What Elementor is
Elementor is a drag-and-drop page builder plugin for WordPress. Instead of editing code or wrestling with the standard block editor, you build pages visually: drop in a heading, an image, a button or a column layout, and see the result as you go. It is popular with freelancers and small business owners because you can get a professional-looking page without being a developer.
There are two versions. The free plugin is what most people start with. Elementor Pro is a paid upgrade that unlocks extra features on top of it. Pro does not replace the free plugin, it adds to it.
What you get with the free version
The free version covers the core job of designing pages. With it you can:
- Build pages visually with sections, columns and a library of basic widgets such as headings, text, images, buttons, icons, video and spacers.
- Control fonts, colours, spacing and backgrounds without touching code.
- Adjust layouts separately for desktop, tablet and mobile.
- Use a selection of free templates and blocks as starting points.
- Save your own sections and reuse them across pages.
For a brochure site with a home page, an about page, a services page and a contact page, that is often all you need. You can pair it with a simple contact form plugin and a theme that handles the header and footer.
What Elementor Pro adds
Pro is aimed at people who want Elementor to control the whole site, not just the content area of individual pages. The main additions are:
The theme builder
With the theme builder you design the header, footer and templates for blog posts and archive pages in Elementor. Without it, those parts come from your WordPress theme, and changing them usually means theme settings or code.
The form widget
Pro includes a form widget so you can build contact and enquiry forms directly in Elementor, styled to match the rest of the page. On the free version you would use a separate form plugin.
Popups
Pro lets you design popups for things like newsletter sign-ups, announcements or special offers, with rules for when and where they appear.
WooCommerce builder widgets
If you run a shop on WooCommerce, Pro adds widgets for designing product pages, shop pages and related layouts in Elementor.
More widgets and templates
Pro also brings a larger set of widgets, such as sliders, galleries, pricing tables and post listings, plus a bigger template library.
How to decide
A simple way to choose is to start free and upgrade only when you hit a real limit. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you need to redesign the header and footer? If your theme's header and footer look fine, you may not need the theme builder.
- Do you run a blog with lots of posts? Custom post and archive templates are where Pro saves the most time.
- Do you sell online with WooCommerce? The shop builder widgets make a branded store much easier.
- Do you want forms and popups without extra plugins? Fewer plugins can mean a simpler, easier to maintain site.
If you answered no to all four, the free version is probably enough for now. If you answered yes to one or more, Pro is likely worth it.
Things to watch with either version
Whichever you choose, keep pages lean. Every extra section, animation and widget adds weight, and heavy pages load more slowly. Our guide on how to speed up a WordPress site covers this in more detail.
Also keep Elementor updated. Page builders are complex plugins, and updates fix bugs and security issues. Read how to keep your WordPress site secure for the wider picture.
Finally, note that Elementor AI is a separate feature with its own subscription, bought from Elementor. It is not part of either the free plugin or Pro by default.
Elementor hosting from WP Web Hosting
Every WP Web Hosting plan comes with free Elementor pre-installed, so you can start building straight away. If you need Pro, add it for £6.95 a month per site: we activate the licence and keep it up to date for you. Plans start at £14.95 a month, billed monthly, and you can cancel any month. See Elementor hosting or compare plans on our pricing page.
Frequently asked
Can I upgrade from Elementor free to Pro later?
Yes. Pro installs alongside the free plugin, so pages you have already built stay as they are and you simply gain the extra features.
Do I need a separate form plugin with free Elementor?
Usually, yes. The form widget is a Pro feature, so on the free version most people add a separate form plugin for contact forms.
Is Elementor AI included with Elementor Pro?
No. Elementor AI is Elementor's own feature with its own subscription, bought from Elementor separately.
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