Elementor is a widely used page builder plugin for WordPress that enables users to design impressive websites without the need for coding skills; it replaces the basic WordPress editor with a front-end visual editor.
It has a user-friendly interface and extensive features, Elementor has become a go-to tool for web designers and developers.
In this article, as an Elementor web designer, I’ll discuss the differences between Elementor Free & Elementor Pro and help you pick the best one for your website.
Why is Elementor great for web design?
Elementor is a visual website builder that replaces the clunky WordPress back-end editor, with a front-end drag and drop editor. It’s great for web design as it saves money and time over a standard website development with it’s efficient web design process without losing out on quality.
Elementor Pro and Elementor Free both come packed with a wide range of pre-designed widgets and templates giving you tons of flexibility for a website build. With an Elementor website development the possibilities are truly endless with option for custom additional code and integrate with most WordPress plugins.
Elementor is also extremely flexible, due to its visual front-end editor, which enables website developments to be easy to update and maintain once completed which reduces the need to wait for developers to push simple changes live.
Elementor Free
Elementor offers a free version that provides an impressive range of features, making it a valuable tool for beginners and those on a tight budget. Let’s explore the features, benefits, and limitations of Elementor Free.
Features of Elementor Free
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Elementor’s free version allows you to easily drag and drop elements onto your page, enabling you to build your website visually.
- Basic Widgets: Elementor Free includes essential widgets like headings, text boxes, images, buttons, and more, allowing you to create basic web pages.
- Responsive Design: You can ensure your website looks good on all devices with Elementor Free’s responsive design options.
Benefits of using Elementor Free
- User-Friendly Interface: Elementor’s intuitive interface makes it easy for beginners to get started with web design.
- Cost-Effective: Elementor Free provides a powerful set of features without requiring any financial investment.
Pricing of Elementor Free
As the name suggests – Elementor Free is available at no cost. It is a free plugin that can be downloaded and installed from the WordPress plugin repository. Users can enjoy a range of basic design features and functionalities without paying a penny!
Limitations of Elementor Free
- Limited Widget Collection: Elementor Free has a more restricted set of widgets compared to the pro version, limiting your design possibilities.
- Lack of Advanced Features: Some advanced features, such as theme building, form building, and WooCommerce integration, are not available in Elementor Free.
Elementor Pro
Elementor Pro is the premium version of Elementor that offers an extensive range of additional features and functionalities. Let’s explore the features, advantages, and how it compares to Elementor Free.
Features of Elementor Pro
- Advanced Widgets: Elementor Pro provides an extensive library of advanced widgets, including sliders, testimonials, forms, countdowns, and more, giving you more flexibility in design.
- Theme Builder: Elementor Pro allows you to design and customize your website’s headers, footers, single post templates, and other theme elements.
- Form Builder: With Elementor Pro, you can create interactive and custom forms on your website, capturing user data and improving user engagement.
- WooCommerce Integration: Elementor Pro seamlessly integrates with WooCommerce, empowering you to create stunning product pages and e-commerce websites.
Pricing Of Elementor Pro
Elementor Pro offers different pricing plans based on the number of websites you want to use it on:
| Plan | Number of Websites | Price per Year |
| Personal | 1 | $49 |
| Plus | 3 | $99 |
| Expert | 25 | $199 |
| Studio | 100 | $499 |
Advantages of using Elementor Pro
- Enhanced Design Possibilities: Elementor Pro unlocks a whole new level of design possibilities with its advanced widgets and theme building capabilities.
- Greater Customization Control: Elementor Pro provides more fine-grained control over your website’s design elements, allowing you to create truly unique and personalized websites.
Differences between Elementor Free & Elementor Pro
To understand the differences between Elementor Free and Pro more comprehensively, let’s compare them across various key aspects.
