WordPress Divi vs Elementor: a Detailed Comparison

Choosing the right page builder for WordPress is critical for web designers, developers, and website owners, as it greatly impacts the design process, functionality, and efficiency of website development. Divi vs Elementor is a frequent feat of the two prominent page builders in the WP community. 

So, we’ve decided to do a comparison of our own to see which one is better, based on the experience of our 120+ engineers. We’ll review most common and uncommon factors, so come along!

Elementor vs Divi: History and Development

The two tools have significantly shaped the WordPress page builder landscape with their continuous development and adaptations to the changing web design needs.

Elementor, launched in 2016 by Pojo Themes, is notable for its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options. It began as an open-source project, offering both a free and a Pro version, which contributed to its rapid growth. Key updates include the launch of Elementor Pro in 2016, introducing advanced widgets and theme builder capabilities, the 2018 theme builder update for designing WordPress themes, and the 2019 addition of a pop-up builder.

Divi, released by Elegant Themes in 2013, started as a theme and evolved into a comprehensive page builder. It became known as an all-in-one solution, combining theme and page builder functionalities. Significant milestones include the 2015 launch of the Divi Builder Plugin, making it compatible with any WordPress theme, the introduction of real-time visual editing in 2016, and the release of the Divi Theme Builder in 2019, which allowed full-site customization.

You can read more in our Divi review!

Both have consistently introduced new features and improvements, showcasing their commitment to evolving and meeting the dynamic needs of WordPress users.

Divi Builder vs Elementor: Detailed Comparison

If you’re looking for the best alternative to Elementor, Divi may be one of the contestants of your choice. We also recommend looking into our guide to compare WPBakery vs Elementor to see which builder is right for you.

Elementor Pro vs Divi: User Interface and Experience

Comparison of the User Interfaces

• Elementor: Offers a live drag-and-drop interface with a sidebar for accessing widgets and settings. It provides a real-time preview of changes.
• Divi: Features a visual builder that allows for inline editing. Its floating buttons and settings panels offer a slightly different approach compared to the competitor’s fixed sidebar.

Ease of Use for Beginners and Professionals

• Elementor: Known for its intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to grasp while still offering advanced capabilities for professionals.
• Divi: Has a steeper learning curve due to its unique interface design, but once mastered, it offers powerful tools for professional designers.

Workflow and Efficiency in the Design Process

• Elementor: Streamlines the design process with a consistent and predictable interface, offering efficiency for rapid development.
• Divi: Offers great flexibility in design, but its different approach to layout and styling might require more time for new users to adapt.

Divi vs Elementor Pro/Free: Features and Functionalities

Core Features of Both Page Builders

• Both offer essential features like drag-and-drop editing, a wide range of widgets/modules, responsive design options, and full theme building capabilities.

Unique Features 

• Elementor: Known for its extensive widget library, role manager, and pop-up builder.
• Divi: Offers unique features like Divi Leads for split testing and extensive customization options within modules.

Limitations and Workarounds

• Elementor: Some advanced styling options may require custom CSS.
• Divi: While highly customizable, it can be overwhelming for users who prefer a more straightforward approach.

WordPress Elementor vs Divi: Design and Styling Options

Range of Design Capabilities and Customization Options

• Elementor: Provides a vast range of styling options, allowing detailed customization of widgets and sections.
• Divi: Also offers a broad spectrum of design and styling choices, with a focus on in-depth module settings.

Availability and Quality of Templates and Themes

• Elementor: Comes with a large library of pre-designed templates and blocks.
• Divi: Offers a comprehensive range of layouts and templates, all accessible within the Library.

Responsiveness and Mobile Editing Features

• Both provide tools for responsive design, with options to preview and edit layouts for different device sizes.

Divi vs. Elementor: Elements and Modules

Comparison of Available Elements/Modules and Their Versatility

• Elementor: Boasts a wide array of elements that cater to various needs, from basic text and image widgets to advanced sliders and WooCommerce widgets.
  Elementor allows the creation of custom widgets that can be exported and imported into other projects using the “Unlimited Elements” plugin. This plugin is a powerful tool for WordPress, enhancing website functionality by enabling users to create complex elements with an easy-to-use interface. It offers a wide range of customizable widgets and design elements, along with a template library for unique designs, and integrates seamlessly with page builders like Elementor, simplifying the creation of sophisticated and well-designed web pages.
• Divi: Offers a rich selection of modules, each with extensive customization options, catering to complex design needs.

