The WordPress universe is more significant than you think. 😅 In this article, I want to discover the top free and premium WordPress page builders. Before we dive into the collection of WordPress site builders, I want to cover a few general questions.

Table of Contents

• What Is WordPress Page Builder?
• Why Should You Use Page Builder While Building a Website?
• Gutenberg Editor, aka Free WordPress Website Builder
• How to Choose WordPress Page Builder?
• Free WordPress Builders
• Premium WordPress Page Builders
• WordPress Page Builder FAQ
• Which WordPress Page Builder Do You Need?

What Is WordPress Page Builder?

Before the Gutenberg page builder release, WordPress was a classic editor plugin. So, developers started to think about more drag-and-drop functionality, and the era of WordPress page builder plugins began. Gutenberg page builder is simply a plugin to add more functionality to WordPress Editor. This is the perfect choice for designing websites without coding skills. There are also lots of WordPress alternatives; for instance, Joomla page builder (based on Joomla CMS) offers more or less the same functionality, simplicity, and a learning curve as WordPress.

Why Should You Use Page Builder While Building a Website?

WordPress is a versatile platform that helps you create websites even if you don’t know how to code. And with the right page builder, you can do it faster and more effortlessly.

• Page builder allows you to drag and drop pre-created blocks. It can be anything – text, pictures, forms, etc. Moreover, you can customize and place each element as you need.
• It is easy to create any design, thanks to page builders. There are ready-made templates and layouts for this. You can also choose fonts, widgets, and other design elements.
• You can quickly change a website’s style, features, and look. To do this, WordPress has all the necessary tools.

All page builders described in the article allow you to install additional plugins to expand their functionality. So if you need an attractive and functional site, it would be best to combine the power of WordPress CMS and your preferred page builder.

Gutenberg Editor, aka Free WordPress Website Builder

After the WordPress 5.5 release, Gutenberg became a built-in editor with new features and UI improvements. The Gutenberg editor looks minimalistic and simple, which makes the editor easy to use.

💰 Gutenberg pricing plans:

Gutenberg editor is a fully free WordPress editor plugin. 

😎 Gutenberg main features:

• drag-n-drop experience;
• became a native WordPress editor;
• it has lots of plugins and blocks for extending functionality;
• simple content editing experience.

✔ Gutenberg pros: 

• free;
• no need to install a new plugin;
• intuitive interface;
• it has better speed results.

✘ Gutenberg cons:

• it still has fewer features than other page builders;
• no pre-built templates or layouts.

📣 What do the Devs think about Gutenberg?

“There’s no excuse not to use Gutenberg because it’s super fast, really easy, and so damn flexible!” (WPJohnny)”

“7/10 The good one to build a fast, secure website. The downside of Gutenberg, you may not find some blocks (for example, animation).” (Web Monkey)

“My experience, we love Gutenberg.” (Jamie Marsland)

How to Choose WordPress Page Builder?

WordPress page builders keep fighting for first place in the top charts, so how do you choose one from many competing brands?

There are several points to think about before choosing a page builder for WordPress:

1. Ask yourself what functionality you need

Make a quick “must-have” list featuring all functionalities you might need to have on your/client’s website.

2. Set your budget

WordPress’s main advantage is there are many free and premium page builder plugins for it on the market.

3. User reviews

For sure, we also read reviews and comments before purchasing. So, check out the WordPress directory and YouTube tutorials, or ask questions in the relevant Facebook communities before purchasing.

4. Check if support is available

Even the best WordPress page builder needs quality support to guide you and help with any issues. I recommend checking Trustpilot or Facebook communities before buying.

5. Compatibility

Check whether the page builder is compatible with the plugins you want to install and the page’s theme. If you want to use a specific plugin, but it’s incompatible with the chosen page builder, look for an alternative.

6. Adaptability

Most people today browse websites on mobile, so the site must be displayed equally well on any device. When choosing a page builder, consider its adaptability and the option for creating mobile-friendly and responsive pages.

7. Ease of use

Most website builders allow you to create pages simply by drag and drop. But there are those for which you need to use HTML code. If you are good with HTML and want to customize most of the site’s details, choose the second option. If simplicity and speed of creation are vital to you, choose a visual drag-and-drop tool.

