Building a website with WordPress has never been easier, thanks to the variety of tools available to customize and design pages without writing any code.
One of the most popular tools for website design is the WordPress page builder, which allows users to create visually stunning, fully customized pages using a drag-and-drop interface.
In this article, we’ll dive into what a page builder is, why you might need one, and compare the most popular options to help you choose the best tool for your WordPress site.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned developer, a page builder can elevate your web design experience.
➡️ What is a Page Builder in WordPress? Why Do You Need it?
A page builder in WordPress is a visual drag-and-drop tool that lets you create and customize web pages without needing to write code. Think of it like a digital canvas where you can arrange different elements (text, images, buttons, etc.) by simply dragging them into place.
Key features of WordPress Page Builders include:
- With a drag-and-drop interface, you can easily move elements around on your page by clicking and dragging them.
- Most page builders come with pre-built templates that you can customize to suit your needs.
- They also provide responsive design controls, allowing you to adjust how your page looks on different devices such as desktop, tablet, or mobile.
- Additionally, you can enjoy a real-time preview, seeing your changes instantly as you make them.
Page builders in WordPress are commonly used for a variety of scenarios where users want more control over their website’s design and functionality without needing to code. Here are some common use-cases:
Custom Landing Pages: Page builders allow users to easily create tailored landing pages for marketing campaigns, product launches, or lead generation. With drag-and-drop functionality, users can create high-converting pages without any coding.
Complex Layouts: When you need a multi-column layout, grids, or other complex designs, page builders make it easy to position content blocks exactly how you want them. This flexibility allows for a more visually engaging website without relying on default theme settings.
Building Custom Headers & Footers: Many page builders allow users to design custom headers and footers that go beyond the standard options offered by WordPress themes, giving more freedom for branding and navigation.
Personalized Client Websites: Designers or developers can use page builders to create highly personalized websites for clients, offering full flexibility to meet specific client needs without heavy coding.
Integrating Widgets & Forms: Page builders enable users to integrate custom widgets, forms, and other third-party elements directly into the page without needing to manually write HTML or embed shortcodes.
🔧 Page Builders vs. Gutenberg Block Editor
The Gutenberg Block Editor and page builders like Bricks Builder or Elementor both help you design WordPress pages visually, but they differ significantly in flexibility, features, and ease of use.
Gutenberg is the default WordPress editor and is built into the core, meaning you don’t need to install any extra plugins to use it. It introduces a block-based editing system, where you can add text, images, buttons, and other elements in a structured way.
However, while Gutenberg has improved over time, it still has limitations when it comes to drag-and-drop functionality, advanced design customization, and layout flexibility.
Blocks typically stack in a vertical structure, making it difficult to create complex, freeform designs without additional coding or third-party block plugins.
Page builders, on the other hand, offer a more advanced and intuitive design experience. They allow true drag-and-drop editing, meaning you can place elements anywhere on the page rather than being restricted to a predefined block layout.
Page builders also provide pre-built templates, detailed customization options for spacing, typography, and animations, as well as features like popups, dynamic content, and advanced form styling.
While they make designing a website easier for non-developers, they can also add extra bloat, potentially slowing down your site if not optimized properly.
Suppose you’re looking for a simple, lightweight solution and want to use WordPress’s native functionality. Gutenberg may be enough for you in that case, especially with the growing number of block add-ons. However, if you need more control over layouts, want to create visually complex pages without touching code, or prefer an easier way to customize every design detail, a page builder might be the better choice.
