WordPress Page Builders. What are they, and should you use them?

December 31, 2023

Ben Ben Townsend

WordPress Page Builder ComparisonIntroduction

WordPress, a platform synonymous with versatility and ease, offers various tools to craft websites, ranging from native editors like the Classic Editor and Gutenberg to an array of sophisticated Page Builders. These builders, such as Elementor, WPBakery, Divi, and Breakdance, have become highly popular, offering features that far exceed the capabilities of WordPress’s native tools. However, each comes with its own set of strengths, weaknesses, and ideal user scenarios. This article delves into the details of these four major page builders, compares them to native WordPress options, and briefly mentions other notable builders in the market.

Review of Major WordPress Page Builders

1. Elementor

  • Who’s it for: Elementor is designed for a wide range of users, from beginners looking for an easy entry into web design to developers seeking advanced capabilities.
  • Strengths: Elementor’s interface is one of the most intuitive in the market, featuring a live drag-and-drop editor that shows real-time results. Its extensive library of widgets and templates allows for quick design while also offering deep customization for each element. The Pro version further expands its capabilities with theme building, pop-up building, and more.
  • Weaknesses/Criticisms: Despite its robust features, Elementor can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting site performance and loading times. Some users also express concerns over the “lock-in” effect, where deactivating Elementor can leave pages full of shortcodes and unusable content.
  • Additional Notes: Elementor is continually updated with new features, and it boasts a large community of users and developers. This ecosystem provides a wealth of resources, tutorials, and third-party add-ons that enhance its capabilities.

fyi: when we (Itomic) use a page builders, Elementor is the one we favour.

2. WPBakery

  • Who’s it for: WPBakery caters to both those who prefer a backend editing experience and those who want a frontend visual interface.
  • Strengths: Its dual interface allows users to switch between frontend and backend editing, appealing to different workflows. WPBakery offers a comprehensive range of content elements and templates, and its grid-building feature is particularly powerful for creating complex layouts. It’s also widely compatible with many WordPress themes and plugins.
  • Weaknesses/Criticisms: Users have reported that WPBakery can feel bloated and slow compared to newer, more streamlined builders. The interface, while powerful, has a steeper learning curve and can feel less modern. If deactivated, WPBakery can leave behind a messy trail of shortcodes.
  • Additional Notes: WPBakery has a strong presence in the WordPress community, often bundled with themes. Its extensive network of third-party add-ons means that nearly any feature or integration you need is available.

3. Divi

  • Who’s it for: Divi is for users and agencies that want a deeply customizable all-in-one solution, offering both a powerful theme and a page builder.
  • Strengths: Divi’s all-encompassing approach means you get a cohesive design and development experience. Its visual builder is highly flexible, providing real-time design and inline text editing. Divi offers an extensive array of modules and pre-made layouts, and its ability to save and manage design elements is a significant time-saver.
  • Weaknesses/Criticisms: The reliance on shortcodes can become a significant issue if you ever decide to switch away from Divi, potentially leaving your content filled with unusable code. Users also note that while powerful, Divi can be overwhelming and may affect website performance due to its size and complexity.
  • Additional Notes: Divi boasts a large community and extensive documentation, making it a well-supported choice. Its built-in split testing tool, Divi Leads, allows for optimization and better design decision-making.

4. Breakdance

  • Who’s it for: Breakdance is aimed at users and developers looking for a modern, innovative approach to page building, with a particular emphasis on e-commerce and dynamic content.
  • Strengths: As one of the newest builders, Breakdance offers a sleek, modern interface and focuses on providing a comprehensive, all-in-one solution. Features like form building, enhanced WooCommerce support, and conditionally displayed elements stand out. Its approach to a cleaner, more efficient code output promises better performance and less bloat.
  • Weaknesses/Criticisms: Being new to the market means a smaller user base and less extensive documentation and community support. Early adopters report encountering bugs and a steeper learning curve as the product continues to evolve.
  • Additional Notes: Breakdance is positioning itself as a forward-thinking tool, focusing on modern web needs and performance. Its ongoing development is something to watch, as it may introduce features and improvements that challenge the status quo of page builders.

Mention of Other Major Page Builders

  • Beaver Builder: Stable and developer-friendly.
  • Thrive Architect: Focus on conversion-optimized sites.
  • Visual Composer: Versatile with a wide range of tools.

Comparing Page Builders with Native WordPress Editors

Choosing between a Page Builder and WordPress’s native editors, the Classic Editor or Gutenberg, depends on your specific needs. Page Builders offer unparalleled design flexibility, no-code solutions, and efficiency in building complex sites. However, they can introduce potential bloat and a learning curve. On the other hand, native WordPress editors provide a more streamlined, code-free experience for simpler sites but lack the advanced design capabilities and customization options of Page Builders.

fyi: at Itomic we’re not (yet) big fans of Gutenberg. We (still) prefer the classic power and simplicity of the Classic Editor.

Conclusion/Summary

Elementor, WPBakery, Divi, and Breakdance each offer unique advantages and cater to different user needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize intuitive design, backend control, all-in-one solutions, or modern innovation, there’s a page builder out there for you. However, weighing these options against the simplicity and speed of native WordPress editors is crucial. By understanding the comprehensive landscape of WordPress Page Builders, including their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal user scenarios, you can make an informed decision that best suits your web design goals and ensures a robust, efficient, and visually appealing online presence. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too will these tools, continually shaping and being shaped by the needs and feedback of their users.