Creating a visually stunning website requires hiring a developer or learning how to code. But tools like Elementor have changed the game, allowing anyone—even beginners—to design professional websites with ease. If you’re using WordPress and looking for a powerful, user-friendly page builder, Elementor is likely at the top of your list.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what Elementor is, how it works, and its key features, along with a detailed look at its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right tool for your website.
What is Elementor?
Elementor is a drag-and-drop page builder plugin for WordPress. Launched in 2016, it quickly became one of the most popular tools of its kind, now powering millions of websites around the world.
What sets Elementor apart is its real-time visual editor, which lets you build and customize pages without touching a single line of code. You can add text, images, buttons, videos, and more—and see exactly how the page will look as you build it.
There are two versions:
- Elementor Free – A powerful tool with basic features suitable for most simple websites.
- Elementor Pro – A paid upgrade that unlocks advanced design features, integrations, and widgets.
Key Features of Elementor
Here are some standout features that make Elementor a favorite among WordPress users:
1. Live Drag-and-Drop Editing
You can build pages visually in real time. Simply drag elements like headings, images, or buttons from the sidebar and drop them onto the page.
2. Widgets Galore
Elementor comes with 40+ basic widgets (in the free version) and 90+ pro widgets. These include forms, sliders, testimonials, price tables, countdown timers, and more.
3. Responsive Design Controls
Elementor allows you to adjust how your site looks on desktops, tablets, and smartphones independently. You can hide or show specific elements depending on the device.
4. Pre-Designed Templates
Elementor includes hundreds of ready-made page templates and blocks (pre-designed sections). You can import these into your site with a single click.
5. Theme Builder (Pro)
With Elementor Pro, you can create custom headers, footers, blog templates, and even archive and single post pages—essentially replacing your theme’s design entirely.
6. Popup Builder (Pro)
Build attractive popups and control when and where they appear, such as exit-intent or after scrolling a certain distance.
7. WooCommerce Builder (Pro)
Customize your product pages, carts, and checkout pages to match your brand if you’re running an online store.
Pros of Using Elementor
Let’s explore the major benefits of using Elementor on your WordPress site:
✅ 1. User-Friendly Interface
Even if you’ve never built a website before, Elementor’s intuitive editor makes it easy to get started. You can build pages quickly by dragging and dropping elements.
✅ 2. Massive Customization Options
From typography and spacing to animations and advanced layout controls, Elementor gives you deep customization without requiring CSS or HTML knowledge.
✅ 3. Speed and Performance
Elementor is constantly updated to improve performance and reduce bloat. You can create fast-loading pages, especially when combined with proper optimization.
✅ 4. Vast Add-On Ecosystem
Elementor’s popularity means there’s a huge ecosystem of third-party add-ons like Essential Addons, Crocoblock, and PowerPack, which offer even more widgets and design options.
✅ 5. Active Community and Support
There’s an enormous user base and community around Elementor. You’ll find tutorials, Facebook groups, online courses, and forums to help you solve problems or get inspiration.
✅ 6. Time-Saving Templates
Don’t want to design from scratch? Import full site kits or individual blocks and pages, then tweak them to match your style.
Cons of Using Elementor
Elementor is powerful, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
❌ 1. Can Affect Page Load Speed
Although Elementor is optimized, it can still generate bloated code if not used carefully. Overusing widgets or third-party add-ons may slow down your site.
❌ 2. Pro Version Comes with a Price
The free version is great, but to unlock the best features (like the Theme Builder and advanced integrations), you’ll need Elementor Pro, which starts at around $59/year.
❌ 3. Learning Curve for Advanced Features
While basic use is beginner-friendly, more advanced features (like building dynamic templates) may require a learning curve.
❌ 4. Lock-In Risk
Elementor adds custom shortcodes and HTML to your content. If you ever decide to switch to a different builder, cleaning up can be time-consuming.
❌ 5. Plugin Conflicts
Since Elementor modifies how WordPress loads and displays content, it can sometimes conflict with other themes or plugins—especially poorly coded ones.
Elementor vs Other Page Builders
Let’s briefly compare Elementor with some of its major competitors:
Feature | Elementor | WPBakery | Beaver Builder | Divi |
---|---|---|---|---|
Free Version | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Visual Editing | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes |
Theme Builder | Pro Only | No | Add-on | Yes |
Learning Curve | Easy | Moderate | Easy | Steep |
Template Library | Extensive | Limited | Moderate | Large |
Price (Pro) | From $59/yr | $64/yr | From $99/yr | From $89/yr |
Elementor tends to win in usability, flexibility, and value for money, especially for non-developers.
Best Use Cases for Elementor
Elementor is ideal for:
- Business websites
- Portfolios and personal brands
- Landing pages
- Online courses and membership sites
- E-commerce stores with custom product layouts
If you value control over design without needing a developer, Elementor is likely a perfect fit.
Final Thoughts
Elementor has completely revolutionized the way people build websites on WordPress. With its easy-to-use interface, expansive feature set, and deep design capabilities, it empowers users to build high-quality, beautiful websites faster and more efficiently than ever before.
While there are a few trade-offs—such as potential performance issues and a reliance on the Pro version for full functionality—the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
If you’re just starting your WordPress journey or looking to upgrade your existing site’s design, Elementor deserves a place in your toolbox.