Free WordPress Builders

I want to start with free WordPress page builders. Of course, each page builder has a Pro version, too. But I want to mention only those whose free version is enough for building websites:

• Elementor Page Builder
• Beaver Builder
• Themify Builder
• Colibri
• Visual Composer
• Brizy
• Zion Builder
• Nimble Builder
• SiteOrigin

Elementor Page Builder

The first on our list, after Gutenberg, of course, is Elementor Page Builder. This WordPress page builder has reached over 5 million active installations since 2016. Elementor is easy to use and intuitive, and that’s why it’s so popular.

💰 Elementor pricing plans:

You can use Elementor WordPress builder for free, but it also has a Premium version.

Plans start from $49 per year to $999 per year for more than 1,000 websites.

😎 Elementor main features:

• 40+ widgets;
• clean code;
• responsive.

✔ Elementor pros: 

• Facebook community;
• drag-n-drop editing mode;
• lots of Elementor extensions (including Crocoblock 😎);
• no shortcodes after deactivation;
• user-friendly interface;
• tons of YouTube tutorials.

✘ Elementor cons:

• form and pop-up builder is available in the Pro version;
• no support for the Free version users;
• no white label for Devs.

📣 What do the Devs think about Elementor Page Builder?

“No need to know JS, CSS or HTML.” (Tony Teaches Tech)

“I’d say that if you need a superb free drag-and-drop page builder plugin for WordPress, Elementor should be your go-to tool. While there are other alternatives on the market, Elementor stands out as the one solution that can be used by anyone (including beginners), and doesn’t force you to upgrade to a paid license.” (WinningWP)”

Beaver Builder

Beaver Builder is a free WordPress page builder plugin used by more than 200,000 users. This page builder doesn’t generate shortcodes either. And it still keeps the website layout after deactivation.

💰 Beaver Builder pricing plans:

You can download Beaver Builder Lite directly from WordPress Directory.

If you’d like to upgrade, there are 4 Beaver Builder plugin plans available:

1. Standard: $99/year, unlimited sites, support, and updates.
2. Pro: $199/year, unlimited sites, Beaver Builder theme, multi-site capability.
3. Agency: $399/year, all features, plus white label is available.
4. Ultimate: $546/year, all features from the previous plan, plus Beaver Themer Addon plugin and assistant pro for six months.

😎 Beaver Builder main features:

• no coding skills;
• lightweight;
• mobile-friendly;
• drag-n-drop interface.

✔ Beaver Builder pros: 

• good performance;
• drag-and-drop builder;
• landing page templates;
• custom fonts;
• compatibility with WordPress theme;
• basic content modules are available.

✘ Beaver Builder cons:

• fewer free features.

📣 What do the Devs think about Beaver Builder?

“It is a really-really powerful builder.” (Tony Teaches Tech)

Themify Builder

The next and one of the best free WordPress page builder plugins is Themify Builder, which is entirely free. You can buy only additional add-ons or themes.

💰 Themify Builder pricing plans:

Free or premium Themify Builder 25+ add-ons are available for $39.

By the way, Themify launched the Builder Pro version for $69, which includes the abovementioned add-ons.

In addition, Themify WordPress themes are available.

😎 Themify Builder main features:

• 60+ design layouts;
• responsive;
• animation effects.

✔ Themify Builder pros: 

• multi-site support;
• WooCommerce builder;
• instruments for A/B testing;
• 40+ map styles
• pre-design layouts;
• free.

✘ Themify Builder cons:

• no header/footer builder;
• non-intuitive interface.

📣 What do the Devs think about Themify Builder?

“For me their prices are a little bit off.” (WPBuilderHelper)

Colibri Page Builder 

With over 100,000 active installs since 2019, Colibri is a successful WordPress free editor that works by drag and drop.

💰 Colibri pricing plans:

You can use Colibri for free, but there are paid plans as well, yearly or lifetime. They are structured for individuals, small businesses, and agencies. Plans start from €79 to €599. This latter plan allows you to create unlimited websites for a lifetime. It’s a best-buy.

