In this Elementor review, I want to go over why Elementor has become one of the most popular WordPress page builders for beginners seeking a no-code solution for their websites.
Its core features and powerful customization options make it one of the most trusted page builders for all kinds of professionals.
Anyone looking to create a fast and simple website with no coding experience and pre-designed templates. You are going to want to stick around for this review and see if Elementor Pro is the right fit for you.
Table Of Contents
What Is Elementor?
In simple terms. Elementor is a powerful, drag-and-drop page builder plugin for WordPress that empowers users to design websites without writing a single line of code.
Best suited for beginners, freelancers, and marketers looking to build a site with little to no coding.
The goal of this article is to highlight Elementor’s core features, pricing options, and who it would be a good fit for, while also comparing it to one of its biggest competitors.
What You Get With The Elementor Page Builder
At its core, Elementor simplifies the web design process by offering an intuitive live editing experience. With some of these stand out features:
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Easy visual editing lets you build and tweak your site in real time, with no coding knowledge required.
- AI Tools in Elementor
Elementor AI helps you write content, generate code, and improve designs faster and easier.
- Widgets Galore: Choose from a variety of website elements—like buttons, forms, sliders, and more—to craft your unique layout.
- Responsive Design: Build pages that look flawless on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices without additional configuration.
- Elementor Kit Library (Pre-Designed Templates): Access hundreds of professionally designed templates to jumpstart your project or provide inspiration.
- Custom Coding Options: For those who desire more control, Elementor allows CSS customization to fine-tune the details and the ability to add your own custom code.
- WooCommerce Integrations
Connect your store easily. Add products, manage inventory, and handle payments without extra hassle. One of the key features with Elementor is your ability to completely customize the product pages, checkout pages and the product summary. Which would require additional plugins without Elementor.
- Global Settings and Styling
Control your site’s look in one place. Change colors, fonts, and layouts site-wide with ease.
- Advanced Animations & Effects
Add motion to your site. Use smooth animations to grab attention and enhance the user experience.
Elementor Costs: Free vs. Elementor Pro
Elementor comes in multiple versions: Free and Pro being the most popular. Each has its benefits, but the Pro version introduces advanced features that cater to professionals and businesses looking for more robust tools.
One huge advantage of Elementor is that it comes with a free version of the plugin. Allowing you to try before you buy. Here’s what you get with both versions.
Elementor Free
- Basic drag-and-drop editor
- Core widgets (e.g., headings, images, and text)
- Basic templates
- Limited customization options
Elementor Pro
- Access to Pro-exclusive widgets like pricing tables, testimonials, and WooCommerce elements
- Advanced design tools (e.g., motion effects, custom positioning, and live CSS)
- Global settings for consistent branding
- Theme Builder for full control over headers, footers, and other site-wide elements
- Pop-Up Builder to create and manage on-brand pop-ups effortlessly
- Elementor Kits: Professional pre designed templates to improve your designs.
This distinction makes Elementor Pro, starting at $59/year, a great choice for more custom sites.
Something to note is that the Elementor Pro builder is included with the Elementor Hosting plan, allowing you to save a few pennies by combining the two together.
Breakdown of Elementor Pro Pricing
- Essential Plan ($59/year)
- Best for solopreneurs with one site.
- Includes access to all Pro features, such as advanced widgets, custom CSS, and pre-designed templates.
- Advanced Plan ($99/year)
- Tailored for users managing up to three websites.
- Offers the same features as the Essential Plan but supports additional licenses.
- Expert Plan ($199/year)
- Ideal for freelancers and small agencies with up to 25 websites.
- Features everything from the Advanced Plan along with exclusive expert website kits.
You can scale even further with customized plans, though the biggest drawback of Elementor is its license usage and that you have to pay for each individual license.
What Makes Elementor Unique And A Top Choice?
Elementor stands out because it is extremely beginner friendly. The learning curve is not as steep as a builder like Divi.
