builder’s, it leaves you with the options that can be done with WordPress’ default editor.
• SiteOrigin’s free version also does not include website templates. However, it is guaranteed to work with most WordPress themes.

The Verdict

SiteOrigin’s page builder is one of the more suitable options in this list for those who do not want to spend a lot on website design.

Since the free version is missing a lot of features, I recommend getting one of the premium plans. Starting at $29, you can already get a fully functioning page builder for lifetime use and get free updates.

With this page builder, your pages’ code will be in order. Thus, you have one less job in optimizing your website for the search engines.

Unfortunately, the email support for SiteOrigin is only available if you are a premium user. Otherwise, you can only access the forum and documentation.

6. WPBakery Page Builder for WordPress

The Good

• This page builder works with any WordPress theme. With that in mind, there are even more design possibilities that you can create.
• WPBakery’s price starts at $45 for single-site use. Along with the purchase, you get lifetime updates, email support, and more than a hundred downloadable templates.
• Apart from more than 250 paid add-ons, the page builder also supports some WordPress plugins such as WooCommerce, Revolution Slider, and Contact Form 7.

The Bad

• WPBakery does not have a free plan. Sadly, it also does not provide a free trial or demo. Thus you have no other way than to buy the page builder.

The Verdict

Even though WPBakery is fully premium, it does not break a bank. What is more, it only costs $49 for lifetime use. But the page builder has a $245 plan that can be used for multiple sites, which is a great deal for developers.

Whichever plan you choose, the page builder comes with a powerful live editor that allows for thorough customization. To save time, there are also many templates that you can download.

Plus, all plans provide email support. Apart from that, users can access knowledgebase articles and video academy.

7. WP Page Builder

The Good

• The free version of this page builder has 29 modules that include pricing tables, features box, forms, and many others. If you want instant page elements, there are also content blocks with various styles.
• Upgrading to the premium WP Page Builder will get users 27 layout packages – each includes three fully designed layouts. Since the single-website plan costs only $39 per year, it is suitable for users on a tight budget.
• You can save the custom setting of a module or content to a personal library. Apart from that, the streamlined library makes it easier to look for a design that you need.

The Bad

• The premium customer support is only in the form of a support forum. Though, you can read the documentation and tutorials on its site.

The Verdict

WP Page Builder is a great option if you are looking for a free live editor that includes multiple modules. That is if you do not mind the lack of page templates.

There are three premium plans to choose from if you want to get the templates. Apart from the $39 plan that is for one website, there is also a five-website plan that costs $59. But the best one is the $99 plan, which you can use for unlimited sites. All plans are paid yearly.

Thus, WP Page Builder is an affordable tool for web designers and casual users.

Though, you may be unsatisfied with its customer support, which is only for paying users and what’s even worse – isn’t always available.

Why You Shouldn’t Use WordPress Page Builders

I created the list above based on the features and popularity of each page builder. However, using such a tool with WordPress may not be everyone’s way.

Here are some reasons why page builders aren’t  always recommended:

• Too Many Features. As you can see in the list, most of the page builders provide users with an abundance of customizable modules. Even though they make web designing faster and easier, some people may find them confusing. Too many options can also lead you to add unnecessary features to your website.

• Messy Code. First-time website creators can be tempted to combine various design options. However, you need to remember that WordPress page builders use shortcodes, and too many of them on your page equals a messy code. Not only does it slow down the website’s loading speed, but also negatively affects SEO.

• Broken Pages. Shortcodes can be plugin-specific. Because of that, some page builders will leave many shortcodes on your pages upon deactivation. With that in mind, it is possible that you are forced to use the same builder forever.

Things to Look out for from WordPress Page Builders

Nonetheless, not all WordPress page builders expose you to the problems above. With moderate use, you can reduce the number of shortcodes on your website.

• But apart from that, there are also aspects to consider before getting a page builder:
• Ease of Use. A good WordPress page builder has a drag-and-drop interface that enables users to see their design from the frontend. Even though all the page builders on this list support it, some do not.
• Flexibility. When looking for a page builder, it is best to get one that supports various plugins, especially if your site needs more features. Be aware that some page builders can clash with certain plugins.
• Features. The features that you need depend on your website’s type. Because of that, choose a page builder that offers the option to create them.
• Responsiveness. Many people prefer to browse the internet from mobile devices. To optimize your site for any display size, having a page builder that supports responsive design is a must.
• Pricing. As you can see from the list, page builders’ price does not always reflect on the functionality that they have. Even though the versatile ones like Divi costs $89 a year, there are a few free ones that offer a lot of modules – for example, WP Page Builder.
• Customer Support. Even though page builders are meant to make WordPress customization easier, the help of product experts is valuable. Personally, I prefer to go with a brand that provides customer support via live chat.

Which One Is the Best for You?

Customizing a WordPress website is not an easy task if you do not know how to code. With a page builder and some practice, though, even a beginner can build professional looking pages.

If this is your first time using WordPress, it may be confusing to decide on a page builder. To help you out, I summarized the best features of each page builder in this article:

1. Beaver Builder – the only one in this list that supports white-labeling.
2. Elementor – an all-in-one WordPress design solution for an affordable price.
3. Divi – has an adjustable editor interface.
4. Themify Builder – allows you to create global elements without getting a premium plan.
5. Page Builder by SiteOrigin – the most affordable page builder on this list.
6. WPBakery Page Builder for WordPress – has no free version, but versatile and only asks users to pay once.
7. WP Page Builder – its free version provides you with many modules and content blocks.

Which one would you like to invest in? Do you have any favorite other than the options in this article? If you do, let’s discuss it by commenting below!