😎 Colibri main features: 

• 90+ website templates;
• 100+ pre-designed blocks.

✔ Colibri pros:

• the builder works by drag and drop;
• everything can be customized to pixel perfection; 
• there is Colibri page builder pro free download;
• responsive designs;
• intuitive editor.

✘ Colibri cons:

• not WooCommerce-ready;
• priority support for paid plans.

📣 What do the Devs think about Colibri?

“The full power of the Colibri theme relies on the features that are unlocked by the Colibri builder. The theme and builder allow you to create unique websites by drag and drop within one interface.” (Cloudways)

Visual Composer Website Builder

Visual Composer is a React-based, drag-and-drop page builder for WordPress. It is one of the most popular page builders on the market, with over 60,000 active installations. Visual Composer is known for its ease of use and wide range of features.

💰 Visual Composer pricing plans:

You can use Visual Composer page builder for free, but it also has a Premium version.

Plans start from €49 per year for a single site to €349 per year for 1000 sites. For just €149, you can also get a lifetime license for a single site.

😎 Visual Composer main features:

• 50+ content elements and templates;
• insights (content analysis);
• responsive design.

✔ Visual Composer pros:

• easy to use and intuitive;
• wide range of features;
• powerful integrations;
• compatibility with themes;
• maintenance mode.

✘ Visual Composer cons:

• fewer free features.

📣 What do the Devs think about Visual Composer Page Builder?

“Visual Composer has a strong team behind it! It is developed by the creators of WPBakery, one of the most popular page builders for sale on CodeCanyon. In addition to being easy to use, it is also packed with features that will be appreciated by intermediate and advanced web developers.“
(Kinsta)

“Visual Composer is best for small businesses, bloggers, or beginners looking for a powerful visual builder with all the necessities at a lower price.” (Elegant Themes)

Brizy

Brizy WordPress page builder is the new generation of WordPress builders launched in 2018. With 90,000 active installations, Brizy has good rating reviews.

💰 Brizy pricing plans:

Brizy page builder offers a free version and four paid plans:

• Personal for $60 per year for one website;
• Freelancer for $108 per year up to 25 websites;
• Agency for $192 per year up to 50 websites;
• White Label for $300 up to 100 websites.

😎 Brizy main features:

• responsive website editing;
• 500+ pre-built blocks;
• 400+ icons;
• global styling option.

✔ Brizy pros: 

• 100+ designed templates;
• high loading speed;
• integration with different marketing tools;
• simple interface;
• auto-saving function.

✘ Brizy cons:

• no 100% clean code;
• a limited number of free features.

📣 What do the Devs think about Brizy?

“If you’re wondering what is the best free plugin to build websites with out there, well, in my experience it is Brizy.” (Web Nomads)”

Zion Builder 

Zion Builder is one of the newest WordPress page builder plugins, released in May 2020. The main difference is adding dynamic content to WordPress (sounds similar to our JetEngine plugin 😅).

💰 Zion Builder pricing plans:

Zion Builder has a free version and four Pro plans:

• Personal: $39 per site/year;
• Pro: $79 per three sites/year;
• Extended: $169 per year, unlimited sites;
• Lifetime: $249.

😎 Zion Builder main features:

• creating custom post types;
• independent composition of elements;
• implemented Global CSS classes;
• Header and Footer Builder;
• responsive editor;
• WordPress theme builder for free;
• role manager.

✔ Zion Builder pros: 

• lightweight;
• WooCommerce builder;
• repeater queries in advanced elements;
• dynamic data content;
• clean code.

✘ Zion Builder cons:

• less user-friendly;
• no ADA compliance yet;
• basic interface.

📣 What do the Devs think about Zion Builder?

“What I do like the most in Zion Builder: first of all it is very-very affordable.” (Web Monkey)

Nimble Builder

The next free drag-n-drop WordPress page builder is Nimble by Press Customizr. Not as popular as Divi or Elementor, but it has more than 50,000 active installations and shows good speed results.

