When building a WordPress website choosing the right page builder for you is a crucial step. Two of the most popular options are Elementor and WPBakery. Both offer drag-and-drop functionality, allowing you to build websites without writing code. However, they differ significantly in usability, performance, and features.
This guide breaks down the key differences between Elementor vs WPBakery, comparing features, ease of use, customisation options, pricing, and performance to help you make the right choice.
If you’re looking for a visually striking and fast-loading website, our Elementor design agency services are ready to support you every step of the way.
Understanding Elementor & WP Bakery
Elementor
Launch Date: June 2016
As of December 2024 Elementor powers over 17 million websites worldwide, making it one of the most popular WordPress plugins. Elementor allows you to see changes in real time with its great front-end editing feature.
With over 100 widgets and 300+ templates, Elementor allows users to build stunning websites efficiently. It also integrates seamlessly with popular tools like Mailchimp, HubSpot, Zapier, and Intercom, making it ideal for businesses looking for advanced functionality.
WPBakery
Launch Date: 2011
WPBakery (formerly Visual Composer) has been around for over a decade and is currently used by over 5.8 million websites.
While WPBakery includes drag-and-drop functionality and supports most WordPress themes, it relies on shortcodes, which can create issues if you ever decide to deactivate the plugin. However unlike Elementor, it offers both front-end and back-end editing, allowing for a more traditional website-building experience.
Key Differences Between Elementor & WPBakery
| Feature | Elementor | WPBakery |
| Widgets/Elements | 100+ widgets | 50+ elements |
| Templates | 300+ | 85+ |
| Performance | Fast & lightweight | Can be slow and bloated |
| Editing Mode | Front-end live editing | Front-end & back-end editing |
| Shortcodes | No shortcodes (clean code) | Relies heavily on shortcodes |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive, beginner-friendly | More complex, steeper learning curve |
| Customisation | Highly flexible with animations, headers, footers | More limited in design flexibility |
| Pricing | Free & paid plans available | Paid only |
User Interface & Customisation Options
Elementor
Elementors interface is incredibly user friendly, with all widgets and settings being accessible via a sleek sidebar. This makes it easy for beginners to build professional looking sites.
Elementor also provides a range of advanced customisation options, from animations and custom fonts to header & footer designs. Its templates are fully customisable, enabling you to create unique on brand websites with minimal effort.
WPBakery
While WPBakery offers both front-end and back-end editors, the user interface isn’t as polished or intuitive. Many actions require popups, which can affect your workflow.
Customisation options are available, but the design process can often feel clunky and far less seamless than Elementors. It can also be hard to create a site that stands out from others, due to the limiting templates.
Which Is Easier?
For beginners, Elementor is the clear winner. Its real time editing and intuitive interface make it accessible, even for those with limited website experience. The platform’s extensive documentation and support resources are also a great help at getting users up to speed quickly.
WPBakery, while functional, has a steeper learning curve and feels far more limiting. Its use of multiple windows, popups and shortcodes can be confusing, especially for those new to website management.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Elementor | WPBakery |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
| Single-Site License | $59/year | $69 (one-time) |
| Multi-Site License | $99/year (3 sites) | $256 (one-time) |
| Agency Plan | $399/year (1000 sites) | Not available |
| Lifetime Pricing | No | Yes ($64 per site) |
While WPBakery offers a one-time purchase option, Elementor’s free version and premium multi-site licenses make it a more scalable solution.
Elementor Pricing Packages
WPBakery Pricing Packages
Why Is Elementor Best?
Here are some of the core reasons why Elementor comes out on top:
- User friendly interface – Elementors intuitive design and live editing make it easy to use, even for beginners.
- Customisation options – With hundreds of templates and widgets, Elementor offers unbelievable flexibility.
- Speed & performance – Elementor is lighter & faster, ensuring better site performance.
- Not limiting – Unlike WPBaker, Elementor feels open and easy to experiment with, allowing you to try new widgets and layouts with ease.
- Free version available – Elementors free version has all required features needed for users to try the platform before committing to a paid plan.
- Sleek, modern and always improving – Elementor is growing year by year and is becoming one of the most powerful WordPress editors.
Final Verdict
While both Elementor & WP Bakery are popular page builders, Elementor is the superior choice for most users. Its initiative interface, robust features, advanced customisation options and (something) make it ideal for both beginners and advanced users.
WPBakery has its good sides, but its reliance on shortcodes, slower performance and hard to understand interface make it less appealing in comparison.
Thinking of Switching from WPBakery? We’ve Got You Covered!
If your WPBakery site feels slow, clunky, or restrictive, now is the perfect time to switch to Elementor. Enjoy faster performance, seamless updates, and complete design freedom—without being locked into shortcodes.
We specialise in building stunning, high performing websites using Elementor. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to migrate from WPBakery, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to discuss your project and see how we can bring your vision to life with Elementor.
