Elementor vs Elementor Pro: Best Choice for Your Project? ProCoders Tips
9 min.

Are you trying to decide between Elementor and Elementor Pro plugins for your next web development project? With one being free and the other being paid, it can be difficult to understand whether you need investment in the Pro or not.

ProCoders clarifies: “Elementor is a popular drag-and-drop website builder plugin for WordPress, widely used by web developers and designers, including our professionals.”

Both platforms offer a variety of tools, but understanding the needs of your project is essential to prevent you from investing in unnecessary complexities.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve talked to ProCoders devs and created a guide that:

  • Takes a closer look at Elementor vs Pro
  • Outlines the differences and benefits of each option
  • Describes Elementor Pro new features
  • Dives into Elementor Pro benefits
  • The pricing question (subscription plans, pricing, value)

All that to help you determine which one is the right fit for your project.

What is Elementor Pro?

elementor free vs pro

So, what is Elementor Pro?

It’s a premium WordPress page builder plugin that allows users to create custom websites without taking any custom CSS classes or possessing any coding knowledge.

With advanced features and widgets, the Pro version offers a more comprehensive set of tools to design websites. The plugin enables users to:

  • Create custom headers, footers, pages, and blog posts
  • Use a Popup Builder
  • Create product pages quickly with WooCommerce Builder
  • Get access to more advanced widgets and themes
  • Choose Motion Effects to surprise users
  • Amp up website design with CSS, creating custom templates
  • Utilize Scrolling Effects
  • Explore and include more advanced theme elements in addition to basic templates
  • Have maximum control over the design of their WP site
  • Get premium support

So, basically, Elementor is a freemium plugin, with the Pro version available for an additional cost. But what exactly is the difference between the two?

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ProCoders Developers Can Help You Choose Between Elementor and Elementor Pro for a Seamless Design Experience!

What Is the Difference Between Elementor and Elementor Pro?

In order to understand what is better suited to you, you should first grasp the difference between Elementor and Elementor Pro:

  • Elementor is a free WordPress plugin with sufficient basic features for beginners or small websites.
  • Elementor Pro is the premium version with more advanced features for users who need more flexibility and control over their websites. The pro version comes with additional plugins, a theme builder, WooCommerce builder, dynamic content, etc.

Here is a table that will help you compare Elementor Pro features with the basic plugin:

Features of ElementorFeatures of Elementor Pro
InterfaceEasy-to-use drag-and-drop interface (close to low-code and no-code development)
Similar interface, with added features
TemplatesPre-designed templates and blocksAccess to all templates and blocks
EditingResponsive editing with customizable padding, margins, and inline text editing options, Mobile editingDynamic content editing
Revision
Built-in revision historySame
Theme Builder
Not availableYes
WooCommerce
Not availableWooCommerce builder available
Custom Fonts
Not available
Custom fonts support
Widgets
Standard widgets
Advanced and global widgets
Custom CSS
Not available
Custom CSS
Custom Spacing
Not available
Custom spacing
Custom BreakpointsNot availableCustom breakpoints

With Elementor Pro, users can create custom elements for landings, blog sections, product pages, and use dynamic content to display personalized content to their visitors.

These advanced features make the Pro model a great choice for companies looking to hire WordPress developers for advanced projects. But there are also alternatives you should know about. ProCoders’ programmers have tried dozens of builders to make sure they provide the needed dose of features for each project while keeping their budgets in mind.

Recommended: How to Convert Elementor to Gutenberg?

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Confused About Which Version of Elementor Is Right for Your Website? Our Skilled Developers Are Here to Provide Recommendations!

Is Elementor Pro Necessary for Elementor? ProCoders Choice

There are several WordPress page builder plugins and tools available in the market that can be used as an Elementor Pro alternative for creating responsive websites. Here are some popular options:

  • Beaver Builder – a beginner-friendly plugin that comes with customizable templates, modules, and widgets.
  • Divi Builder – a versatile plugin that offers a visual drag-and-drop interface for custom layouts and includes a built-in theme builder.
  • Visual Composer – another powerful WordPress plugin that comes with a wide range of templates, blocks, and design options.
  • Thrive Architect – a visual builder plugin with advanced design options and a library of customizable landing page templates.
  • Brizy – a user-friendly drag-and-drop page builder that offers a modern and intuitive interface, customizable templates, and many design elements.
ProCoders’ experience: “It’s important to research and compare different options to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.”

