In my decade of content marketing, I’ve worked with many of the best WordPress page builders. I’ve used them to build landing pages for clients and even on my hobby projects. So, I have a good grasp of what they can and can’t do and which ones I prefer to work with.
But if you’re new to page builders, chances are you don’t know where to start. What’s the best page builder for WordPress if you don’t know how to code? And what’s the best option for your budget?
In this comparison, I’ll go over it all, starting with the basics.
Table of Contents
What Is a WordPress Page Builder?
A WordPress page builder is a web-based tool that lets you create WordPress pages by dragging and dropping elements without needing to know how to code. WordPress page builders typically include customizable design elements, pre-made templates, live previews, and mobile-friendly designs.
If you’re a WordPress website owner, you’re probably already familiar with how page building works in WordPress. The most common method is using the WordPress block editor or full site editor, which you might also know as Gutenberg. It lets you create the page layout with blocks, allowing you to design a professional page without coding.
From my experience with the block editor, you’re limited by what you can do with it. Yes, you can customize colors and fonts and create interesting sections. But it’s harder to customize the small details like padding, borders, margins, shadows, and everything else.
When testing the top WordPress page builders like SeedProd or Thrive Architect, I found it much easier to get the look I wanted. For instance, I could simply click to add a box shadow or drag and drop to add an opt-in form. This saved me a lot of time while producing a professional than if I’d stuck with the default editor.
How I Tested the Best WordPress Page Builders
When looking for the best WordPress page builders for this post, I decided that ease of use would be the most important aspect. Is it easy to set up a custom WordPress page from the start, or do you need a lot of time and experience?
If you’re new to WordPress page building, you likely want the setup process to be as easy as possible. That’s why I chose page builders for WordPress that have:
- Essential features like WordPress page templates, drag-and-drop builder, mobile-responsive design, easy customization options, and plenty of design elements.
- An easy workflow that helps you get started right out of the box.
- Free versions or pricing that fits different budgets.
With that said, let’s explore the best WordPress page builders I’ve used and tested.
Best WordPress Page Builders
- Best for Speed: SeedProd
- Best for Marketers: Thrive Architect
- Best for Simplicity: Beaver Builder
- Best for Flexibility: Divi
- Best for Templates: Elementor
- Best for Beginners: Visual Composer
- Best for Developers: Themify Builder
1. Best WordPress Page Builder for Speed: SeedProd
Ask any website owner what they’re obsessed with, and chances are they’ll say “page speed.” A fast-loading website is better for SEO and user experience, both of which impact your bottom line.
As a WordPress user, you have quite a few options for speeding up your site, from image optimization to caching plugins. But if you want a page builder that prioritizes speed, you need SeedProd.
When I first tested SeedProd, I was mainly interested in its landing page builder, which lives up to the hype. But during the setup process, I discovered it’s coming soon, and maintenance mode features and I was sold. Not all page builders offer this level of functionality right out of the box.
SeedProd makes it easy to design a professional coming soon or maintenance mode page that blends seamlessly with your brand. When I was building my page, I could choose from several templates and customize them to my liking – a level of control I didn’t find with some competitors.
Once you’re in the page builder, you’re met with a drag-and-drop interface that’s familiar to other tools. Simply drag and drop page elements (such as headings, images, and opt-in forms) where you want them and customize them to your liking.
One thing I found particularly useful when I was first learning the tool was its inclusion of pre-built sections, which are blocks of content pre-designed by the SeedProd team. It made the process much faster than if I had designed everything from scratch.
Another thing that stands out is how smooth and lag-free the SeedProd editor is – even on larger pages with lots of elements.
And here’s the kicker: SeedProd isn’t just for landing pages. Their theme builder lets you create entire WordPress themes without touching code.
Plus, if you’re running an online store, their WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads integrations make it easy to build high-converting product and checkout pages, a feature that often requires add-ons or upgrades with other builders.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop page builder
- Coming soon and maintenance mode functionality
- Email marketing integrations
- Pre-built templates and sections
- Theme Builder
- WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads integrations
Strengths
- Easy to use
- Lightweight code
- SEO-friendly
- Responsive designs
- Can be used to build full websites, not just landing pages
Weaknesses
- Limited features in the free version
- Can get expensive on higher tiers, especially if you need the theme builder and eCommerce features
Pricing
Free plan available. Paid plans start at $39.95 per year.
Websites Using SeedProd
2. Best WordPress Page Builder for Marketers: Thrive Architect
As a marketer, I often judge a WordPress page builder on more than just looks. I need a tool that’s fine-tuned for conversions. That’s where Thrive Architect comes in, armed with features that go beyond basic page building.