Elementor Free VS Elementor Pro Basic Comparison Table
See below for a basic comparison of Elementor Free VS Elementor Pro:
| Features | Elementor Free | Elementor Pro |
| Widgets | Basic set | Advanced library |
| Templates | Limited options | Extensive collection |
| Theme Builder | Not available | Customization options for theme elements |
| Form Builder | Not available | Ability to create customized forms |
| Pop-up Builder | Not available | Design engaging pop-ups |
| WooCommerce Integration | Not available | Seamless integration for e-commerce |
| Dynamic Content | Not available | Display dynamic content from posts |
| Support and Updates | Basic support | Priority support and regular updates |
| Pricing | Free | Subscription-based pricing model($49-$99) |
Elementor Pro Vs Free Full Feature & Widget Comparison
See below for a full feature & widget comparison (updated on 19/06/23):
| Feature | Elementor | Elementor Pro |
| Template Library | ✓ | ✓ |
| Export / Import Templates | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile Editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shape Divider | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video Lightbox | ✓ | ✓ |
| Box Shadow | ✓ | ✓ |
| Text Shadow | ✓ | ✓ |
| Background Overlay | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hover Animation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Entrance Animation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heading | ✓ | ✓ |
| Image | ✓ | ✓ |
| Text Editor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Button | ✓ | ✓ |
| Image Box | ✓ | ✓ |
| Testimonials | ✓ | ✓ |
| Icon | ✓ | ✓ |
| Icon Box | ✓ | ✓ |
| Social Icons | ✓ | ✓ |
| Image Gallery | ✓ | ✓ |
| Image Carousel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Icon List | ✓ | ✓ |
| Counter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Progress Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tabs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accordion | ✓ | ✓ |
| Toggle | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| HTML | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shortcode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Menu Anchor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sidebar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Google Maps | ✓ | ✓ |
| SoundCloud | ✓ | ✓ |
| Divider | ✓ | ✓ |
| Spacer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Columns | ✓ | ✓ |
| Background Gradient Effect | ✓ | ✓ |
| Revision History | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blank Canvas Template | ✓ | ✓ |
| Maintenance Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Page Settings | ✓ | ✓ |
| Element Hover | ✓ | ✓ |
| Redo / Undo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Forms | x | ✓ |
| Slides | x | ✓ |
| Posts | x | ✓ |
| Portfolio | x | ✓ |
| Embed Anywhere | x | ✓ |
| Global Widget | x | ✓ |
| Custom CSS | x | ✓ |
| Pro Templates | x | ✓ |
| Price Table | x | ✓ |
| Price List | x | ✓ |
| Countdown | x | ✓ |
| WC Products | x | ✓ |
| WC Elements | x | ✓ |
| WC Categories | x | ✓ |
| WC Add to Cart | x | ✓ |
| Flip Box | x | ✓ |
| Masonry Layout | x | ✓ |
| Blog Pagination | x | ✓ |
| Ken Burns Effect | x | ✓ |
| Share Buttons | x | ✓ |
| Form Integrations | x | ✓ |
| Login Widget | x | ✓ |
| Animated Headline | x | ✓ |
| Facebook Widgets | x | ✓ |
| Blockquote | x | ✓ |
| Nav Menu | x | ✓ |
| Media Carousel | x | ✓ |
| Testimonial Carousel | x | ✓ |
| Call to Action Widget | x | ✓ |
| Custom Fonts | x | ✓ |
| Header & footer builder | x | ✓ |
| Dynamic single post & archive page design | x | ✓ |
| ACF & Toolset integration | x | ✓ |
| Scrolling Effects | x | ✓ |
| Popup Builder | x | ✓ |
Main differences between Elementor Free VS Elementor Pro
- Widgets: Elementor Free offers a basic set of widgets, while Elementor Pro provides an extensive library of advanced widgets, expanding your design options.
- Templates: Elementor Free has limited template options, whereas Elementor Pro offers a vast collection of professionally designed templates, saving you time and effort in creating a visually appealing website.
- Theme Builder: Elementor Free lacks the theme builder feature, which is available in Elementor Pro. With the pro version, you can customize your website’s theme elements, creating a cohesive and branded design.
- Form Builder: Elementor Pro includes a form builder that allows you to create customized forms, capturing user data and enhancing user interaction. This feature is not available in Elementor Free.
- Pop-up Builder: Only Elementor Pro enables you to design engaging pop-ups that can capture user attention and drive conversions.
- WooCommerce Integration: Elementor Pro seamlessly integrates with WooCommerce, providing specialized design elements for e-commerce websites. This integration is not available in Elementor Free.
- Loop Builder: Elementor Pro offers a loop builder feature, allowing you to display dynamic content from your website’s posts and custom post types. This functionality is not present in Elementor Free.
- Mega Menu: Elementor Pro allows you to create visually stunning mega menus, providing a comprehensive navigation experience. This feature is not available in Elementor Free.
- Support and Updates: Elementor Free provides basic support, while Elementor Pro users receive priority support and regular updates.
Choosing the Right Version for Your Needs
When deciding between Elementor Free and Pro, several factors need consideration. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Keep the Price in Mind
Elementor Pro is a premium plugin with pricing plans based on the number of websites you want to use it on. Evaluate your budget and the value you expect from the advanced features to determine if the investment is worthwhile for your specific needs.
Factors to consider
Consider your website’s complexity, customization requirements, and long-term goals. If you require advanced design options, e-commerce integration, or want to create a unique theme, Elementor Pro might be the better choice.
Use Case Scenarios
Evaluate your specific use cases. If you are a blogger or have a simple website, Elementor Free might be sufficient to meet your needs. However, if you run an e-commerce store or need advanced customization options, Elementor Pro will offer the necessary tools and features.
Conclusion/recap
In conclusion, Elementor is a powerful page builder plugin that enables users to create visually stunning websites without coding. Whether you choose Elementor Free or Pro, you will have access to a wide range of features that facilitate website design and customization.
Elementor Pro offers advanced widgets, a theme builder, form builder, WooCommerce integration, and other features that provide greater design flexibility and customization control.
Elementor Pro is worth buying if you want more control and more features in the design of your website but ultimately, the decision of which version to choose depends on your budget, website complexity, and specific requirements.
Not sure where to get started with Elementor? Get in touch to discuss which package is best for you and how Elementor can elevate your web design experience. Let’s unlock the full potential of your website.