Extensibility with Addons and Third-Party Plugins

• Both can be extended with a range of third-party add-ons, enhancing their functionality and element variety.

Elementor vs Divi Speed, Performance, and SEO

Impact on Website Speed and Performance

• Both page builders can impact site speed, but performance largely depends on how they are used. Proper optimization of images and careful use of widgets/modules is key.

SEO Features and Compatibility with SEO Best Practices

• Compatible with major SEO plugins like Yoast SEO. Both offer clean code and responsive design, which are beneficial for SEO.

Divi Builder vs Elementor: Pricing and Licensing

Cost Comparison

• Elementor: Offers a free version; Pro versions are based on annual subscriptions.
• Divi: Requires membership with Elegant Themes, offering access to all their products.

Licensing Options and What They Include

• Elementor: Different tiers in Pro versions cater to individuals, businesses, and agencies.
• Divi: Membership includes access to all Elegant Themes products and updates.

Value for Money and Investment Return

• Both offer good value for their features, but the best choice depends on individual requirements and the scale of usage.

Elementor vs Divi Builder: Support and Community

Quality of Customer Support and Response Times

• Both offer comprehensive support systems. Response times can vary, but generally, both provide adequate support to their users.

Size and Engagement of the Community and User Base

• Elementor: Has a large, active community with numerous online forums and groups.
• Divi: Also boasts a strong community presence, with many dedicated themed web resources.

Availability of Educational Resources and Tutorials

• Extensive learning resources are available for both, including official documentation, video tutorials, and community-driven content.

Elementor vs. Divi: Integration and Compatibility

Compatibility with Other WordPress Plugins and Themes

• Both are compatible with most WordPress themes and plugins, but specific compatibility should be checked for advanced integrations.

Integration with Marketing Tools and Other Web Services

• Both offer integrations with various marketing tools and services, either natively or through add-ons.

As we can see, both tools offer robust solutions for WordPress page building, each with its unique strengths. Elementor stands out for its user-friendly interface and extensive widget library, while Divi excels in its deep customization options and design flexibility. The choice between them depends on your preferences, design requirements, and the level of control you desire in the website-building process.

Final Thoughts: ProCoders Choice

When it comes to selecting between Elementor and Divi, the choice for professional coders and web developers boils down to a blend of personal preference, project requirements, and long-term website management considerations.

Elementor: The Versatile Choice

Its ease of use, coupled with its extensive customization options, makes it a go-to choice for professionals who value a balance between user-friendliness and advanced design capabilities. Its widespread popularity is also attributed to:

• Extensive Widget Library: Offering a wide range of functionalities that can be further expanded with add-ons.
• Community Support: A large and active community provides an added layer of support and shared knowledge.
• Regular Updates and Improvements: Elementor’s commitment to evolving with the changing landscape of web development keeps it relevant and forward-thinking.

Divi: The Deep Customization Option

It’s often favored by professionals who prioritize in-depth customization and are loyal to the Elegant Themes ecosystem. Key aspects include:

• Design Flexibility: With a wide array of modules and customization options, Divi allows for granular control over website design.
• Lifetime Access: The platform’s one-time payment model can be attractive for long-term projects or developers managing multiple sites.
• Integrated Solution: As a part of the Elegant Themes package, it offers a cohesive solution when used with other Elegant Themes products.

Making the ProCoders Choice

The decision between the tools should be influenced by:

• Project Scope and Complexity: Consider the complexity of the project and the level of customization required.
• Ease of Use and Learning Curve: Factor in the team’s familiarity and comfort with each builder.
• Performance and SEO Considerations: Evaluate the impact of each builder on site performance and SEO.
• Long-Term Maintenance and Scalability: Think about the long-term maintenance of the site, especially if handling client projects.

Both tools have to offer something special in building high-quality, professional websites. The final choice for a Pro Coder should align with the specific requirements of the project at hand, personal workflow preferences, and the need for efficiency, flexibility, and scalability in web development.

We always choose the tools after studying the partner’s request in detail. Our specialists always say that each case is unique, so there’s no one-fits-all formula.