Building complicated websites in WordPress is easier when you use a builder. Two of the most popular WordPress builders are WPBakery and Elementor. Many users have used them to help them create custom websites without any line of code. Since they are both super popular and user-friendly, we will provide an overview so you can decide which to use for your website. We’ll compare WPBakery and Elementor based on their features, ease of use, flexibility, performance, and pricing.
1. Overview of WPBakery and Elementor
WPBakery Page Builder
WPBakery (formerly known as Visual Composer) has been around for years and is included in many premium WordPress themes. It provides both a backend editor (also with the classic WordPress shortcode editor) and a frontend visual editor. Users can select and drag-and-drop elements to design their pages, but it also relies heavily on shortcodes. Additionally, WPBakery can offer more customization options as a bundled plugin in themes that provide enhanced controls for rows, columns, and elements.
Elementor Page Builder
Elementor is a modern, feature-rich page builder with immense popularity due to its real-time front-end editing experience. Its drag-and-drop interface, pre-built templates, and extensive widget options allow users to create visually appealing websites.
2. Key Features
WPBakery Key Features
- Backend and frontend editing modes
- Drag-and-drop content builder
- Pre-designed templates and content blocks
- Shortcode-based content structure
- Compatible with many premium themes
- Works well with third-party plugins
- Extended customization options in bundled themes with advanced row and column settings
Elementor Key Features
- True real-time front-end editing
- Drag-and-drop page and section elements
- Extensive library of pre-built templates on the Pro version, but fewer available free templates
- Advanced styling and animation effects
- Integration with WooCommerce and other plugins
- Theme Builder for designing headers, footers, and more (only in the Pro version)
3. Key Differences Between WPBakery and Elementor
User Interface
WPBakery: Offers both backend and frontend editing, but the backend editor can feel outdated to new users.
Elementor: Provides a fully live front-end editing experience, making it easy for beginners to see changes instantly. Although the new Flexbox layout of Elementor is a great tool for developers who understand CSS, beginners with no CSS knowledge might find it difficult to understand some layout options.
Performance
WPBakery: Websites can be slowed down due to shortcode-based content.
Elementor: Optimized for performance but can still impact speed, mainly if too many widgets and animations are used.
Flexibility & Customization
WPBakery: It works well with most WordPress themes, but it is better when it comes with a well-developed theme for advanced styling.
Elementor: Offers a vast library of widgets, theme-building capabilities, and a user-friendly design workflow. However, advanced features and adding custom code are available only in the Pro version.
Compatibility
WPBakery: Commonly bundled with premium themes but may not always work well with some third-party plugins.
Elementor: It is broadly compatible with themes and plugins, and many third-party add-ons are available.
4. Pros and Cons
WPBakery Pros:
- Widely used and included in many themes
- Backend and frontend editing available
- One-time payment (if purchased separately)
- Works well with classic WordPress workflows
- Supports add-ons for extending functionality
- Offers additional customization in themes where it is bundled
- Premium support
WPBakery Cons:
- Shortcode dependency can cause issues if you switch themes
- User interface feels outdated compared to Elementor
- Fewer built-in widgets compared to Elementor
- Only the premium version is available
Elementor Pros:
Intuitive live editing experience
Extensive widget library and third-party integrations
Powerful theme-building capabilities
Free version available
Regular updates with new features and optimizations
Strong community support and documentation
Has given some attention to performance
Elementor Cons:
Can impact site performance if too many elements are used
Pro version requires an annual subscription
Some advanced features require additional plugins
Slightly steeper learning curve for complete beginners
5. Pricing
WPBakery Pricing: WPBakery is available in CodeCanyon from the Envato Marketplace.
- One-time payment per site (typically included in premium themes)
- Additional fees may apply for extended support
Elementor Pricing: The basic version is available in the WordPress repository. The pro version pricing is available on the official website.
- Free version available with basic features
- Pro version requires an annual subscription
- Additional costs for third-party add-ons and integrations
6. Which One Should You Choose?
- If you’re using a theme that comes with WPBakery, this builder might be a good option. Greatives has created many themes based on the WPBakery Page Builder, such as Movedo and Impeka. Our latest themes, such as WeShop, are also Elementor-based.
- If you want a modern, flexible, and user-friendly experience with advanced customization, Elementor is a better choice.
- If performance is your top priority, consider testing both builders on your site before deciding.
- Elementor’s free version offers more flexibility than WPBakery if you need a free solution.
Conclusion
WPBakery and Elementor are powerful tools for building WordPress websites, and the right choice depends on your needs. WPBakery is still relevant in 2025, especially for users who prefer backend editing or are working with bundled themes. However, Elementor is the more modern, flexible, and intuitive solution for most users.
Additionally, Elementor’s ecosystem continues to expand, with more third-party plugins and integrations enhancing its capabilities. WPBakery remains a solid choice for those who are comfortable with its workflow and need a stable builder that integrates well with premium themes.
If you’re looking for a WordPress theme that works seamlessly with both page builders, check out our collection of high-quality themes designed for WPBakery and Elementor!
