If you’ve used WordPress, you’re probably familiar with Elementor. It’s been a go-to for both newbies and pros in the page-building community. But as things evolve, we need tools that can keep up with new demands for innovation and flexibility.

By the end of this article, you’ll have an overview of your options for a switch away from Elementor. We’ll present four alternatives, each with unique features. Among these, Kubio offers the best package for minimal web design experience and designers seeking to streamline client projects. Its AI capabilities and simple interface make it stand out – so your site can stand out, too. Let’s get started:

Common issues with Elementor

Elementor, a popular WordPress page builder, has simplified website creation, attracting a diverse user base with its robust features and intuitive interface.

Comparing Elementor with Gutenberg and other prominent page builders, Elementor is often viewed as one of the better options. However, despite its popularity, users often encounter issues that can diminish their experience. Pain points for Elementor users include:

Stability and reliability issues

Elementor users often face crashes or errors that disrupt their workflow, seriously hindering the design process.

Resource intensity

Elementor’s resource-intensive nature is a point of contention. Users report it can slow down website performance, which is challenging for those with limited server resources or managing larger sites.

Complexity and usability

Elementor’s interface can be overwhelming for some users, especially those used to a streamlined WordPress experience. This may discourage users who prioritize simplicity and effectiveness over an abundance of features.

Issues with version price tier limitations

Many find Elementor’s price tier limitations a significant hurdle. Each tier offers a taste of its capabilities, but even the first paid tier restricts access to advanced functionalities essential for maximizing a website’s potential.

Issues with third-party add-ons and updates

Elementor’s add-ons and updates ecosystem is another area where users complain. Incompatibilities after updates can cause site breakdowns or functionality losses, requiring diligent management and compatibility checks – a time-consuming and technical challenge.

Bloat and performance problems

Elementor is criticized for generating bloated websites with excessive DOM nodes, leading to slow loading times, suboptimal performance in SEO, and user experience metrics. These issues are especially troublesome for those not skilled in website performance optimization.

Technical errors

Elementor widgets panel not loading, missing content areas, or blank pages during editing often frustrate users. These issues can require troubleshooting steps like theme switches, memory limit increases, or server setting adjustments.

Alternatives to Elementor

These sections will introduce you to superior Elementor alternatives to enhance your WordPress site creation.

1. Best all-around choice: Kubio

When choosing a WordPress site builder, Kubio is a superior choice for functionality and value. Designed for novices and professionals, Kubio combines user-friendliness with powerful features, setting a new benchmark in website design tools.

• User-friendly interface: Kubio has an intuitive interface that simplifies web design, making it ideal for users at all skill levels.
• AI-powered design capabilities: Kubio’s AI-powered design assistance helps users generate website drafts quickly, making the process faster and more efficient, especially for those with limited graphic design experience.
• Extensive customization options: Users can adjust every aspect of their website without coding, using Kubio’s tools. This freedom allows for a tailored website experience that can adapt to branding and functional requirements.
• Responsive design features: Kubio ensures flawless website appearance on any device, maintaining a professional online presence and consistent user experience.
• Value for money: Kubio offers exceptional value, with a wide range of functionalities in its affordable plans, making it an economical choice for site-building.
• Real user testimonials: Testimonials emphasize the platform’s efficiency and positive impact on web projects, highlighting its role as a reliable and powerful tool for building professional websites.
• Support and resources: Kubio offers responsive customer service, a community forum, and extensive documentation, invaluable for users seeking guidance or to maximize their website’s potential.
• Streamlined site-building process: The AI tools, drag-and-drop editor, and pre-designed sections save time and effort, letting users focus on content over technicalities.

Kubio offers competitive Yearly and Lifetime pricing options. The Yearly Personal plan starts at $99, and there are Plus, Freelance, and Agency plans. Kubio also offers special deals on Lifetime plans (starting at $186) for ongoing updates and support without yearly subscriptions.