💰 Nimble pricing plans:

You can use the free Nimble page builder or go with one of their four pricing plans:

• One site yearly – $39;
• Unlimited sites yearly – $89;
• Lifetime for 1 website – $89;
• Lifetime for unlimited websites – $149.

😎 Nimble main features:

• reusable templates and sections;
• pre-design sections;
• lots of content modules are available;
• Google Fonts compatibility.

✔ Nimble pros: 

• embed shortcodes easily;
• mobile-oriented WordPress builder;
• compatible with any theme.

✘ Nimble cons:

• not for advanced users.

📣What do the Devs think about Nimble?

“I think it is quite an easy builder to use.” (Jack Cao)

SiteOrigin

SiteOrigin page builder for WordPress is a free plugin, clean and responsive. This WordPress page builder is likely for beginners, then advanced users. But it still comes with great features onboard. 

💰 SiteOrigin pricing plans:

• free;
• premium starts from $29 per year.

There are three pricing plans: for a single website ($29), up to five websites ($49), and unlimited websites ($99).

😎 SiteOrigin main features:

• drag-n-drop interface;
• front-end editing;
• history browser to roll forward/back on your edits;
• lots of widgets for free;
• based on content elements.

✔ SiteOrigin pros: 

• works with any WordPress theme;
• simple toolbar.

✘ SiteOrigin cons:

• can be difficult for WordPress beginners;
• looks outdated.

📣 What do the Devs think about SiteOrigin?

“The Page Builder makes it easy to create responsive column-based content using the widgets you know and love.” (Web Tech Experts)

Premium WordPress Page Builders

There are lots of premium WordPress Page Builders, but I’ll cover only the following:

• JetThemeCore
• WPBakery
• Divi
• Spectra
• Oxygen Builder
• TemplateToaster
• Thrive Architect
• Bricks
• LiveCanvas

JetThemeCore

JetThemeCore page builder is one of the newest WordPress page builders plugins. It helps to create single post pages, archive pages, headers/footers, etc.

💰 JetThemeCore pricing plans:

JetThemeCore costs $23 per year.

You can buy JetThemeCore in the Crocoblock subscription:

• All-Inclusive for one year, one website – $199;
• Freelance Lifetime – $750 up to 500 projects;
• Lifetime license – $999.

😎 JetThemeCore main features:

• create website structure;
• add page templates (header, footer, single page, archive, error 404, single post page, custom post pages);
• configure conditions to decide where to show your pages;
• advanced conditions types.

✔ JetThemeCore pros: 

• compatible with the most popular WordPress themes;
• great for complex and dynamic websites;
• easy-to-use.

✘ JetThemeCore cons:

• no free version.

WPBakery

One of the ‘old-school’ WordPress page builders is WPBakery. This WordPress page builder plugin has a user-friendly front and back-end editor. It helps to create responsive websites in just a few clicks.

💰 WPBakery pricing plans:

WPBakery is a premium WordPress page builder plugin, so you can choose between three plans:

• the regular plan costs $59, including updates, support, and a template library for one website.
• the plan for five websites costs $256 and includes support and website templates;
• the plan for ten websites costs $499 and includes the same features for ten projects.

You can try out the free version by requesting a demo website.

😎 WPBakery main features:

• has lots of design layouts;
• 200+ add-ons;
• comes with design options to build your own skins;
• grid builder;
• multi-site and multi-language compatibility.

✔ WPBakery pros: 

• works with any WordPress theme;
• pre-built elements and layouts;
• seamless integrations.

✘ WPBakery cons:

• no auto-savings;
• the interface may not be up to date;
• slow.

📣 What do the Devs think about WPBakery?

“I found the transition to the front-end editor to be a little problematic at times. Sometimes it refused to load; sometimes it would load correctly. It was frustrating to have a problem with such an important feature.” (Kasareviews)

“I came into this review believing WPBakery Page Builder was badly broken and an enormous source of badness in WordPress overall. After working closely and attentively with the plugin, now I know it. Avoid.” (WPShout)

Divi

One of the best premium WordPress page builders is for sure Divi. This drag-and-drop WordPress plugin helped enormous numbers of users to build their websites. Plus, it’s often compared to Elementor.

