elementor pro vs free

Elementor Free vs Pro: Which One Should you Choose?

elementor pro vs free

If you are wondering whether Elementor Free is enough or if you should upgrade to Elementor Pro, the answer depends on the type of website you want to build. Elementor Free is suitable for simple sites that only need clean layouts and a basic set of tools.

Elementor Pro, on the other hand, gives you advanced features such as Theme Builder, WooCommerce customization, and a library of professional templates, making it the right choice for businesses and professional websites. 

In this guide, we will break down Elementor Free vs Pro in detail, compare features side by side, and help you decide which version best matches your goals.

What is Elementor?

Elementor is a WordPress page builder plugin that allows users to create websites visually without writing code. Instead of using standard themes or relying on developers, Elementor offers a drag-and-drop editor that lets you design every part of your site in real time.

It is popular because it:

  • Simplifies website creation for beginners.
  • Provides design flexibility for advanced users.
  • Integrates with many WordPress plugins and tools.

The main choice users face is whether to stick with Elementor Free or upgrade to Elementor Pro.

Elementor Free: What You Get

Elementor Free is one of the best free page builders available on WordPress. It includes all the basic tools needed to build simple and functional websites.

Features of Elementor Free

  • Drag-and-drop editor for easy page creation.
  • Responsive design controls for mobile, tablet, and desktop
  • Over 30 basic widgets like images, headings, text, video, and buttons.
  • Access to a limited set of free templates and page blocks.
  • Global editing for basic colors and fonts.

Who Should Use Elementor Free?

  • Bloggers building personal websites.
  • Small businesses with limited design needs.
  • Portfolio sites or one-page websites.
  • Beginners who want to test Elementor before upgrading.

Elementor Free is reliable for small-scale projects but lacks advanced customization.

Elementor Pro: What You Unlock

Elementor Pro takes the free version to a professional level by unlocking tools for full site customization, advanced design, and marketing features.

Features of Elementor Pro

  • Theme Builder to design headers, footers, single post layouts, and archive pages.
  • More than 90 widgets including advanced ones like forms, sliders, call-to-action, price tables, and WooCommerce widgets.
  • Popup Builder for creating email opt-ins, announcements, and promotions.
  • Global design settings for fonts, colors, and styles across the site.
  • Professional-grade templates and full website kits.
  • Integration with tools like Mailchimp, HubSpot, and other CRMs.
  • WooCommerce Builder for product pages, carts, and checkout customization.

Who Should Use Elementor Pro?

  • Businesses that need a branded, professional website.
  • eCommerce stores that want custom product pages.
  • Agencies or freelancers designing client websites.
  • Content creators who need advanced layouts and marketing features.

Elementor Pro is designed for users who need full control and scalability.

Elementor Free vs Pro: Feature Comparison Table

Here’s a detailed side-by-side comparison to help you see the differences clearly:

FeatureElementor FreeElementor Pro
PriceFreeStarts at $59/year
Widgets30+ basic widgets90+ advanced widgets
TemplatesLimited free templatesFull library of premium templates and website kits
Theme BuilderNoYes, full control over header, footer, archive, and single post layouts
Popup BuilderNoYes, with advanced targeting options
WooCommerce SupportBasic usage onlyDedicated WooCommerce Builder with product, cart, and checkout customization
FormsNoYes, with integrations to marketing tools and CRMs
Dynamic ContentNoYes, connect with custom fields and databases
Global StylesLimitedFull global settings for fonts, colors, and spacing
Support & UpdatesWordPress forums onlyPremium support and regular updates
Use CasesPersonal sites, blogs, small portfoliosBusiness sites, eCommerce, agencies, and professional websites

Pricing: Free vs Pro

Elementor Free is, of course, completely free and can be installed directly from the WordPress repository. Elementor Pro is a paid upgrade with different pricing tiers:

  • Essential Plan: $59/year for 1 website.
  • Advanced Plan: $99/year for 3 websites.
  • Expert Plan: $199/year for 25 websites.
  • Agency Plan: $399/year for 1000 websites.

While the free version is attractive for beginners, the cost of Pro can quickly pay off in time saved and professional features gained.

According to Kinsta’s review of Elementor, the Pro version is considered one of the most cost-effective premium plugins for WordPress users.

When to Choose Elementor Free

Elementor Free works best if:

  • You only need basic design elements.
  • You are launching a small blog or personal site.
  • Your website goals do not require marketing integrations or advanced customization.
  • You want to test Elementor before committing to Pro.

When to Choose Elementor Pro

Elementor Pro is the better option if:

  • You want to customize every part of your website.
  • You need advanced features like popups, forms, and dynamic content.
  • You run an eCommerce store and want professional product pages.
  • You are a freelancer or agency building client sites.
  • You want access to premium templates and customer support.

For a more technical breakdown of Elementor’s Pro tools, you can also read WPBeginner’s Elementor review, which explains its use cases in depth.

Final Verdict: Elementor Free vs Pro

Elementor Free is a solid choice when you’re just starting and working with a tight budget. It’s fine for simple layouts and basic sites. But as soon as your website needs to achieve more like selling courses, booking coaching calls, or converting leads that’s when you’ll hit the limitations.

At SOLBASE Technologies, we build LearnDash sites regularly, and Elementor Pro is a game-changer for us. It enhances 80% of our builds, making them faster, smoother, and easier to maintain.

If you’re serious about design, user experience, and having complete control, just go for Pro.

You’ll thank yourself in no time.