Case study: Westland Hotels

Alt-text: Westland Hotels used Kubo AI to create a stunning, functional website.

Kubio’s capabilities are evident on the Westlands Hotel website. They’ve used Kubio’s tools to create a visually appealing and functional site. It offers a beautiful gallery of images which help entice potential visitors to come and stay, as well as an easily navigable menu to help visitors find out more about their amenities. 

The website has engaging hero sections, clear headings, and well-structured content blocks that lead visitors through their product offerings. Strategic calls-to-action and customer testimonials enhance the site’s effectiveness, driving engagement and trust. The site has been beautifully designed, and broadcasts Westlands Hotel as an enticing place to stay. 

2. For A/B testing: Divi

In the WordPress page builder landscape, Divi stands out with its design capabilities and built-in A/B testing tool, Divi Leads, for optimizing websites through data-driven modifications. It’s a compelling choice for refining user experience and boosting site performance through data-driven strategies.

• User-friendly: Divi Leads integrates into the Divi Builder, making it accessible for all users. Setting up and running A/B tests is simple, allowing new users to engage and optimize their websites easily.
• Flexible testing options: With Divi Leads, virtually any website element can be tested. Whether it’s color schemes, button styles, calls to action, or layout designs, Divi offers flexibility to test and tweak each element based on real user interactions. This capability allows website owners to refine every detail to suit their audience’s preferences.
• Real-time feedback: One key advantage of Divi Leads is its real-time feedback and comprehensive statistics. This helps website owners make informed decisions about design and content changes. By understanding which elements perform best, users can optimize their sites to enhance user engagement and increase conversion rates.
• Concurrent and sequential testing: Divi Leads supports running multiple tests concurrently or sequentially, offering continuous optimization. This ensures websites can always perform at their best, adapting to user behaviors and market trends.
• Impact on conversion rates: User reviews frequently highlight how Divi Leads has positively impacted their websites, notably in improving conversion rates. For example, one user tested different call-to-action buttons and discovered the original green button outperformed a new red button, achieving a higher click-through rate. By enabling website owners to pinpoint the most effective elements, Divi Leads turns empirical testing into tangible gains, optimizing visitor interactions for better outcomes.

Divi offers various pricing tiers that cater to different user needs and budgets. Higher tiers provide additional features and support, enabling websites to scale as businesses grow. These tiers offer value at every level, ensuring access to necessary tools without overspending. Divi has two main pricing plans for its WordPress theme and page builder. The basic “Divi” plan is $89/year, providing a powerful no-code builder and unlimited website usage. The “Divi Pro” plan, priced at $277/year, caters to web professionals building unlimited Divi websites for clients, and offers unlimited cloud storage. Additionally, Divi offers lifetime plans for special deals.

3. For budget concerns: Brizy

For WordPress users seeking a more affordable alternative to popular site builders like Elementor, Brizy is budget-friendly. With competitive pricing and essential features, Brizy makes professional website building accessible to a broader audience.

• Features:
  • Despite its lower price, Brizy offers many similar pro-level features as Elementor but at a fraction of the cost, including advanced design, dynamic content integration, and extensive templates, making it a cost-effective solution without major compromises.
• For those with a flexible budget, Brizy’s higher price tiers offer added value like website membership management, multisite functionality, and whitelabeling. These features are appealing to web development agencies and freelancers.
• Brizy has unique features not commonly found in budget page builders, such as AI integration to streamline design and enhance user experience.
• Ideal user base: Brizy is beneficial for small business owners, bloggers, and startups on a tight budget. The platform’s pricing and features align with their needs, providing the tools for creating engaging websites.
• Limitations and trade-offs: Brizy offers cost savings, but users might encounter limitations in widgets and integrations compared to pricier builders like Elementor. However, for many users, cost savings outweigh these drawbacks.

Brizy introduces its Pro builder for WordPress at a starting price of just under $5 per month ($59 per year), contrasting Elementor’s Pro builder starting at around $15 per month. This price difference makes Brizy an attractive choice for those on a budget seeking professional features.

