Drag-and-drop WordPress page builders have recently gained popularity, and this trend is anticipated to continue through 2025. WordPress freelancers, small company owners, agencies, and bloggers are increasingly using visual builders to speed up site creation without coding. One of the most common comparisons is Elementor vs Divi. Both are reliable builders with a large user base. Divi (Elegant Themes’ premium theme and builder) and Elementor (free plugin and Pro version) provide excellent design flexibility. A wise decision might save time and money on your online project. We’ll discuss why page builders are crucial in 2025 and compare Elementor and Divi feature by feature (using stats, performance, SEO, pricing, and more) to help you decide.
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Why WordPress Page Builders Still Matter in 2025
Page builders remain crucial even as full-site editing and block-based themes advance. Gartner predicts that by 2025, 70% of new apps will be built on no-code/low-code platforms. WordPress builders enable non-technical users to create graphically rich websites. According to research, low-code solutions can speed up development by tenfold while also reducing costs. A small business or freelancer can create a site using Elementor or Divi in days rather than weeks. Elementor and Divi are now using AI assistants to automate layout and content development, following the web design AI trend. Tools that combine drag-and-drop and AI-powered automation will boost productivity by 2025.
Page builders are affordable. Elementor’s basic plugin is free with a Pro upgrade, whereas Divi is expensive with lifetime licenses. High-end design tools are accessible to those on a tight budget. Builders provide extensive template libraries, built-in widgets/modules (forms, sliders, etc.) and integrations (WooCommerce, SEO plugins) that would otherwise necessitate custom coding or many plugins. Modern page builders are all-purpose website builders. They save time, reduce developer workload, and make web design accessible to all skill levels.
Overview: Elementor vs Divi
Elementor and Divi are popular WordPress page builders. Since 2016, WordPress.org has offered Elementor as a free plugin with a Pro licence for more advanced features. Elementor is utilised by over 10 million websites, with the Hello Elementor theme appearing on about 18,400 of the top 1 million. W3Techs predicts that 12.5% of websites (17.6% of WordPress sites) will use Elementor by mid-2025. The Elementor community is extensive, with numerous third-party add-ons, tutorials, and gatherings.
Elegant Themes’ flagship theme, Divi, features a visual builder plugin. Divi, unlike Elementor, is exclusively available as part of an Elegant Themes membership. Divi is also popular, with Elegant Themes claiming that it is “powering nearly 1 million websites” worldwide. Divi has a market share of 1.1-1.2% among the top million sites, according to BuiltWith. Divi users benefit from Elegant Themes’ extensive template library, marketplace, and support forums. Divi’s lifetime licence is popular among agencies because it allows for endless site use.
Overall, both builders have massive towns and development areas. Elementor offers a free entry point and a big add-on marketplace. Divi’s finest features are the theme + builder and lifetime price. See below for a detailed comparison.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
UI/UX and Ease of Use
Elementor and Divi have different editing interfaces. Divi is a visual builder for the front end that starts with a blank canvas. To add sections, rows, or modules, click the floating “+” icon. When you click on any element, a settings pop-up appears. This basic canvas and in-place editing allow users to design directly on the page, which many find convenient. Divi is clean, with a blank canvas and a Plus button. You can add columns and modules by clicking them. The settings menu is only displayed when you select a section or module.
The Elementor UI is sidebar-based. A fixed panel on the left contains widgets and design settings, while the main space is vacant. To add content, drag widgets from the sidebar or click the top plus icon to create new sections/columns, then pick sidebar items. The sidebar contains all element settings (style, layout, etc.). “Elementor provides a blank canvas with a fixed sidebar containing widgets, functions, and stylistic options. Drag and drop columns, sections, and widgets from the sidebar, or use the plus symbol.
Both builders provide WYSIWYG and inline text editing via clicking. Divi’s inline editing feels natural, whereas Elementor supports it but prefers sidebar controls. The natural option between Divi’s straightforward look and Elementor’s wide sidebar is usually the distinction. The Elementor editor felt faster, but Divi’s 2021 performance upgrade (which speeds up backend tasks by 100-700%) made the difference inconsequential. Today, both work smoothly in the admin, so personal preference is more important.