It’s probably one of the easiest WordPress page builders to learn among them all. These are a few of the reasons that make Elementor unique.
- Speed and Efficiency: Building a site from scratch can take hours or even days. With Elementor’s live editor, templates, and fast loading speed, you can cut that time in half or more.
- Customization Without Compromise: You’re not stuck with cookie-cutter templates. Elementor allows you to personalize designs down to the smallest detail all on the front end.
- Integration-Friendly: It plays nicely with popular WordPress tools like Yoast SEO, WooCommerce, and Advanced Custom Fields. Adding features are seamless and hassle-free.
For an in-depth comparison of my favourite page builders, check out my Top 5 WordPress Landing Page Builders for Stunning Easy Results.
Who Should Be Using Elementor?
Elementor is so versatile that it works well for everyone, from beginners to pros. If I was just starting out I think Elementor would be where I’d begin.
I think the audiences below would get the most out of Elementor Pro.
- Beginners: Easy drag-and-drop builder with templates to customize layouts, fonts, and colors quickly. Small learning curve but a good starting point to getting started in WordPress development.
- Marketers (no tech experience): Build landing pages at speed. Supports A/B testing for better lead generation and integrates well with custom tools.
- Bloggers: Design custom post templates, add sliders, and social share buttons no coding needed.
- Freelancers: Reuse templates, manage projects fast, and deliver polished client sites. For multiple sites, An alternative would be Divi which I find is better geared for developers. You can read my full review on Divi here.
Elementor Performance and Speed
Performance and speed are critical factors for any website. Your users expect fast loading times, and search engines prioritize optimized sites.
Elementor, while feature-rich, can be demanding on resources if not properly managed.
I’ve broken down Elementor’s effect on speed and how you can make your Elementor website perform better.
How Elementor Impacts Speed
Elementor provides an incredible array of tools and design features, which can sometimes come at the cost of speed if not used wisely. Here’s why:
- Heavy Codebase: The plugin’s robust features generate extra code. This can lead to slower loading times, especially on resource-heavy pages.
- Third-Party Add-ons: Many users install additional Elementor add-ons, which increase the number of scripts and styles loaded on the site.
- Media Elements: Including high-resolution images, videos, and complex widgets can impact performance without proper optimization.
This is one of the biggest reasons why I use a managed hosting service like Cloudways instead of your typical shared hosting.
That said, Elementor isn’t inherently slow it’s about how you utilize and manage its features. Effective optimization can make all the difference.
Accordion title 1
This is a placeholder tab content. It is important to have the necessary information in the block, but at this stage, it is just a placeholder to help you visualise how the content is displayed. Feel free to edit this with your actual content.
Accordion title 2
This is a placeholder tab content. It is important to have the necessary information in the block, but at this stage, it is just a placeholder to help you visualise how the content is displayed. Feel free to edit this with your actual content.
Elementor Hosting Vs My Recommended Host
Honestly, I want to keep this topic as short as possible as it’s such a loaded question.
There’s plenty of content on my blog on web hosting. There are so many hosting options out there that it has become somewhat overwhelming.
Here’s a rundown:
If you want to save money go with any shared hosting provider for example Elementor Hosting is a great choice.
It’s cheap, its bare bones, it comes with the the Pro versions of Elementor and has a ton of more value.
This is ideal for someone managing a single website and for anyone on a tight budget. You have plans as low as $2.99/month so very cost conscious. But, keep in mind shared hosting comes with performance limitations.
And on the other hand…
For Professionals:
If you’re looking to host multiple websites with a managed web hosting service that scales easily and focuses heavily on performance, Cloudways hosting is a great option.
I cover this in detail in my Cloudways review and through a few in-depth videos on my YouTube channel.
Prices start from $14/month for a fully managed, scalable web hosting server.
Don’t overthink it. Choose one that aligns with your needs and focus on more important things. You can always switch later if needed.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is a service that allows your website to be accessible online. It stores your site’s files on a server and ensures they are available for visitors.
What is Managed Web Hosting?