Right from the get-go, Thrive Architect screams “results.” Instead of generic templates, you’re greeted with a library of conversion-focused landing page designs – each carefully built to maximize opt-ins, webinar sign-ups, or whatever your marketing goal might be.
While testing Thrive, I was blown away by the sheer number of marketing-specific elements built directly into the editor. Want to add a countdown timer to create urgency? Drag, drop, done. Need to run A/B tests on headlines to see what converts best? No problem – Thrive has you covered.
Of course, all the expected drag-and-drop goodness is there. You can easily add elements, customize styling, and preview your page without touching code.
But Thrive Architect is in a league of its own for marketers who want to build high-performing landing pages, sales pages, or even complete marketing funnels.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop page builder with a focus on marketing-specific elements
- Large selection of conversion-optimized landing page templates
- Built-in A/B testing, countdown timers, testimonials, and lead-generation forms
- Seamless integration with Thrive Themes and other Thrive Suite marketing tools
Strengths
- Powerful marketing features that eliminate the need for multiple plugins
- Templates designed with conversions in mind, not just aesthetics
- Excellent for building email lists, promoting online courses, and driving sales
Weaknesses
- Can have a steeper learning curve than simpler page builders
- Thrive Architect is part of the Thrive Suite, so accessing the full range of features requires a subscription
Pricing
Thrive Architect is available as part of the Thrive Suite, starting at $499 per year. You also get Thrive Architect as a standalone plugin for $99 per year.
Websites Using Thrive Architect
3. Best for WordPress Page Builder for Simplicity: Beaver Builder
Sometimes, you just want a WordPress page builder that gets out of your way and lets you build. No fuss, no bloat, just simple drag-and-drop goodness. That’s Beaver Builder in a nutshell.
From the moment you start using Beaver Builder, you’ll notice how refreshingly straightforward it is. The interface is clean and uncluttered, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced WordPress users who are tired of fighting with clunky builders.
What impressed me most about Beaver Builder is how it balances simplicity with power. Yes, it’s easy to use, but don’t mistake that for a lack of features.
Beaver Builder includes everything you need to create professional-looking pages, from content blocks and widgets to advanced styling options and layout controls.
One of my favorite things about Beaver Builder is its live, front-end editing experience. You see your changes happening in real-time, directly on your site. No more clicking back and forth between preview modes.
Key Features
- Clean and user-friendly drag-and-drop interface
- Real-time, front-end editing for an intuitive building experience
- Variety of content modules and widgets to add diverse functionality
- Responsive design controls to ensure your site looks great on all devices
Strengths
- Incredibly easy to learn and use, even for complete WordPress newbies
- Solid balance of simplicity and powerful features
- Excellent support and a thriving community
Weaknesses
- The template library isn’t as extensive as some competitors
- May not be ideal for users who need highly specialized marketing or eCommerce features built-in
Pricing
Beaver Builder offers a limited free version. Premium plans start at $99 per year and allow users to use Beaver Builder on unlimited websites.
Websites Using Beaver Builder
Check out my Beaver Builder review for more details.
4. Best WordPress Page Builder for Flexibility: Divi by Elegant Themes
If you love having endless design options, then Divi is the page builder for you. This powerful tool gives you complete control over how your website looks — without needing to know how to code.
You can use Divi’s page builder with their popular Divi theme, but it also works as a standalone plugin with other popular WordPress themes. I actually tested Divi with a few different themes, and it worked flawlessly with all of them, which is a huge plus if you like to experiment with different designs.
One thing that sets Divi apart from other WordPress page builders is its front-end visual editor. Instead of making changes on the backend and then previewing them, Divi lets you edit your content directly on your website.
I found this feature extremely useful when I was learning how to use Divi, as I could see how my changes would look in real-time.
And if you need a creative boost or want to speed up your workflow, Divi AI is a game-changer. This built-in AI assistant can generate copy and images, suggest layouts, and even write code for you right inside the Divi editor.
And if you love working with templates, you’re in luck! Divi has a massive library of pre-built layouts, sections, and modules that you can mix and match to create just about any design you can imagine.
What I loved most about this, though, was that it made the design process much faster since I didn’t have to build every page from scratch.
Now, full disclosure: Divi has so many features and options that it can be a little overwhelming at first, especially if you’re a beginner. But if you stick with it and take the time to learn the ropes, you’ll be rewarded with a tool that gives you ultimate design freedom.
