The Page Builder Debate: Gutenberg vs. Elementor – Which Should You Use in 2025?

Since 2003, WordPress has come a long way in helping website creators design stunning pages with ease. What started as a blogging tool is now one of the most powerful platforms for building websites of all kinds, thanks in large part to its flexible editing tools and vast plugin ecosystem (while the number of WordPress plugins keeps growing, there are over 70,000 as of June, 2025).

Among the tools that make WordPress so versatile are page builders, which are user-friendly solutions that allow you to design custom layouts without needing to write any code. Two leading options take center stage: the default Gutenberg (also known as the block editor), built into WordPress, and Elementor, a robust third-party builder known for its visual design flexibility. These tools represent two very different methods to page creation, from modular block-based editing to dynamic drag and drop customization.

So, which one is the better fit for your workflow?

Gutenberg vs. Elementor - Here we go!

 

Gutenberg: The Default WordPress Experience

Gutenberg, introduced in WordPress 5.0, is the default block editor that replaces the traditional text-based Classic Editor. With Gutenberg, users can build pages using a drag and drop block system, making it more dynamic than traditional word processors.

Pros of Gutenberg:

• Native WordPress Integration – Since Gutenberg is built into WordPress, there’s no need for third-party plugins. With that said, an optional Gutenberg plugin does exist, which provides beta access, enabling you to test out the latest unreleased features.
• Performance – Fewer dependencies mean faster loading times.
• Flexibility – Blocks allow for diverse layouts and custom designs without extra coding.

Cons of Gutenberg:

• Learning Curve – Some users find it unintuitive compared to previous editors (i.e., the Classic Editor). A common complaint is that many elements only reveal their settings or buttons when you hover over them with your mouse, which adds an extra layer of complexity.
• Different Layout – The biggest complaint is that Gutenberg changes the edit page layout and hides WordPress’ familiar sidebar while editing your content. It gives the sensation of isolation since a user will be unable to quickly reach other WordPress admin pages.
• Limited Advanced Design – While powerful, it lacks some of the intricate design control that premium builders offer.

 

Elementor: A Full-Fledged Page Builder

Elementor, a widely used visual page builder for WordPress, allows users to craft detailed layouts with absolute precision. Offering a live editing experience, Elementor gives complete control over design elements.

Pros of Elementor:

• Drag and Drop Editing – Allows users to see changes in real time.
• Extensive Widgets & Templates – Hundreds of design elements at your fingertips.
• Advanced Customization – Suitable for both beginners and experienced developers.

Cons of Elementor:

• Performance Concerns – Heavy use of Elementor can slow down your site.
• Dependency on a Plugin – Unlike Gutenberg, Elementor requires the installation of a third-party WordPress plugin.

 

What About the Classic Editor?

Not everyone has embraced Gutenberg. In fact, millions of users still prefer the Classic Editor, valuing its simplicity and traditional workflow. The Classic Editor is not a block editor nor a drag and drop page builder. For many, it remains a great choice, and WordPress continues to support it via the Classic Editor plugin, which lets you choose and switch between Gutenberg and the Classic Editor.

After installing third-party WordPress page builders like Elementor and others, you’ll find the button to switch to that page builder conveniently placed above the text editor (called the TinyMCE Editor). The same occurs with Gutenberg.

 

Enhance Your Editor with Advanced Editor Tools

Whether you're using the Classic Editor or Gutenberg, the Advanced Editor Tools plugin (formerly known as TinyMCE Advanced) is a powerful way to supercharge your editing experience.

This plugin allows you to add, remove, and rearrange formatting buttons in both the Classic Editor and Gutenberg’s Classic Paragraph block. You can customize up to four rows of toolbar buttons, including options for font sizes, font family, text and background colors, tables, and a lot more.

Some standout features include:

• A Classic Paragraph block for Gutenberg, offering a familiar editing experience within the block editor.
• Advanced table controls, including merging cells and adjusting alignment.
• Search and replace, list styling, and custom CSS class support.
• The ability to import and export your editor settings for consistency across sites.
• Seamless compatibility with both the Classic Editor plugin and the block editor.

If you’re looking to bring back some of the flexibility of the good old TinyMCE editor, this plugin is a must-have. It’s especially helpful for users who want more control over their formatting tools without switching page builders.

 

Gutenberg vs Elementor - Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your needs.

• For a lightweight, fast experience, Gutenberg is best. However, don’t forget that you can mix and match any page builder with the Gutenberg Block Editor.
• For detailed design flexibility, Elementor is ideal.
• For simplicity and familiarity, Classic Editor still holds strong. However, same as with Gutenberg, you can use any page builder alongside the Classic Editor, even Gutenberg.

 

Other WordPress Page Builders

Beyond Gutenberg and Elementor, there are other popular page builders that provide additional features and customization options.

• Beaver Builder: A reliable and user-friendly page builder offering front-end drag and drop functionality and excellent performance optimization. Great for businesses and developers.
• WPBakery Page Builder: A long-standing premium page builder known for its backend and frontend editing modes, making it versatile for both simple and complex layouts.
• SiteOrigin Page Builder: A lightweight and free page builder offering simple drag and drop functionality. Ideal for users who want an easy-to-use yet effective way to structure their content. It also supports backend and frontend editing, as well as additional widgets with its SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle, drastically extending the page builder’s functionality.
• Divi: A premium and highly versatile page builder that boasts hundreds of customizable layouts and advanced design features. It's excellent for creating visually stunning websites with its attractive layout and building tools. As a bonus, it has very pleasant and smooth animations! With both backend and frontend editing options, along with a wide range of helpful buttons and features, this stands out as one of the most powerful and well-established page builders available.

 

Switching Between Page Builders

If you decide to change from one WordPress page builder to another, be prepared. Migrating your designs isn’t always seamless. While some builders may provide import options, most require you to manually rebuild your pages, which can be time-consuming. Choosing the right one from the start will save you effort in the long run.

Luckily, most page builders offer free versions that allow you to test them before committing. You can explore their features and see which one best fits your needs.

While it’s possible to use more than one page builder, it’s not recommended, as it can cause compatibility issues and slow down your site. However, combining Gutenberg or Classic Editor with a page builder of your choice is fine, as they integrate well without conflicts. Just note that using both simultaneously on the same page or post will result in the page builder’s coding transferring to the Classic Editor or Gutenberg.

 

Conclusion

Whether you lean toward the innovative Gutenberg, the dynamic Elementor, the dependable Classic Editor, or any other WordPress page builder, Earth Girl Hosting is here to support your journey. (Psst! As of this article’s publishing date, we’ve been proudly using Beaver Builder for many years here at Earth Girl Hosting.) Our hosting services ensure compatibility and superior performance with all page builders, empowering you to build a site that reflects your vision.

At the end of the day, the best page builder is the one that aligns with your goals and workflow. The one with which you feel most comfortable. With Earth Girl Hosting, you can rest assured that your choice will thrive in a powerful and adaptable environment that is also secure. If you’re thinking about moving your site, check out our guide on how to transfer to a new web hosting service.

Consider your needs, experiment with and explore your options, and start creating today with Earth Girl Hosting. The tools are here when you need them. After all, your website deserves care, creativity, and reliability.