Comparison · checked September 2026
Gutenberg vs Elementor
Choose the block editor with a good block theme if you want a site with no builder license, no lock-in and content that stays readable forever. Choose Elementor if you or your clients rely on its visual controls, widgets and template kits and you accept its per-site Pro licensing.
| Gutenberg (block editor) | Elementor | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free, part of WordPress | Free plugin; Pro from about $60/yr per site |
| Where designs live | Standard block markup in post content | Elementor's own data format |
| If removed | Nothing to remove: it is WordPress | Pro designs stop displaying without Pro |
| Site-wide design | Site Editor with theme.json styles, templates and patterns | Theme Builder (Pro) |
| Ecosystem | Block themes, pattern directory, block plugins | 10+ million installs, large add-on and kit market |
| AI | Core AI features since WordPress 7.0 | Elementor AI, Angie agentic AI |
Prices in USD, billed annually unless noted, as listed in September 2026. Prices change; check the official pages linked below.
Choose Gutenberg (block editor) if
- You want no builder license and no lock-in
- You want clients to edit in WordPress's own editor
- You build many similar sites from themes and patterns
Choose Elementor if
- Your team already has an Elementor workflow and template library
- You need a specific widget or add-on only Elementor offers
- You want more visual styling controls without editing theme.json
Where the block editor is in 2026
WordPress 7.0 shipped in May 2026 and 7.1 in August 2026, adding AI abilities, responsive styling controls and a redesigned media editor. Block themes now handle headers, footers and every template in the Site Editor, which covers most of what people used page builders for.
Gutenberg vs Elementor: common questions
Is Gutenberg as good as Elementor now?
For most business sites, yes: block themes, patterns and the Site Editor cover layouts, headers and footers. Elementor still has more built-in visual controls and third-party widgets.
Can I switch from Elementor to the block editor?
Yes, but Elementor designs do not convert automatically. Pages are usually rebuilt with block patterns, which is faster when you start from a theme that already has the sections you need.
Is the block editor free?
Yes. It is part of WordPress core.