Key Features
- Front-end, visual editing experience for intuitive design
- Vast library of pre-built layouts, sections, and modules
- Global styling options for efficient sitewide changes
- Responsive design controls and extensive customization options
Strengths
- Unmatched flexibility and design freedom
- Great for building complex layouts and unique websites
- Active community and extensive documentation
Weaknesses
- Can be overwhelming for beginners due to the sheer number of options
- Relying heavily on Divi’s visual builder can sometimes make it trickier to switch to other themes or builders down the line
Pricing
Divi is available as part of the Elegant Themes membership, which starts at $89 per year for use on unlimited websites.
Website Using Divi
For more information, here’s my Divi review.
5. Best WordPress Page Builder for Templates: Elementor
Let’s be real: Sometimes, we need a little design inspiration. And when it comes to WordPress page builders, Elementor is like that friend with impeccable taste and a closet full of stylish outfits you can borrow.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve turned to Elementor’s template library to kickstart a new website project. It’s a lifesaver when you need a professional-looking design fast but don’t have the time (or, let’s be honest, the design chops) to create something from scratch.
Elementor is famous for its massive library of templates – we’re talking hundreds of pre-designed pages and blocks for just about every niche and industry imaginable. Whether you need a landing page for your latest course launch, a sleek homepage for your agency, or a sales page that converts like crazy, Elementor likely has a template to get you started.
But don’t worry, you’re not stuck with a cookie-cutter design. Once you’ve chosen a template, Elementor’s drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to customize everything to match your brand. You can swap out images, tweak colors, and adjust layouts – the sky’s the limit.
During my own testing, I’ve found that I can usually get a template 80% of the way there and then make a few tweaks to align it perfectly with my vision.
One thing I especially appreciate about Elementor is its focus on user experience. The interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate, even if you’re new to page builders. Plus, their extensive library of widgets means you can add all sorts of cool functionality to your pages without needing to wrangle code.
Key Features
- Huge library of pre-designed templates for various website needs
- User-friendly drag-and-drop editor for easy customization
- Extensive widget library for adding advanced functionality
- Responsive design controls and mobile editing capabilities
Strengths
- Vast template selection to jumpstart your design process
- Intuitive interface that’s great for both beginners and pros
- Active community and marketplace for additional templates and extensions
Weaknesses
- Relying heavily on templates can sometimes limit design creativity
- Using too many Elementor widgets can potentially slow down your website if not optimized carefully
Pricing
Elementor offers a free version with limited features. Their paid plans start at $59 per year for use on one website.
Websites Using Elementor
Need more details? Here’s a detailed Elementor review I wrote.
6. Best WordPress Page Builder for Beginners: Visual Composer Website Builder
If you’re new to WordPress page builders, Visual Composer is a great place to start. It’s designed with beginners in mind – easy to learn, yet surprisingly powerful once you get the hang of it.
When I first tried Visual Composer, I was immediately struck by how smoothly it integrates with the WordPress dashboard. If you’re already familiar with the basic WordPress editor, you’ll feel right at home. Visual Composer just takes things up a notch (or ten).
I love that Visual Composer lets you choose between working in the backend or using their front-end editor.
Sometimes, I like to see my design come together visually, but other times, it’s nice to focus on the structure and content without distractions. Visual Composer gives you the flexibility to do both.
That said, I did find that Visual Composer’s free version can feel a bit limited compared to some of the other builders on this list. You might find yourself wanting to upgrade to access more advanced styling options, templates, or elements.
Key Features
- Beginner-friendly drag-and-drop interface with both backend and front-end editing options
- Seamless integration with the WordPress dashboard and interface
- Growing library of templates and pre-designed content blocks
- Responsive design controls and options for mobile customization
Streangths
- Easy to learn and use, making it ideal for WordPress beginners
- Offers a good balance of simplicity and features, without being overwhelming
- Affordable premium plans for users who need more advanced functionality
Weaknesses
- The free version has limited features compared to some competitors
- Can sometimes feel less flexible than builders with more advanced design controls
Pricing
Visual Composer offers a free version. Their premium plans start at $49 per year for use on a single website.
Websites Using Visual Composer
7. Best WordPress Page Builder for Developers: Themify Builder
If you’re the type of WordPress user who likes to peek under the hood (and maybe even tinker with a little code now and then), then Themify Builder is right up your alley. This builder gives you a good balance of visual editing and developer-friendly features.
One thing that surprised me when I first started using Themify Builder was its flexibility. Yes, it has a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to build pages visually, but it also lets you get more granular with your designs using custom CSS and even PHP snippets.
Themify Builder also gets bonus points for its extensive library of add-ons. These add-ons allow you to extend the builder’s functionality with things like WooCommerce integration, custom post types, and even a white-label option if you’re building sites for clients.