Theme Builder Capabilities
Elementor and Divi support full-site templates (headers, footers, blog posts, and archives), in addition to individual pages. Early on, Elementor Pro debuted its Theme Builder, which allowed for drag-and-drop site templating. Use dynamic content fields and assign templates to site elements (for example, one header with many article styles). Divi 4 included a similar theme builder (improved in Divi 5). Divi’s theme builder is relatively new; however, it allows you to customise all templates graphically and conditionally.
“With Elementor and Divi you aren’t just limited to designing web pages – you can create and edit templates for headers, footers, posts, and pages without writing a single line of code.” Elementor Pro includes the theme builder, whereas Divi (now Divi plugin) uses the same front-end editor. While Divi’s theme-building interface is still being developed, experienced designers believe Elementor’s is more mature and versatile. Elementor allows you to add any dynamic field into templates (post title, meta, custom fields, and so on), whereas Divi 5 expands dynamic content options. Both support precise template assignment (for example, category headers).
Bottom line: Both builders support the creation of extensive themes. Divi has recently improved, whereas Elementor’s theme builder is more established (but requires Pro). Regardless, you can create the site without altering the PHP or theme files.
Widgets & Modules
Elementor and Divi both include a variety of design widgets and modules. The free Elementor plugin includes approximately 40 basic widgets (text, images, and buttons), whereas Elementor Pro adds approximately 50 more (forms, presentations, posts, and galleries). All versions (free Core plugin and Pro) have 100+ design widgets. Elementor’s widgets range from simple content to extensive features (counter, flip box, price table). Many third-party add-ons (Ultimate Addons, Crocoblock) improve this library.
Divi has 48 built-in modules for sliders, portfolios, social networking, and other features as of 2023, with more on the way. Divi’s modules include galleries, contact forms, pricing tables, calls to action, bars, and more. Divi’s “layout library” contains hundreds of complete section/page templates for use. ElegantThemes claims that Divi has over 2,600 free layouts in 370 packs as of April 2025, making it template-rich.
Both builders can handle most content requirements. Elementor provides widgets for chronology, login, and creative effects, whereas Divi’s modules emphasise design elements. If you require a certain animation or form, see your builder or add-ons. While Elementor has more widgets, Divi offers a solid core set and a large template library for quick page creation.
Speed & Performance
Page builders have been blamed for introducing bloat; however, contemporary Elementor and Divi are quick when used correctly. Real-world and Core Web Vitals benchmarks show modest optimisation differences. In June 2025, Kinsta discovered that while employing a performance plugin (Autoptimize), both builders performed well on Lighthouse: Elementor’s pages were smaller and had higher LCP (Largest Contentful Paint), while Divi was close behind. Elementor pages were 319 KB compared to Divi’s 335 KB, and Elementor’s LCP was 2.5s versus Divi’s 3.2s (Autoptimize enabled).
Another side-by-side test on Oxygen’s blog revealed that Divi loaded information faster and with fewer queries than Elementor on a simple page. However, Elementor performed better on a more complex website with dynamic blog queries, maybe due to its stronger code structure for handling complex material.
Both are optimisable. Divi’s built-in CSS/JS minification minimises queries; however, Elementor recommends plugins such as Autoptimize and WP Rocket. Elementor sites optimised with the lightweight Hello theme and cache plugins perform well in Core Web Vitals. Divi’s “wrapper” structure included markup layers, although Elegant Themes’ most recent revisions (Divi 5) have significantly improved code efficiency and speed.
Summary: Elementor creates lighter pages, although Divi can be changed similarly. Unless a page is extremely complex, performance differences are typically a few tenths of a second. Both builders have good caching and minification options; however, the hosting environment influences results. Follow conventional procedures (optimise images, enable lazy loading), and both should be able to properly manage Core Web Vitals by 2025. See Kinsta’s benchmarks and Oxygen’s performance comparison for further information.
SEO Features
Elementor and Divi offer search engine friendly code that is compatible with Yoast, Rank Math, and All in One SEO. However, their content structures differ. Divi employs shortcodes for many modules, so disabling Divi may result in content including shortcode “noise”. Instead of shortcode wrappers, Elementor produces raw HTML. The markup on Elementor sites is often simpler. When you delete Elementor, only the design components are removed, but Divi may impact SEO by leaving stale shortcodes.