💰 Divi pricing plans:

As Divi WordPress builder has only a premium version, you choose between year-access ($89) or lifetime ($249).

😎 Divi main features:

• 40+ website elements;
• 100+ full website packs;
• 800+ website layouts;
• CSS styling options.

✔ Divi pros: 

• easy to set up;
• 24/7 support;
• responsive editing;
• no coding skills.

✘ Divi cons:

• no free plan.

📣 What do the Devs think about Divi?

You can find lots of excellent tutorials based on Divi on the WPress Doctor channel.😉

Spectra

Spectra (formerly Ultimate Addons) is a page builder plugin developed by Brainstorm Force, the company behind the Astra theme. Its free version has been downloaded and installed by 500K+ WordPress users. Spectra is a visual and beginner-friendly website builder for WordPress Block editor. 

💰 Spectra pricing plans:

Spectra has a free version and three premium plans for 1/10/1000 websites:

• Spectra Pro priced at $61/$74/$86 per year;
• Essential Toolkit for $99/$161/$199 annually;
• Business Toolkit (coming soon) – the yearly price would be $199/$225/$265.

They offer a Lifetime, too, priced between $299 and $1399.

😎 Spectra main features:

• a visual drag-and-drop page builder;
• a pop-up builder where one can set visibility and responsive conditions;
• access to 285 patterns, wireframes, and page templates;
• 28 core and premium building blocks;
• Loop Builder is supported;
• dynamic content feature allowing you to pull data from the specified source, output it by the context, and filter by the callback;
• ability to build login and registration forms;
• Instagram Feed feature;
• style settings for Spectra blocks. 

✔ Spectra pros: 

• easy-to-use for beginners; 
• Flexbox container; 
• dynamic data support; 
• a free Spectra One block theme;
• 14-day money-back guarantee;
• clean code and smart block loading logic;
• developed by a trusted provider.

✘ Spectra cons:

• the free version is limited;
• all dynamic content features are hidden behind a paywall;
• the pro package is on the pricey side.

📣 What do the Devs think about Spectra?

“I think Spectra Pro is a solid starting point. […] I would love to see even some basic {dynamic} functionality in the free version of Spectra.” (WPTuts)

“Spectra has a good implementation of Flexbox. […] Another strength of Spectra Pro is its support for dynamic data. Out of the box, they are supporting ACF, Meta Box, and Pods.” (David McCan)

Oxygen Builder

Oxygen Builder is one of the best WordPress builders, focusing on visual website editing, SEO and performance, and WooCommerce store creation.

💰 Oxygen Builder pricing plans:

Oxygen WordPress Builder offers three pricing plans: 

• Basic – $129 one-time with lifetime unlimited license;
• WooCommerce — $149 one-time payment, license plus WooCommerce integration;
• Ultimate – $179 one-time, plus Gutenberg Block builder, simplified UI, and composite elements.

😎 Oxygen Builder main features:

• header builder;
• global colors;
• drag-and-drop editing;
• scroll animations;
• WooCommerce-oriented;
• dynamic content creation.

✔ Oxygen Builder Pros: 

• SEO-friendly;
• good speed performance;
• WooCommerce builder; 
• flexible builder elements;
• great for complex solutions.

✘ Oxygen Builder cons:

• developer-orientated, so it’s hard for newbies to work with it.

📣 What do the Devs think about Oxygen Builder?

“If you are a webflow user, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised how good this actually is.” (Sam Harrison)

WordPress Theme Builder – TemplateToaster

TemplateToaster is a popular WordPress Theme Builder tool that allows users to create responsive websites and themes for WordPress. It is truly the best WordPress theme builder for beginners and professionals. One of the best things about TemplateToaster is that it provides complete control over the design of the WordPress theme.

Users can make changes to the design without affecting the website’s functionality, which is especially useful for those who create custom designs for WordPress websites.

💰 TemplateToaster pricing plans:

• Standard Edition: $49, free updates for one year, free templates/themes/sites, dedicated product support, and more;
• Professional Edition: $99, free updates for one year, start from scratch, custom page template design, and more.

