If you have spent any time building WordPress websites you have probably come across two tools that are really popular:. Elementor. Both Gutenberg and Elementor have their points but they also have some things that can be annoying. As someone who has been working with technology for a while I want to give you an explanation of these two page builders. Whether you are a professional or a beginner trying to create your first website understanding the differences between Gutenberg and Elementor will help you make a more informed decision.
What Is The Big Deal?
When I first started using WordPress I had no idea how much the page builder I chose would affect my workflow. I started using Gutenberg because it was new.. Then I tried Elementor. I was really impressed. So I wanted to learn more about what makes each one work and importantly what makes them work for real websites.
In this post I will be comparing Gutenberg and Elementor to help you decide which one is best for your needs. There is no one answer that works for everyone. Lets take a look at the bad points of each.
Gutenberg vs Elementor: What Is The Difference?
Before we get into the details lets quickly explain what each tool is.
Gutenberg: The Default Block Editor in WordPress
Gutenberg is the default block editor in WordPress. It is now the default editor for all WordPress sites. Gutenberg is a content-block-based editor, which means you build your pages using different blocks like text, images, buttons and more.
One thing to remember is that Gutenberg is part of WordPress, which means you do not have to worry about installing any third-party plugins.. Just because it is built into WordPress does not mean it is simple for everyone to use.
Elementor: The Visual Page Builder
Elementor is a third-party WordPress plugin that lets you design your site with a drag-and-drop interface. With Elementor you can build your pages visually without having to write any code. Elementor is very popular. For good reason. Elementor makes building pages feel like putting a puzzle.
Unlike Gutenberg Elementor gives you freedom to control the design of your site with more options for layouts, animations and advanced features.. It comes with a cost, which we will discuss later.
Pros and Cons: Gutenberg vs Elementor
Now that we know what each of these tools is about lets look at the bad points.
Pros of Gutenberg:
- Gutenberg is built into WordPress so you do not need to install a plugin.
- Gutenberg is free to use.
- Gutenberg does not add extra weight to your website.
- Gutenberg is focused on content, which’s perfect for people who want to create content quickly and easily.
Cons of Gutenberg:
- Gutenberg has limited design options, which means it is not as customizable as Elementor.
- Gutenberg has features so for more advanced design features you will need to install additional plugins.
- Gutenberg can take some time to learn even though it is fairly easy to use.
Pros of Elementor:
- Elementor has a drag-and-drop interface, which means you can design your page visually without any coding knowledge.
- Elementor has design features, which give you full control over typography, animations and layouts.
- Elementor has pre-made templates, which make it easy to develop your site quickly.
- Elementor has live editing, which means what you see is what you get and that is ideal for beginners.
Cons of Elementor:
- Elementor requires a plugin, which means you need to install it to use it.
- Elementor can add weight to your site, which may affect its speed.
- The free version of Elementor is. It lacks some advanced features.
- Elementor can be expensive especially if you want to unlock all the features.
Gutenberg vs Elementor: Which One Is Right For You?
So which one should you choose for your website? It depends on what you want to do.
When to choose Gutenberg:
- You want a fast and lightweight page builder.
- You are building a website that is focused on content like a blog.
- You do not want to install any plugins.
When to choose Elementor:
- You want control over your websites design.
- You are building a website that is visually driven like a portfolio or business site.
- You do not mind installing a plugin. Are willing to pay for additional features.
The Verdict: Gutenberg vs Elementor
Honestly both tools are great. They are good for different things. If you are building a blog or content-based website and you do not need advanced design features Gutenberg is your best bet. It is fast free and gets the job done.
If you are looking to create a visually stunning website with more design flexibility and advanced features Elementor is the way to go. Just be aware of the weight and the potential cost if you go for the Pro version.
the official WordPress page for Gutenberg or Elementor’s official website
FAQ: Gutenberg vs Elementor
Q. Is Elementor better than Gutenberg?
A. It depends. If you need design control Elementor is better.. If you prefer a simple page builder Gutenberg might be all you need.
Q. Can I use Gutenberg and Elementor together?
A. Yes you can use both. Some people use Gutenberg for the layout and then switch to Elementor for more complex designs.
Q. Does Elementor slow down my website?
A. Elementor can add some weight to your website especially if you use a lot of widgets and animations. It is always an idea to test your sites performance after installing Elementor.
Q. Is the version of Elementor enough?
A. For basic websites yes. However if you want advanced design options and templates you may need to invest in Elementor Pro.
Q. How easy is it to switch from Gutenberg to Elementor?
A. It is fairly simple. You can install Elementor at any time. Start designing with it. Just keep in mind that switching might require some layout adjustments.
So Which One Should You Pick?
At the end of the day it all comes down to your needs. Gutenberg is perfect for websites that are focused on content while Elementor is better suited for users who want more creative freedom and advanced design features. Both tools can help you build a WordPress website but the choice depends on your goals.
So which tool will you try? Let me know in the comments.. If you are looking to improve your WordPress skills check out my guide, on essential WordPress plugins. You will not regret it.