Both can be optimised when they are active. Each works nicely with schema plugins and custom attributes. They can handle alt text, metadata, and Open Graph tags. Elementor Pro includes a form widget with adjustable fields for Google News and rich snippet markup. A Divi module (like reviews or FAQs) has built-in schema. As previously said, Elementor pages perform better in SEO, yet properly optimised Divi can compete.
Elementor has a slight advantage in “clean code” SEO; however, both builders support all SEO best practices. Many successful websites use Divi or Elementor to achieve high rankings. Both can help SEO by increasing content quality, mobile friendliness, and speed (optimised output). One expert stated that “Elementor is more SEO-friendly out of the box” because it reduces the use of shortcodes.
Template Library
The template collections offered by these builders are a significant advantage. With Elementor Pro, you have access to hundreds of page templates and “kits” for specific industries. There are more than 300 page templates for business, education, e-commerce, blogs, and other topics, as well as 100 complete site kits. Elementor users can purchase premium Elementor-ready and custom kits from Envato Elements and ThemeForest.
Divi’s ecology includes a wider range of layouts. Divi has around 2,600 templates in 370+ layout packs as of 2025. These contain headers, contact forms, and multi-page site templates. They include all page and global elements for dozens of categories (such as business, health, and restaurants). Elegant Themes creates “Quickstart Packs” (complete demo sites), as well as a marketplace for child themes and layouts.
Elementor’s kit concept allows newbies to design quickly. Divi’s design library is more diverse than others’. Save your custom templates/globals in both. Divi’s library contains a large number of starter layouts for individuals that value variety. Elementor features a large, curated library. One or both builders allow you to quickly load and configure an essentially complete site design.
Responsiveness & Mobile Editing
Mobile responsiveness is important. Both builders provide sophisticated mobile editing. You may switch between desktop, tablet, and mobile device previews and set parameters for each. On mobile, you can adjust the font size and padding and hide items. Elementor’s panel icons allow you to switch between views and give responsive controls for widget attributes. Divi’s pop-ups allow you to modify phone and tablet settings separately. Both support dragging to resize or move mobile elements.
Thus, layouts stack vertically and default to flexbox/grid on smaller devices. Both enable you to fine-tune mobile breakpoints, element visibility, and alignment. Both respond well, so no winner. Some customers believe Divi’s inline canvas makes it easier to see how a section shrinks, but Elementor’s sidebar displays all controls. In either case, test the site on real devices and fine-tune it with the builder’s mobile-specific CSS.
Pricing Comparison
Pricing differs significantly between Elementor and Divi:
- Elementor: A free core plugin (with restricted widgets and templating). Premium Elementor Pro has numerous plans. The Pro option costs $49 per year for one site, $99 for three sites, and $199 for 1,000 sites. (Elementor Cloud also includes hosting.) Annual subscription required. Every tier includes pro capabilities (theme builder, popups, and so on), the only difference being licence count and support. Elementor’s free version makes it easy to get started.
- Divi (Elegant Themes): Divi by Elegant Themes is only available as a premium theme. The licence covers unlimited websites by default. Pay $89 a year to gain access to all Elegant Themes packages (Divi, Extra theme, Bloom, and Monarch), as well as updates and support. A $249 lifetime licence provides unlimited use indefinitely. Divi is neither free nor single-site; you must pay to use it. The infinite site option is useful if you manage multiple sites.
Elementor is ideal for free beginners and those who require a small number of licences each year. Divi caters to individuals who want to make a one-time or annual purchase for all of their websites. In comparison, Divi’s lifetime licence is equivalent to three years of Elementor Pro for infinite sites, making it a cost-effective long-term solution. Elementor Pro is less expensive ($49 for a single site), but it requires an annual renewal.
(Prices as of mid-2025; check official websites for revisions.)
WooCommerce Support
Both builders have robust WooCommerce integration for online retailers. Elementor Pro includes a visual store builder and Woo widgets such as product grids, categories, add-to-cart, and checkout. Customise the product and shop pages, cart, checkout, and email templates. Elementor’s Woo modules are customisable and work with WooCommerce shortcodes.
Divi is WooCommerce-ready. It features over 20 Woo modules (product title, image, price, gallery, cart totals, etc.) as well as unique modules (such as the “Add to Cart” button) for creating bespoke shop themes. Divi 5 and subsequent updates improved the product page layout for e-commerce. Divi also offers retail layout bundles. Both make it easier to create branded store front ends without having to code.