By the way, if you’re thinking about migrating your website from/to the platform, we’ve got you covered. Through ProCoders, you can hire Elementor developers to make the migration process smooth. Gladly, we’ve had experience with migrating solutions and resources from various frameworks and platforms, including Elementor (the case is our own website!), AngularJS, Laravel, and more.

You can also apply to our Discovery Phase if you need a competent opinion from professionals on the needs and possibilities for moving the site to improve it.

apply to our Discovery Phase

Why is Elementor still more popular than any of these options?

Elementor Pro’s popularity relies on several factors that make it stand out.

Here’s why we at ProCoders recommend it to some of our clients:

  1. Easy-to-use interface – It offers a user-friendly, intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It makes website building quick and easy, even for beginners.
  2. Comprehensive features – Elementor Pro WordPress has advanced features, such as a theme builder and dynamic content. They offer users more flexibility and control over their website design.
  3. Large community and developers support – the members create and share templates, widgets, and add-ons, making it easier for users to get support and find resources.
  4. Regular updates and improvements – WordPress Elementor Pro is regularly updated to improve performance, add new features and widgets, and fix any bugs or issues.
  5. Third-party integration – Elementor Pro website builder integrates with many third-party tools and platforms, such as marketing automation, email marketing, and CRM, which makes website management easier.r.

Recommended: Gutenberg vs Elementor

Common Use Cases for Elementor and Elementor Pro

Common Use Cases for Elementor Free

The free version of Elementor is a powerful tool for basic website needs, offering enough features to handle simple yet effective designs. It’s often sufficient for:

  • Personal Blogs: Bloggers can use pre-designed templates to quickly set up a clean and readable layout, customizing fonts, colors, and headers with ease.
  • Portfolio Websites: Freelancers, photographers, and creatives can showcase their work using galleries, image carousels, and simple portfolio layouts without needing advanced features.
  • Small Business Sites: Small businesses can create static pages such as contact forms, service descriptions, and “About Us” sections, providing a professional online presence without unnecessary complexity.
  • Landing Pages: Ideal for basic marketing campaigns, the free version allows users to build attractive, mobile-friendly landing pages in no time, using drag-and-drop simplicity.

Common Use Cases for Elementor Pro

Elementor Pro offers advanced tools and features, making it the preferred choice for more complex or highly interactive projects. It’s better suited for:

  • E-Commerce Stores: The WooCommerce Builder allows users to create product pages, customize checkout processes, and design promotional layouts that drive sales.
  • Corporate Websites: With dynamic content, custom headers and footers, and advanced widgets, Elementor Pro provides the flexibility needed for professional, scalable designs tailored to business needs.
  • Educational Platforms: Elementor Pro integrates seamlessly with learning management systems (LMS), enabling educators to build engaging course pages, user dashboards, and responsive interfaces for students.
  • Marketing Campaigns: Features like popups, scrolling animations, and motion effects make Elementor Pro an excellent choice for creating visually engaging, high-conversion pages that capture user attention.

These use cases highlight how both Elementor and Elementor Pro cater to specific needs, empowering users to build websites that align with their goals and budgets effectively.

Elementor Free vs Pro: Why ProCoders Recommends Elementor Pro for Complex Projects

ProCoders experts often recommend Elementor Pro for clients with advanced needs due to its robust capabilities and flexibility. Here’s why it stands out for complex projects:

  • Develop Interactive Websites with Dynamic Content
    Elementor Pro’s dynamic content feature allows developers to create personalized user experiences by pulling data from external sources or custom fields. This is especially beneficial for businesses requiring interactive elements, such as customer dashboards, tailored product recommendations, or real-time updates.
  • Maintain Consistent Branding Through Custom Global Widgets
    Elementor Pro enables the creation of global widgets, ensuring that branding elements—such as logos, typography, and color schemes—remain consistent across all pages. This is crucial for companies aiming to establish a cohesive identity while maintaining design efficiency.
  • Utilize Advanced Integrations
    From marketing automation platforms to third-party APIs, Elementor Pro’s compatibility with a wide range of tools makes it an ideal choice for businesses looking to expand functionality. Whether integrating CRM systems, email marketing tools, or e-commerce platforms, Elementor Pro facilitates seamless communication between various components of the website.

These advanced features allow for proper collaboration between developers and designers. Developers can focus on technical elements like integrations and performance optimization, while designers take full advantage of Elementor Pro’s intuitive interface to craft visually stunning pages. This synergy ensures high-quality results within tight timelines, making Elementor Pro a preferred solution for businesses with demanding requirements.