Key Differences
| FEATURES | GUTENBERG EDITOR | PAGE BUILDERS |
| Built Into WordPress | ✅ Yes (default editor) | ❌ No (requires a plugin) |
| Drag-and-Drop Editing | ❌ Limited (blocks stack vertically) | ✅ Yes (freely move elements) |
| Pre-Built Layouts | ⚠️ Some (block patterns) | ✅ Many templates & sections |
| Advanced Styling | ⚠️ Basic (some spacing, colors) | ✅ Full control (margins, animations, shadows) |
| Responsive Design Controls | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Advanced (custom breakpoints) |
| Performance & Speed | ✅ Faster (lighter code) | ❌ Can be heavier (depends on builder) |
| Customization & Dynamic Content | ⚠️ Basic (requires custom code) | ✅ Advanced (without coding) |
🔧 Page Builders vs. CMS
A Content Management System (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal is a platform that allows users to create, manage, and publish digital content without needing to code.
A page builder is a tool within a CMS that helps users design and customize web pages visually using a drag-and-drop interface.
While a CMS provides the foundation for website management, a page builder enhances the design process by offering greater flexibility and customization.
A CMS controls the structure and functionality of a site, whereas a page builder simplifies the layout and design process without requiring coding skills.
🔧 Page Builders vs. WordPress Theme
A WordPress theme is a pre-designed template that defines a website’s overall appearance, including its layout, typography, and styling.
A page builder, on the other hand, allows users to customize and create layouts beyond a theme’s default settings using a visual editor.
While themes provide structure and consistency, page builders offer design flexibility by enabling users to build pages from scratch or modify existing ones. Many modern themes are designed to work seamlessly with page builders, allowing users to create unique, custom layouts while maintaining the overall aesthetic and functionality of the theme.
➡️ Pros & Cons of Using a Page Builder in WordPress
Pros
- Page builders are easy to use, enabling quick professional website creation
- They save time with pre-built templates and customizable design tools
- Offer greater flexibility for customizing layouts without coding or theme modification
- Ensure responsive design that works across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
- Integrate forms, animations, and widgets without needing extra plugins
- Allow real-time previewing of changes, making it easier to see updates instantly
- Ideal for non-developers, removing the need for coding knowledge in building websites
Cons
- Page builders can slow down your site if not properly optimized
- Switching builders may break content and require significant rework
- Page builders have a learning curve for advanced design features
- Overuse of features can create unnecessary code and site bloat
- Some themes may not fully integrate with certain page builders
- Customization options may be limited compared to hand-coding for complex layouts
➡️ Which is the Best Page Builder in WordPress?
Choosing the best page builder for your WordPress site can be a game-changer in terms of design flexibility and ease of use. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top page builders available, comparing their features and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
1. Bricks Builder
Bricks Builder has quickly emerged as a game-changing solution in the WordPress ecosystem. Unlike traditional WordPress addons, it’s a comprehensive website building platform that combines power with simplicity.
While it requires a paid license, the investment delivers significant value through its feature-rich environment. For those just starting, you’ll find it surprisingly accessible – thanks to its intuitive interface and comprehensive documentation.
One of Bricks Builder’s standout features is its performance. The platform is built with a strong focus on clean code and optimization, often outperforming many traditional page builders in speed tests. You can design any part of your site, including headers, footers, and dynamic content, with a true front-end builder.
Getting Started & Updates: New users can follow our guides on and to ensure a smooth setup process. To boost your productivity, take advantage of the built-in that streamlines the design process.
Advanced Features & AI Integration: The platform continues to evolve with cutting-edge features. AI capabilities might be integrated to enhance the design process in the future.
Templates & Resources: To jumpstart your projects, explore our curated collections of the best Bricks Builder templates for WordPress and WooCommerce, featuring both free and premium options.
Theme Compatibility & Comparisons: When choosing between different solutions, many users compare Bricks Builder with Webflow, Astra, and even Framer. While each platform has its strengths, Bricks Builder stands out for its combination of flexibility and performance.
If you’re looking for a modern page builder that prioritizes both design flexibility and performance, Bricks Builder could be an excellent choice. You can learn more about its features in our comprehensive Bricks Builder review.
Also, save on your website-building journey with Bricks Builder discount & coupon codes.
2. Elementor
Elementor is one of the most popular WordPress page builders, known for its extensive features and ease of use. It offers both a free and premium version, making it accessible to users with varying needs.