Managed web hosting is a hosting service where the provider handles server management tasks like updates, security, and backups, so you can focus on your website.
Cons of Elementor Page Builder
If it’s not clear yet, Elementor is a strong contender in the WordPress page builder arena.
While it has a lot to offer, it’s not perfect. I think I’ve been clear in some of it’s advantages so now lets go over the potential cons of Elementor page builder.
Cons: Potential Impact on Performance
Despite its many strengths, Elementor has a few shortcomings but for the most part they can be addressed.
- Performance Bottlenecks: Elementor adds extra code to your site, which can affect loading speeds. While not a dealbreaker, speed optimization is something you’ll have to work on as your site grows.
- Dependency on Plugins: Overloading your site with third-party Elementor add-ons may lead to unnecessary bloat and conflicts.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While beginners can start quickly, mastering Pro tools like dynamic content and motion effects can take time.
- Limited Built-In SEO Tools: While it integrates well with Yoast SEO, Elementor itself lacks built-in SEO functionalities, which may require additional plugins.
- Pricey for Large Teams: The Pro version provides excellent functionality but might be cost-prohibitive for agencies managing multiple websites, that is why I suggest Elementor when you are building limited websites.
Still, many of these cons can be handled with proper site management and optimization strategies.
Overall, Elementor is a versatile choice for WordPress users, offering extensive design flexibility that comes with a few trade-offs.
You can purchase Elementor Pro here if you’ve made a decision at this point. Below I go into some FAQs and the third party add-ons that integrate well with Elementor.
Elementor Third-Party Add-Ons and Integrations
Elementor’s functionality expands with third-party tools, offering more design options and simplifying workflows.
Popular Add-Ons to Boost Elementor
- Essential Addons: Over 85 widgets, including Advanced Accordion and Post Grid.
- Crocoblock JetPlugins: Tools for Mega Menus, tabs, and managing dynamic content.
- Element Pack: Over 250+ widgets, including image galleries and advanced sliders.
- Happy Addons: Interactive features like Card Slider and Gradient Heading.
- Dynamic.ooo: Advanced tools for managing dynamic content for experienced users.
Integrations with Marketing Tools
- Email Marketing: Connect Elementor forms to Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, and ConvertKit.
- CRMs: Sync leads directly with HubSpot or Salesforce.
- SEO: Works with Yoast SEO and Rank Math to enhance search visibility.
WooCommerce Add-Ons for Online Stores
- ShopEngine: Pre-built templates and settings for WooCommerce.
- WooLentor: Widgets for product pages and sales notices.
- Flexible Product Add-Ons: Customize options like gift wrapping or engraving.
These tools and integrations make Elementor more powerful, letting you design unique, functional websites that stand out.
Elementor vs. Divi: Pricing & Customization
When comparing Elementor and Divi, pricing is one of the key differences.
Elementor offers a free version and for advanced features, Elementor Pro plans start at $59/year for a single site.
Divi, on the other hand, provides no free version but offers its premium subscription at $89/year or a one-time lifetime fee of $249 a major attraction for long-term users.
The biggest difference between the two is the license usage. Divi has no restrictions, meaning you can use it for unlimited websites, while with Elementor, you have to pay for additional licenses, which leaves you somewhat restricted.
Customization
In terms of customization, both tools excel. Both feature intuitive options like animations and WooCommerce integration.
Divi, however, takes a modular approach with its visual builder supporting advanced styling. Elementor tends to feel snappier during live edits, which may give it an edge in real-world scenarios and make it more suited for beginners.
As for performance, Elementor has made efforts to tackle speed issues through recent updates. Its optimization features include reduced asset loading and enhanced caching compatibility.
Divi can be heavier on resources, which sometimes leads to slower load times on poorly configured sites. The lightweight Hello Elementor theme also complements Elementor’s performance.
Want to explore more on Divi? Check out my unbiased review of Divi and if its worth your investment.
