When it comes to building websites on WordPress, page builders have become an essential tool for many web designers and developers. Among the numerous WordPress page builders available, WPBakery and Elementor are two popular choices that offer a wide range of features and customization options. 

In this article, we will compare WPBakery and Elementor in terms of their overall features, customization options, integrations, pricing, and pros and cons to help you make an informed decision when choosing a page builder for your WordPress website.

What is the WPBakery Page Builder?

The WPBakery Page Builder (not to be confused with its sister, subscription based product Visual Composer) is a widely-used page builder for WordPress. Developed by WPBakery, it is a premium plugin available on Codecanyon, offering a drag-and-drop backend and frontend builder.

WPBakery Key Features

WPBakery comes with a range of features, including a drag-and-drop interface, various elements, copy/paste functionality, css appear animations, back and frontend editor, etc. Yet, it’s much less bloated then some of it’s competitors and is really best used with a good companion add-on plugin or a theme built for WPBakery.

Below is a sample screenshot of the WPBakery page builder frontend editor:

And here is a screenshot of what the WPBakery backend builder looks like:

Here is a list of key WPBakery features:

• Premium WordPress Plugin.
• Backend Builder.
• Frontend Builder.
• Over 50 built-in elements.
• Post Grid builder.
• Translation ready – works with the popular WPML plugin.
• Slimmer page builder without tons of bloat.
• Easy to learn and use.
• Shortcode/PHP based builder that’s easy to modify and extend.
• Template library (not very good though).
• AI Capabilities (for adding text only – not free).
• Content is saved in the classic editor so if you stop using it, it’s easy to remove the page builder code to keep your database clean.
• There are many free and premium add-ons that can be used to extend it.
• Build in SEO options (we do not recommend using WPBakery SEO).

WPBakery Customization

The WPBakery Page Builder offers a backend editor that allows users to customize their websites using a drag-and-drop interface. It offers a wide range of customization options, including adjusting column widths, changing background colors, and adding custom CSS. However, the customization options may not be as visually intuitive compared to Elementor.

But, luckily WPBakery offers a frontend builder as well! While some older themes only support the backend editor, many updated and modern themes offer full visual page building with WPBakery. Just keep in mind that some styling options may be dependent on your theme.

WPBakery Integrations

WPBakery is compatible with most WordPress themes and plugins, making it easy to integrate with other tools and functionalities on your website. It also offers integration with WooCommerce for building online stores. However, some third-party WPBakery add-ons or integrations may require additional customization or coding.

Also, the options and features available with WPBakery can vary greatly depending on your theme. For example, our Total WordPress theme includes custom elements, WPBakery patterns, dynamic templates, color palette color picker, Slim Mode and manny other features exclusive to the theme.

WPBakery Price

WPBakery is a premium plugin available on CodeCanyon, and it offers two pricing options: a regular license for $64, which includes lifetime updates and six months of customer support, and an extended license for an additional $22.13 (which would be $86.13 total), which includes the same features as the regular license along with 12 months of customer support.

It’s important to note that WPBakery is also included as a bundled plugin in many premium WordPress themes, which means you may already have access to it if you have purchased a theme that includes WPBakery.

Using Total as an example, for $59 you get the theme plus bundled versions of WPBakery, Templatera and Slider Revolution. This can save you money, and the only difference with a bundled plugin is that support and updates are provided by the theme developer (unless you purchase your own separate license for WPBakery, in which case you would have access to support and updates from the WPBakery team as well).

WPBakery Pros

Here are some of the pros of the WPBakery Page Builder plugin:

• A good range of page builder elements.
• Compatible with most WordPress themes.
• Offers a frontend and backend editor for customizations.
• Included as a bundled plugin in many premium WordPress themes.
• Easy to learn and use.

WPBakery Cons

Here are some of the cons of the WPBakery Page Builder Plugin.