Little differences: Elementor’s theme builder allows you to conditionally set WooCommerce widgets. The Divi Theme Builder approach is similar. Both respect WooCommerce’s fundamental functionalities (stocking and delivery). Divi uses shortcodes and modules, whereas Elementor incorporates more third-party widgets.
Overall, WooCommerce functions well in both. Which page builder you want will most likely influence your decision, not WooCommerce support (both work).
Integration with AI Tools
By 2025, AI integration will flourish. Elementor and Divi include AI assistants. Elementor AI (Pro) includes an “AI Site Planner” and AI design tools for creating sections or entire layouts from text prompts, draughting text content, and adjusting images. Divi AI is integrated into the builder and can create page parts, pages, and websites with simple commands. Divi’s Quick Sites feature allows you to construct a brand-coloured site layout.
Despite their various costs, “both Elementor and Divi have integrated AI features into their page builders” (source). Elementor’s credit-based AI generates widget-level ideas and strategies. Divi’s AI focuses on large-scale design generation and provides “unlimited” usage (subject to license fees). Both Elementor and Divi provide AI writing helpers in text widgets (“Write with AI”) and modules (“Generate Content with AI”). These assistants can define tone and keywords and enhance text. Both support AI-generated CSS code.
In addition to their own AI, both builders support third-party AI and SEO solutions. ChatGPT-like chatbots can be added to either site using plugins. Yoast, RankMath, and All in One SEO optimise content created with any builder. Elementor and Divi are modern AI/SEO tool compatible, allowing any WordPress plugin or external API.
Pros and Cons of Each
Below is a quick summary of the main pros and cons for each builder:
| Elementor Pros | Elementor Cons |
| – Intuitive drag-and-drop interface | – Premium features locked behind Pro license |
| – Generous free version with many features | – Pro subscription cost renews annually |
| – Huge community and ecosystem of third-party add-ons | – Can become heavy if too many addons are used |
| – Extensive template library and widgets | – Learning curve for advanced features (theme builder etc) |
| – Generally lighter output; page speed is slightly higher | – Support prioritized for paid users (community forums etc) |
| Divi Pros | Divi Cons |
| – Front-end visual builder with true drag-and-drop | – No free version (premium only) |
| – Lifetime licensing (one-time fee) option, unlimited sites | – Can be bulky; needs optimization for best speed |
| – Deep template library (2,600+ layouts) and modules | – Learning curve (unique UI may take time for new users) |
| – Built-in A/B testing, theme builder, and marketing tools | – Relies on shortcodes (remaining after deactivation) |
| – Strong official support and community (24/7, quick VIP) | – Less variety of widgets than Elementor by default |
These tables highlight that Elementor shines with ease of entry (free tier), flexibility, and a lightweight codebase. Divi’s major strengths are its unlimited licenses, one-time pricing option, and all-inclusive ecosystem. The trade-offs are obvious: Elementor costs may add up if you need multiple sites, while Divi requires an upfront purchase but then is “free” thereafter.
Use Case Scenarios
Your role and project will determine whether you use Elementor or Divi. Example of common scenarios:
- Beginners & DIYers: The free version of Elementor and its basic sidebar UI are appealing to WordPress newcomers. You may create simple websites for free. Divi offers more features, although novices may choose Elementor because of the lack of a free trial.
- Freelancers/Agencies: Divi is preferred by freelancers and agencies who build several sites due to its unlimited usage licence and lifetime offer. A web agency owner may say, “We use Divi on 90% of our clients’ sites; one purchase covers everything.” Divi Teams and global design options make multi-person operations easier. Elementor agencies can select between the $199/year “Expert” plan (1,000 sites) and Elementor Cloud (white label). PROS: Elementor allows you to prototype or give away a free version, which clients can upgrade as needed. Both builders offer feedback and responsibilities for collaborative design.
- Bloggers & Content Sites: Elementor works well with content (no shortcodes) and offers a variety of SEO plugins, making it excellent for bloggers and content-heavy sites. Blogger processes (writing posts, adding media) are comparable because neither builder interferes with material in the editor. Longform content is better suited to text editing with Elementor. Divi works, but bloggers are concerned about “locking in” content via shortcodes if they switch platforms.