FAQs About Elementor
I thought it would be a good idea to include some common questions people ask about Elementor in case you had any doubts.
What is the difference between Elementor Free and Elementor Pro?
Elementor Free is a great starting point for users who want basic page-building tools. It includes:
- A drag-and-drop editor.
- Core widgets like text, images, and buttons.
- Basic templates to get your design off the ground.
Elementor Pro, however, unlocks the advanced features that professionals and businesses need. Pro adds:
- Premium widgets (pricing tables, forms, and WooCommerce elements).
- Tools like the Theme Builder and Popup Builder for site-wide design control.
- Advanced motion effects, global settings, and custom CSS options.
While Elementor Free works for simple sites, Elementor Pro is better for those needing a fully customized experience. Curious about these differences? Check out Top 5 WordPress Landing Page Builders for Stunning Easy Results.
Is Elementor compatible with all WordPress themes?
Yes, Elementor is compatible with almost all WordPress themes available today. However, for the best performance, it’s recommended to use a lightweight theme like Hello Elementor. This ensures that your design elements work seamlessly without unnecessary bloat or compatibility issues, providing a smoother editing experience.
How does Elementor compare in performance to Divi and Beaver Builder?
Performance depends on how you optimize your website, but here’s how these builders stack up:
- Elementor: Excellent for real-time edits and responsiveness, but can slow down with excessive add-ons or media-heavy designs.
- Divi: Offers a lifetime plan which appeals to long-term users but is often resource-heavy unless properly optimized. Keep in mind Divi is building a new builder.
- Beaver Builder: Prioritizes clean code and functionality but lacks some advanced design and animation options of Elementor.
If you’re leaning towards Elementor but want a comparison, read Divi Review: Key Features & Is It Worth Your Money?.
Can I use Elementor for e-commerce websites?
Absolutely. Elementor integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce, making it ideal for online stores. You can design product pages, carts, and checkout flows using custom layouts. For users needing advanced features, Elementor Pro offers WooCommerce widgets that let you showcase products in creative and engaging ways.
Do I need coding knowledge to use Elementor effectively?
No, Elementor eliminates the need for coding through its drag-and-drop design interface. Beginners can create stunning layouts without touching a single line of code. However, for users looking to add advanced customizations, Elementor Pro supports CSS, opening up more possibilities for developers.
What are the system requirements to run Elementor smoothly?
To ensure Elementor runs flawlessly, your WordPress hosting environment should include:
- PHP version 7.4 or higher.
- MySQL version 5.6 or higher.
- WordPress version 5.2 or above.
- A WordPress memory limit of at least 128 MB.
This setup ensures peak performance while minimizing the risk of issues during editing.
Is Elementor compatible with all WordPress themes?
Yes, Elementor is compatible with almost all WordPress themes available today. However, for the best performance, it’s recommended to use a lightweight theme like Hello Elementor. This ensures that your design elements work seamlessly without unnecessary bloat or compatibility issues, providing a smoother editing experience.
Can I transfer my designs if I switch hosts or themes?
Yes, Elementor’s designs are portable. If you decide to switch hosts or themes, your content and layouts remain intact. Use the Export/Import feature to save templates and move them to a new site, ensuring your hard work isn’t lost during migrations.
Is Elementor suitable for large-scale websites?
Elementor can handle complex, large-scale websites, provided you optimize properly. Use lightweight themes, compress images, and enable caching tools for a smoother experience. Agencies often use Elementor Pro to manage multiple sites without sacrificing performance.
This FAQ section provides clarity on how Elementor enhances website building, catering to both beginners and professionals. With the right setup, it’s a versatile page builder that thrives in almost any scenario.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read this Elementor review, understand its key features and who it’s most suited for. It’s time to decide if it’s right for you.
If you still have any doubts and wonder if it’s maybe too beginner focused. I’d highly encourage you to consider Divi WordPress page builder.
Remember that choosing your page builder is a small step in the right direction the main work is driving traffic to your website and focusing on your conversion rates.