However, I will admit that Themify Builder’s learning curve can be a tad steeper than some of the other builders on this list. If you’re a complete WordPress beginner, you might find it a bit overwhelming at first. It’s definitely geared more towards users who are already comfortable with the WordPress ecosystem.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop interface with both backend and front-end editing options
- Developer-friendly features like custom CSS and PHP support
- Large library of add-ons to extend functionality
- Responsive design controls and mobile editing features
Strengths
- Great balance of visual editing and developer-friendly features
- Extensive customization options for users who like to tweak every detail
- Affordable pricing, especially considering its features
Weaknesses
- Steeper learning curve than some other builders, which might not be ideal for beginners
- The interface can feel a little dated compared to some competitors
Pricing
Themify Builder is available as a standalone plugin starting at $69 per year for use on a single website. It is also included with the Themify Master Club, which gives you access to all Themify themes and plugins for $89 per year.
Websites Using Themify Builder
Alternative WordPress Page Builders
There are many other page builders available that didn’t have the chance to test and review. Since you may find the features you need for your site in these solutions, I’ll list them below for you to explore:
- Page Builder by SiteOrigin: A popular free option known for its flexibility and widget-based design approach.
- Brizy Page Builder: If speed and a clutter-free interface are your top priorities, Brizy might be worth a look.
- WP Page Builder: This freemium builder aims to make page building a breeze with its real-time, front-end editor and intuitive controls.
- Oxygen Page Builder: Offers a unique approach for developers and advanced users who want ultimate control (and don’t mind a little coding).
- WPBakery Page Builder: A long-standing and feature-rich builder often favored by developers for its customization options.
- Zion Builder: A relative newcomer to the scene, with fast performance and a focus on clean code.
- Live Composer: This freemium builder emphasizes real-time editing and a user-friendly experience for creating dynamic page layouts.
WordPress Page Builder Features You Need
Choosing the right WordPress page builder is easier when you know what to look for. I’ve spent a lot of time testing these things, and believe me, not all page builders are created equal.
Here are the essential features to keep in mind (and how they can make your life as a website owner way easier):
1. Drag-and-Drop Interface (That Doesn’t Make You Want to Pull Your Hair Out)
This one’s a no-brainer. The whole point of a page builder is to make web design easier, so the interface should be intuitive and user-friendly. Look for a builder that lets you easily add, move, and resize elements without needing a degree in computer science.
2. Templates That Don’t Scream “Generic”
Starting from scratch can be daunting (and time-consuming). A good page builder should offer a library of professionally designed templates that you can customize to match your brand. Think of them as stylish starting points, not cookie-cutter designs.
3. Mobile Responsiveness (Because, Hello, Mobile)
It’s 2024 – your website needs to look amazing on all devices. Look for a builder with responsive design controls that make it easy to preview and adjust how your pages look on phones, tablets, and desktops.
4. Customization Options (So Your Site Doesn’t Look Like Everyone Else’s)
You’re unique, your website should be too. Choose a page builder that gives you granular control over styling, fonts, colors, spacing – all the little details that make your brand shine.
5. Performance Optimization (No One Likes a Slow Website)
Page speed matters for SEO and for keeping your visitors engaged. The best page builders are built with performance in mind, using clean code and optimizations to ensure your site loads quickly.
6. Solid Support (Because Sometimes You Just Need a Helping Hand)
Even the most tech-savvy among us need help sometimes. Look for a page builder with excellent documentation, helpful tutorials, and responsive customer support (just in case you run into any snags).
What’s the Best WordPress Page Builder for You?
Let’s be honest – there’s no single “best” WordPress page builder that rules them all. It depends entirely on your needs, your budget, and your comfort level with WordPress itself.
But after testing and using a ton of these tools, I can confidently say that SeedProd consistently rises to the top for me. I love that I can use it for everything from quick landing pages to full-blown website builds—plus, it’s coming soon, and maintenance mode features are game-changers.
But hey, that’s just me. The most important thing is to choose the builder that best aligns with your unique needs and workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
I hope this article helped you research and find the best WordPress page builder for your website.
If you’re looking for more ways to enhance your website, you’ll find our top plugin roundups helpful:
- Best WordPress Plugins
- Best CRM Software
- Best WordPress Backup Plugins
- Best Social Media Plugins for WordPress
- Best WordPress SEO Plugins
- Best WooCommerce Plugins
Thanks for reading! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to leave a comment with any questions and feedback.
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Editor’s Note: I originally published this post in May 2020, but I’ve since updated it for thoroughness.