Brizy’s pricing model is structured to include options for both subscription-based plans and one-time payment models. The platform also offers a free version, which allows users to experience some of Brizy’s capabilities before committing financially.

4. For CSS enthusiasts: Bricks Builder

For CSS-savvy users seeking deep customization, Bricks Builder is a robust choice. This platform caters specifically to those who appreciate the granular control over website aesthetics that CSS provides.

• Advanced design customization: Bricks Builder excels in offering a high degree of flexibility for fine-tuning websites. Unlike Elementor, which also supports CSS (but in a more limited capacity), Bricks Builder seamlessly integrates extensive CSS customization. This feature is ideal for users who enjoy hands-on coding and wish to push the boundaries of website design.
• CSS integration within the interface: A significant advantage of Bricks Builder is its capability to incorporate custom CSS directly through its interface. It doesn’t require CSS for site editing, but supports extensive CSS customization. This eliminates the need for additional plugins or external tools. Users can enter their CSS code right alongside their design elements, seeing real-time results as they tweak and enhance their pages.
• Solving complex design challenges: Users can tackle complex design challenges such as implementing custom animations, crafting unique hover effects, and making precise responsive design adjustments. These capabilities allow designers to create truly customized websites that stand out from the standard templates seen in less flexible builders.
• Potential learning curve: It’s important to note that Bricks Builder might present a steep learning curve for beginners. The builder’s focus on CSS and advanced customization options could be daunting for those who are just starting with website design or who prefer a less technical approach to building sites.

Bricks Builder is best suited for professional web developers or advanced users who are familiar with CSS who want full control over their site’s design through direct coding. This approach offers a level of detail and customization that can enhance a website’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Bricks Builder offers flexible pricing plans based on user needs. The “Starter” plan is $79 per year for 1 website. The “Business” plan, for up to 3 websites, is $149 per year. The “Agency” plan for unlimited websites is $249 per year. There’s also an “Ultimate” lifetime plan for unlimited websites at a one-time cost of $599. Each plan includes features, updates, and support during the subscription period.

Want to find out how Elementor stacks up against other site builders? Read our guides:

• WP Bakery Vs Elementor: A WordPress Guide
• Elementor vs Visual Composer

What to consider when comparing site builders

Feature set and customizability

Users should look for a range of capabilities from basic design options to advanced functionalities like SEO tools, social media integration, and e-commerce features. Customization is key.

Usability and user experience

An intuitive user interface is crucial, especially for non-coders. Features like drag-and-drop editors simplify the design process, making site building accessible and enjoyable. A smooth learning curve, supported by tutorials, forums, and customer support, enhances user satisfaction.

Performance and speed

The chosen site builder must be feature-rich and optimized for performance. Slow site builders can negatively affect website load times, impacting user engagement and SEO rankings. 

Compatibility and integration

Ensuring the site builder is compatible with other WordPress themes and plugins is vital for seamless website operation. Additionally, the builder’s ability to integrate with third-party tools, like marketing software, analytics, and CRM systems, can enhance site functionality. 

Support and community

A strong support network with responsive customer support, comprehensive documentation, and an active user community can be invaluable. These elements help resolve issues and enhance the site builder’s functionality through shared knowledge and experience. 

Pricing and value for money

Consider the cost, features, and support, considering the long-term value of the investment. 

Upgrade your website with Kubio today

This article highlights Kubio as a superior alternative to Elementor, thanks to its user-friendly interface, AI design functionality, and exceptional flexibility. 

Kubio’s comprehensive features cater to diverse user profiles, including small business owners, freelancers, bloggers, and marketing professionals. Users can enjoy an intuitive design experience, ongoing updates, and dedicated support.

Ready to enhance your website’s functionality and aesthetic appeal? Switch to Kubio for a seamless, productive site-building journey.