WordPress page builders have revolutionised web design, making it accessible for developers and non-developers alike. Over the years, I’ve worked extensively with Bricks Builder and Elementor, and I’ve dabbled in Divi. Each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, but as my career evolves, I’m finding myself shifting away from builders entirely. Before I explain why, let’s break down the pros and cons of these popular builders.
Bricks Builder
- Performance: Bricks is a performance-focused tool, optimized to create lightweight websites that load quickly. For users who value speed and clean code, Bricks is hard to beat.
- Customization: It’s incredibly flexible, offering granular control over designs, which appeals to developers looking for a balance between visual tools and custom coding.
- User Experience: While intuitive, Bricks leans slightly more technical compared to other builders, which may make the learning curve steeper for beginners.
Elementor Pro
- Features: Elementor Pro is arguably the most popular builder, packed with advanced features like theme building, forms, and countless third-party integrations.
- Ease of Use: Its drag-and-drop interface is beginner-friendly and polished, making it easy to build websites quickly without touching code.
- Drawbacks: This ease of use comes at a cost. Websites built with Elementor often suffer from bloated code and slower load times, which can hurt SEO and user experience.
Divi
- Visual Design: Divi’s real-time visual editing is one of its standout features, making the design process interactive and enjoyable.
- Content Library: Its extensive module library and pre-designed layouts make it a great choice for users who need quick, visually appealing designs.
- Flexibility: Divi works seamlessly with its native theme but also functions as a plugin for any WordPress theme. However, like Elementor, it tends to generate heavier code.
Comparing Bricks, Elementor, and Divi
| Feature | Bricks Builder | Elementor Pro | Divi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Moderate | Very easy | Easy |
| Performance | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate |
| Customization | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Community/Extensions | Growing | Extensive | Large |
| Pricing | Competitive | Higher | Flexible |
Why I’m Moving Away from Builders
While builders are incredibly convenient, they come with trade-offs that have become harder for me to ignore:
- Code Bloat: Builders like Elementor and Divi generate heavy code, which can slow down websites. This impacts page speed, SEO rankings, and overall user experience—things that matter deeply to me as a developer.
- Subscription Dependency: Builders often tie you into recurring subscriptions. If the builder’s updates stop or it’s discontinued, your site could face long-term maintenance challenges.
- Lack of Scalability: As my projects shift toward creating complex, high-performance solutions for businesses, I’ve found builders limiting. Their convenience doesn’t outweigh the strategic and technical compromises they demand.
Bricks vs. Elementor for Developers and End Users
If I had to summarize my experience:
- Bricks Builder is better for the end user. It creates faster, more optimized websites, which is critical for user satisfaction and business success.
- Elementor Pro is better for the developer experience. Its ease of use and robust ecosystem make it a joy to work with during the build phase—but the end result often feels sluggish and bloated.
The Future of WordPress Development
I’m transitioning to block-based development using WordPress’s Gutenberg editor. This approach allows me to create reusable, lightweight components without relying on external builders. It’s a step toward more sustainable and scalable web development that aligns with modern standards.
For those just starting or working on simpler projects, builders like Bricks, Elementor, or Divi are excellent tools. But if you’re ready to prioritize performance, maintainability, and custom solutions, moving away from builders might be the next logical step.
What do you think? Are builders still your go-to, or are you considering a similar shift? Let me know in the comments!