Is Elementor Pro Worth It? More of ProCoders Opinion

So, do I need Elementor Pro?

Does ProCoders have practical experience?

Sure we do. And it is worth it. Let us tell you why.

Alright, let’s get real here. Not every business needs to upload Elementor Pro to WordPress to create a responsive design suitable for both desktop and mobile devices. The free version is often sufficient for startups and small businesses that have minimalistic, neat websites. After all, the cost of a WordPress website may increase with every paid subscription you need for its creation.

What you always need is an experienced Elementor expert who knows the drill and doesn’t google the basic how-tos on WP building.

Larger companies that have complex marketplaces based on WordPress, considerable nav menu requirements, and need a sophisticated visual editor to create designs with dynamic colors and custom image carousels will more often incline towards Elementor Pro.

is elementor pro necessary for elementor

We’ve asked Alex Khryplyvyi, our Head of Website Development, about his experience and advice:

ProCoders: So, is it really so useful to upgrade Elementor Pro alternative free version?

Alex: The Pro version is a game-changer for our clients. It offers a diverse set of features like Forms, Popups, animations, and over 100 pre-designed widgets. With these powerful tools, we can create unique, highly functional websites that meet our clients’ needs.

ProCoders: What specific features of Elementor Pro make it valuable for both developers and clients?

Alex: One of the most valuable features of the Pro platform for developers and clients alike is the WooCommerce Builder. It makes it incredibly easy to create professional online stores. 

Additionally, the Dynamic Content and Loop Builder features add immense value. They enable us to dynamically manage content and create content loops, streamlining and accelerating the development process.

ProCoders: As an expert, why would you choose Elementor over alternatives?

Alex: I would choose it for a few reasons:

  • It’s the simplest and fastest solution that clients can learn in just a couple of hours
  • Unlike other builders like Divi Builder or WPBakery, Elementor has an intuitive interface that makes it user-friendly
  • The Pro is constantly evolving and introducing new features and possibilities, making it an attractive choice for developers and clients alike.

Recommended: WPBakery vs Elementor

Expert Tip: “It’s also important to mention the importance of additional extensions like Unlimited Elements Pro, which allow us to create custom blocks for Elementor. These extensions eliminate the limitations of the basic builder and expand its capabilities. Personally, I find the best development combination to be Elementor Pro + Unlimited Elements Pro.”

Based on this Elementor Pro review, we’re sure you’ve come closer to the right choice. But remember that here at ProCoders, we’ve got your back. We can help you figure out what you truly need and guide you in making the right choice — whether it’s Motion Effects Elementor Pro development or exploring other options that fit your goals better. Our experienced team is ready to support you in reaching your web design goals. So, hit us up, and let’s make some digital magic happen together!

FAQ
What is the latest version of Elementor Pro?

As of now, the latest version of the Pro plugin is 3.14.0, released on June 19th, 2023 with the new Carousel and WooCommerce Pages features, among others. It was a big update, but keep in mind that there are more to come. You can find out the latest version on Elementor’s website

What happens when Elementor Pro expires?

When your Pro subscription expires, you will no longer have access to the advanced features, support, and updates. However, the website you created with Elementor Pro won’t be affected, and your designs will remain intact. You can still use the free version or renew your Elementor Pro price plan to regain access.

How much does Elementor Pro cost?

WordPress Elementor Pro price plans are Essential ($59/year, 1 website), Expert ($199/year, 25 websites), and Agency ($399/year, 1000 websites). Aside from these subscription plans, there’s an additional Advanced model for $99 a year, where you get 3 Pro website activations. It’s important to note that the prices may change over time, and there may be occasional discounts or promotions available.

Do I need both Elementor and Elementor Pro plugins installed?

For the Pro extension to work, you need to install the free plugin first. You can find it under Plugins > Add New > Search. Don’t forget to click Activate before trying to use it.

Is Elementor Pro worth the money?

ProCoders experts say yes if you need all the advanced features to customize your website and have full control over it.

Conclusion

Choosing between Elementor and its more advanced version depends on the specific needs of your web development project. The Pro offers advanced features, customization options, and enhanced functionality, making it a valuable choice for those seeking more control and flexibility. However, for beginners or smaller websites, the free version may suffice.

It’s essential to consider factors such as budget, project complexity, and desired features when making the decision. ProCoders’ comprehensive guide has provided insights into the differences, benefits, and alternatives, empowering you to make an informed choice and achieve your web design goals successfully.

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