Elementor provides an intuitive drag-and-drop editor with a large variety of widgets, templates, and advanced design capabilities like motion effects and custom CSS.
With its vast third-party ecosystem, Elementor is ideal for anyone looking to create visually stunning websites without touching code.
Its flexibility and community support make it a top choice for both beginners and seasoned developers.
3. Beaver Builder
Beaver Builder is renowned for its simplicity and developer-friendly features. This page builder is a solid choice for those who want an easy-to-use tool with strong performance.
Beaver Builder includes a live front-end editor that allows users to see changes in real-time. It’s particularly favored by developers because it generates clean code, ensuring better site performance.
Beaver Builder offers both free and premium versions, and it integrates seamlessly with many third-party themes and plugins. If you need a reliable, no-frills page builder, Beaver Builder is a great option, especially for those focused on clean, optimized websites.
4. Divi
Divi is an incredibly popular page builder and theme, offering a comprehensive design toolkit that appeals to both beginners and professionals.
Divi provides a highly customizable visual editor with drag-and-drop functionality, along with pre-built templates that cover a wide range of niches. It stands out for its versatility, offering advanced design options like custom CSS, animations, and dynamic content.
The builder is also optimized for performance, though it can become bloated with heavy use of modules.
Divi’s large community and continuous updates make it a solid choice for those looking for a robust page-building experience.
5. Visual Composer
Visual Composer is a feature-packed page builder known for its flexibility and user-friendliness. It offers both front-end and back-end editing, making it suitable for different user preferences.
With a vast library of pre-built elements, templates, and third-party integrations, Visual Composer makes it easy to create highly customized pages. Its drag-and-drop editor ensures that designing is accessible even to beginners.
While some advanced users may prefer other builders for their performance and design flexibility, Visual Composer remains a great choice for users who want a simple yet effective page-building experience without steep learning curves.
You might want to explore our targeted guides for different needs:
- Looking to build an online store? Check out our guide on the best page builder for WooCommerce
- Focused on SEO performance? See our comparison of the best page builder for SEO
- Using popular themes? We’ve analyzed the best page builder for the Astra theme and other specific platforms
- Need a general overview? Our comprehensive guide on the best page builder for WordPress covers all aspects
➡️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Is WordPress’ default Editor (Gutenberg Editor) a page builder?
The Gutenberg editor is not considered a full-fledged page builder. It is a block-based editor that allows users to add and arrange different content types (such as paragraphs, images, and buttons) in blocks. While it offers basic design flexibility, it lacks the drag-and-drop functionality, advanced styling options, and full layout control that are characteristic of traditional page builders like Elementor or Divi.
❓ Are page builders going to make your website slow?
Page builders can potentially slow down your website if not optimized properly. While they offer great design flexibility, using too many complex elements or heavy pre-built templates can lead to bloated code, which may impact performance. However, many page builders offer performance optimization features, such as minification, lazy loading, and caching, to mitigate speed issues. Proper management and optimization can prevent slowdowns.
❓ Are WordPress page builders free or paid?
Many WordPress page builders offer both free and paid versions, catering to a wide range of users. The free versions typically include basic design features and a limited number of templates or widgets, ideal for simple sites. However, to unlock advanced features like premium templates, custom widgets, and extra design flexibility, users will need to upgrade to the paid versions.
➡️ Final Thoughts
WordPress page builders offer a powerful solution for users looking to design highly customized websites without needing coding skills.
Whether you’re building a simple landing page or a complex, multi-layered site, a page builder can provide the flexibility, control, and ease of use needed to bring your vision to life.
While choosing the right page builder depends on your specific needs, features, and preferences, investing in one can streamline your web design process and enhance your site’s overall performance.
Ultimately, a page builder can be a valuable tool, especially if you seek creative freedom and time-saving design options.
That’s it for this one, folks! If you have any questions about WordPress page builders, let us know in the comment section below.
