The short answer
Pick Elementor when you want a visual page builder with Theme Builder, popups, forms and WooCommerce design layered on top of your theme. Pick Gutenberg when you want the block editor already inside WordPress, with no extra plugin. The two can run side by side on one site.
Pick Elementor when you need Theme Builder, popups, forms or WooCommerce page design on top of a theme you already use. Pick Gutenberg when the built-in block editor and a block theme cover the site. You do not have to choose one for the whole site.
Which one for your situation
Elementor vs Gutenberg: side by side
| Feature | Elementor | Gutenberg |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Page builder plugin | Block editor in WordPress core |
| Cost | Free edition; Pro plans from Essential, 1 site | Included with WordPress, licensed GPLv2 or later |
| Theme needs | Works with any theme that follows WordPress standards | Site Editor needs a block theme; classic themes do not work with it |
| Header and footer | Theme Builder, in Pro | Site Editor with template parts |
| Design system | Variables and Classes | Styles: site-wide colors, typography and layout |
| Reusable parts | Components in Pro, Template Library, kits and templates | Patterns, synced patterns and a Pattern Directory |
| Dynamic content | Dynamic Content in Pro; custom fields from Advanced Solo | Query Loop block for post layouts |
| Elements | 40+ free widgets; Essential adds 57 Pro widgets, Advanced 85 | Core blocks and block patterns |
| Code access | Custom code and CSS from Advanced Solo up | Code editor view of the whole page |
| Requirements | WordPress 6.8 or newer, PHP 7.4 or newer | Ships with WordPress |
Choose by tool
Choose Elementor if
- You want Theme Builder, Popup Builder and forms in one visual editor.
- You keep a classic theme and still want to design its templates.
- You build WooCommerce page layouts visually.
- You want to connect external AI tools to the editor through Elementor MCP.
- You want the free plugin first, and Pro only when a project needs it.
Choose Gutenberg if
- You want the editor already inside WordPress with nothing to install.
- You are happy to use a block theme and the Site Editor.
- You want patterns and synced patterns for reusable layouts.
- You want Query Loop for post lists without a Pro license.
- You want fewer plugins to update on the site.
Where UiChemy fits
UiChemy works with both, so the choice does not lock you out. Figma to WordPress lands frames as native Elementor widgets or as core Gutenberg blocks, Composer, the AI visual editor, writes plain HTML, CSS and JS for WordPress, and AI to WordPress turns an AI build or a live URL into editable pages. Only the front end is rebuilt.
Frequently asked questions
Elementor vs Gutenberg: which is better?
Neither wins on every site. Elementor is better when you need Theme Builder, popups, forms and WooCommerce layouts in a visual builder over your own theme. Gutenberg is better when core blocks and a block theme are enough. Build one landing page in each and compare the editing experience.
Can I use Elementor and Gutenberg together?
Yes. Elementor's plugin FAQ says the two work together, and you decide which editor to use at each point while editing your site. That lets you keep simple posts in the block editor and build landing pages in Elementor. Test the combination on a staging copy first.
Is Gutenberg free?
Gutenberg is the block editor inside WordPress, and WordPress is licensed under GPLv2 or later. It became the default editor with WordPress 5.0 in December 2018. Blocks beyond the core set can come from plugins, and some of those are paid, so check each plugin's own terms.
Is Elementor free?
Yes, the core editor is a free plugin on WordPress.org with over 40 free widgets. Theme Builder, Popup Builder, Forms, WooCommerce Builder and Dynamic Content need a Pro plan. Pro plans are Essential, Advanced Solo, Advanced and Expert, and prices show in your currency on the pricing page.
Do I need a block theme to use Gutenberg?
Not for the post and page editor, but the Site Editor is available only with an activated block theme. Classic themes do not work with the Site Editor. Elementor works with any theme that follows WordPress coding standards, and recommends its lightweight Hello theme. See WP Block Theme Converter.
Can Gutenberg build headers and footers like Elementor?
Yes, through the Site Editor on a block theme. It edits templates and template parts such as headers and footers using blocks, plus global Styles for colors and typography. Elementor does the same job through Theme Builder in Pro, on any compliant theme. Compare other routes in best AI website builders for WordPress.
Can I move an Elementor page to Gutenberg blocks?
Treat it as a rebuild rather than a switch. An AI coding agent can do much of the work with the Migrate Elementor to Gutenberg skill, which targets native blocks. Check spacing, responsive behavior and dynamic content on every page against the original before you publish.
How do I build an Elementor or Gutenberg page from a Figma design?
Use UiChemy Figma to WordPress: pair your site with a Connection Link and convert a frame into native Elementor widgets or core Gutenberg blocks. Composer, UiChemy's AI visual editor, writes plain HTML, CSS and JS for WordPress. For a guide to editing without code, read Composer for non-coders.