• Some themes may only work with the backend editor which is not as visually intuitive as Elementor’s front-end editor.
• Additional coding may be required for some third-party integrations.
• No “theme builder” included by default (Total has one though!)
• Very minimal customization, styling, animation and responsive settings.
• Best used with a theme built specifically for WPBakery.

What is Elementor?

Elementor is another popular page builder for WordPress that has gained a significant following due to its user-friendly interface and powerful customization options. It offers a live, front-end editing experience, allowing users to see the changes they make in real-time. Elementor is available in both free and pro versions, with the pro version offering additional advanced features.

Elementor Key Features

Elementor offers a live, front-end editing experience, allowing users to see their changes in real time. It comes with a wide range of pre-designed templates and a library of elements, including advanced options such as form builders, dynamic content, and custom CSS.

Starting with Elementor is super easy, and even without any experience, you’ll quickly start creating a webpage with a variety of pre-built themes to choose from.

Elementor also offers features like global widgets, revision history, and WooCommerce integration for building online stores.

Here is a screenshot of the Elementor builder in action:

Here is a list of Key Elementor Features:

• 100% Free plugin.
• Frontend live builder.
• Drag & drop interface.
• Template library.
• AI Capabilities.
• Built-in performance functions and optimizations.
• Works with nearly every WordPress theme.
• Developer friendly API – easy to register custom widgets.

Elementor Pro Key Features

And of course if you are going to use Elementor we would strongly recommend using the premium version so you can access all the goodies the plugin has to offer. Here are some of the awesome premium features in Elementor Pro:

• Theme Builder (not compatible with all themes).
• WooCommerce Builder (not compatible with all themes).
• Popup Builder.
• Forms.
• Dynamic Content.
• Notes.
• Custom Code.
• Custom CSS.
• Motion Effects.
• Custom Fonts & Icons.

Elementor Customization

Elementor offers a live, front-end editing experience that allows users to visually customize their websites in real time.

It offers a wide range of customization options, including adjusting margins and paddings, changing fonts and colors, and customizing responsive settings. Elementor also offers a global widget feature that allows users to apply changes across multiple pages or sections of their website.

Elementor Integrations

Elementor offers integrations with a wide range of third-party tools and plugins, including popular options like WooCommerce, Mailchimp, and Yoast SEO. It also has an extensive library of third-party Elementor add-ons that provide additional functionalities and design elements. Elementor also offers developers an API for creating custom integrations.

Elementor Price

Elementor offers a basic version with limited features, which can be downloaded from the WordPress plugin repository. 

There’s also a subscription version that popped up after testing a theme, which costs $9.99 per month and includes hosting (this would offer an experience similar to using WordPress.com or Wix).

It also offers a pro version with additional advanced features, which has three pricing options: 

• Personal Plan: $59/year 
• Plus Plan: $199/year
• Agency Plan: $399/year

The pro version includes premium support and updates for one year, and it can be used on multiple websites, depending on the plan you choose.

Elementor Pros

Here are some pros of the Elementor plugin:

• Live, front-end editing experience for real-time customization.
• Wide range of customization options.
• Extensive library of third-party add-ons for additional functionalities.
• Offers a free version with limited features.

Elementor Cons

Here are some of the cons of the Elementor plugin:

• Some advanced features are only available in the pro version, which requires a subscription.
• Free version may have limitations in terms of design elements and functionalities.
• Somewhat bloated – includes a lot of functionality that most websites may not need.
• A little complex to learn and use.

Which one is better, WPBakery or Elementor?

Both WPBakery and Elementor are powerful page builders that offer a wide range of features and customization options for building websites on WordPress. 

WPBakery may be a suitable choice for users who prefer a backend editor and already have access to it through a premium WordPress theme.

On the other hand, Elementor may be a better option for users who prefer a live, front-end editing experience and are looking for a free version with the option to upgrade to a pro version for additional advanced features.

When it comes to choosing between WPBakery and Elementor, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as your design requirements, ease of use, integrations, and budget to make an informed decision. 

Both page builders have their strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to thoroughly evaluate your options to choose the one that best fits your website building needs.