😎 TemplateToaster main features:

• one of the best WordPress theme builders;
• drag-and-drop theme creator;
• supports Bootstrap Framework;
• multi-lingual support;
• WooCommerce compatible;
• plugin-friendly;
• stock images gallery.

✔ TemplateToaster pros:

• no learning curve;
• responsive websites;
• user-friendly interface;
• several customization options;
• built-in SEO features;
• quick updates.

✘ TemplateToaster cons:

• unavailable for Mac OS;
• the free trial includes watermarks.

📣 What do the Devs think about TemplateToaster?

“This WordPress theme builder is incredibly easy to use. I used it for my templates and it worked really great. Since I don’t have much technical experience so I was worried in the beginning, but thanks to this amazing WordPress theme builder who saved me. Thank you guys!” (Samantha Brown)

Thrive Architect 

Thrive Architect is not the most popular WordPress page builder, but it still is one of the options in the WordPress universe. Similarly to the abovementioned WordPress page builders, Thrive Architect requires no coding skills and helps to create WordPress sites visually.

💰 Thrive Architect pricing plans:

Thrive Architect is a premium WordPress page builder plugin, but you can’t buy a standalone plugin; you get Thrive Suite.

You can buy one of these plans:

• Yearly – $299; 
• Quarterly – $149 per quarter.

😎 Thrive Architect main features:

• pre-built blocks (like Google Maps, Post Grid, and Divider);
• create your WordPress site visually;
• responsive.

✔ Thrive Architect pros: 

• you can use not only the WordPress page builder plugin but also other Thrive products;
• flexible layouts.

✘ Thrive Architect cons:

• no option to buy a standalone plugin.

📣 What do the Devs think about Thrive Architect?

“The power of this page builder can only be strengthened by its ability to seamlessly and effortlessly communicate with other Thrive products, and that’s something it’s competitors are currently unable to compete with.” (AuthorityHacker)

Bricks

The next newbie on the WordPress page builder market is Bricks. This plugin was released in March 2021. Bricks builder is created with Vue (so the performance looks great) and is more likely a theme than a page builder (like Divi).

💰 Bricks pricing plans:

Bricks is the premium WordPress page builder plugin, so here are two plans:

• Starter: $99 for one website;
• Ultimate: $249 for unlimited websites.

😎 Bricks main features:

• global settings;
• templates bundle;
• 50+ elements;
• animations, CSS filters;
• built-in search bar;
• RTL-ready.

✔ Bricks pros: 

• good customization;
• roadmap, where you can vote;
• fast and lightweight.

✘ Bricks cons:

• no compatibility with any other theme;
• fewer advanced features.

📣 What do the Devs think about Bricks?

“If you spend any time working with Bricks Builder, you’ll know it’s a very solid platform for building WordPress websites.” (WPTuts)

LiveCanvas

LiveCanvas builder is a WordPress page builder for developers. Simple HTML and CSS – sounds like something new on our WordPress page builders list.

💰 LiveCanvas pricing plans:

• Pro – $79 per year;
• Lifetime – $139.

😎 LiveCanvas main features:

• 100% front-end based;
• build header/footer;
• layout-orientated.

✔ LiveCanvas pros: 

• under 150 kilobytes;
• WooCommerce templates; 
• dynamic templates;
• ready-made pages;
• pure HTML.

✘ LiveCanvas cons:

• building basic websites;
• no conditions or dynamic repeater features.

📣 What do the Devs think about LiveCanvas?

“It is clean, lightweight and powerful.” (LiveCanvas)

WordPress Page Builder FAQ

Which WordPress Page Builder Do You Need? 

So, we’ve discovered the main features, pricing, pros, and cons of each WordPress page builder (if I missed anything, please let me know 😉). 

And now is the time to choose the suitable WordPress page builder for you:

• Good for newbies with a lot of features: Elementor, Divi, Brizy, or Beaver Builder. 
• Developer-friendly: Oxygen, LiveCanvas, Themify, or Divi.
• Great for WordPress explorers: think about Zion, Nimble page builder, Bricks, or SiteOrigin.

Which one do you use? Please share your feedback in the Crocoblock Community.