- eCommerce Stores: Both eCommerce stores are WooCommerce compatible. Smaller shops may employ a familiar builder. Elementor Pro includes fine-grained Woo widgets for custom checkout designs and product builders. Divi now supports QuickShop layouts and stunning shopfronts. Some business owners say, “We switched to Divi 5 for its Woo modules and AI product description tools.” Others prefer Elementor’s dynamic query performance (necessary for various items).
- Complex Sites & Portfolios: Performance and flexibility are critical for bespoke or large sites. On a sophisticated query-loop page in Oxygen, Elementor outperformed Divi, which could have an impact on huge portfolios or membership sites. Divi’s global styles and powerful modules facilitate flexible page layout design. Page builders use a lot of server or browser resources; therefore, you’ll need powerful hosting.
- Scalability & Long-Term Value: Divi’s lifetime package entices long-term website builders. If you prefer to pay as you go and perhaps switch platforms, Elementor’s yearly subscription is a safer option. Take a look at their roadmaps: Divi will revamp its core in 2025 (Divi 5) for speed, while Elementor will focus on AI and the cloud.
In conclusion, no builder is suitable for everyone. Solo bloggers can utilise the free Elementor. An agency may purchase Divi’s lifetime. Small enterprises with a single site may use Elementor Pro due to its reduced initial cost. When deciding, consider your budget (one-time vs. subscription), the number of sites you’ll build, and your desired workflow. With the appropriate configuration, Elementor and Divi can handle everything from portfolios to eCommerce sites.
What to Consider Before Choosing
Before committing, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Do you prefer to buy Divi once or subscribe to Elements? Elementor’s free version meets basic requirements, while Divi’s does not.
- Usage (Clients/Websites): If you create multiple sites for customers or networks, Divi’s unlimited licensing and Elementor’s multi-site capabilities are essential. Divi has a one-time price for all sites, whereas Elementor charges by site count.
- Control & Flexibility: Choose from pixel-perfect visual controls (Elementor) or a freeform canvas (Divi). Consider future flexibility: Divi’s shortcodes “lock in” content when switching, but Elementor leaves fewer traces.
- Performance Needs: When Core Web Vitals are mission-critical, optimise performance. Although Elementor sites start off lighter, both builders require caching and optimising plugins for optimal results. A fast WordPress host (such as a managed provider) will benefit either builder.
- Client Handoff & Maintenance: After the client has left, who will look after the site? Elementor’s interface may be more recognisable to agencies, although Divi’s split testing and global settings may make upkeep easier. Look at the support forums: Elementor’s large user base means many free online solutions; Divi’s official support is quick and dedicated (VIP members receive 30-minute responses).
- Extensions & Integrations: Both are compatible with most WordPress plugins and external technologies (mailing lists, CRM, social media, and analytics). Check for niche plugin compatibility (most should work with both). Learning Curve: Personal comfort affects the learning curve. Try both dashboards, if feasible. Divi’s toggles and constructor may require practice, while Elementor is more similar to Gutenberg. Many tutorials include both.
Simply align your priorities: pricing, features, flexibility, and performance. Testing using Elementor (free) or a Divi demo is acceptable. Many developers incorporate both into their projects.
How Design Web Masters Can Help
Choosing and installing a page builder is only the beginning. Design Web Masters can set up, configure, and optimise Elementor or Divi websites. Our WordPress development services include full site building, theme customization, and performance tuning. We can install your builder, create up templates and responsive settings, and integrate WooCommerce and AI features.
Do you need a smooth client handoff? We offer thorough documentation and builder training. Are there any hosting or performance issues? To achieve optimal Core Web Vitals, we optimise cache, CDN, and image performance. Contact our experts for a free consultation on any Elementor, Divi, or WordPress questions or custom work. We specialise in customising the best WordPress builder for your project.
Conclusion
In 2025, the choice between Elementor and Divi will be based on whoever matches your project and team best, not who is “objectively best”. Elementor is simple to use and versatile (especially with its free plugin and powerful Pro tools), but Divi is a full-featured all-in-one solution with an excellent license value and built-in capabilities. Choose depending on budget, skills, performance, and project requirements. Still not sure? Ask! Design Web Masters pros may provide you with advice. Our WordPress development services can assist you with installing Elementor and exploring Divi’s advanced features. Contact our WordPress experts to discuss your next project. The right builder allows you to work faster, not harder; with Elementor or Divi (and our help), you will succeed in 2025 and beyond.
