Divi and WPBakery are two of the most well-known WordPress page builders, each offering a unique blend of features and customization options. For many users, especially those new to website building or those managing multiple projects, the decision between these two tools can be overwhelming. Both builders have strengths in different areas, from pricing structures to user interfaces, and understanding which one provides better value isn’t always clear-cut.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between Divi and WPBakery, looking closely at features, customization options, and overall performance. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which page builder offers the best fit for your website creation needs, whether you're focused on budget, ease of use, or design flexibility.
Overview of Divi and WPBakery
Before diving into the details, let’s take a quick overview of the core differences between Divi and WPBakery.
| Factor | Divi | WPBakery |
| Pricing | One-time fee or yearly subscription | One-time purchase |
| User Interface | Visual editor with real-time feedback | Backend and frontend editor options |
| Templates & Layouts | Extensive library of pre-made layouts | Limited compared to Divi |
| Customization | Highly customizable with global styles | Limited customization options |
| Third-party Add-ons | Less dependent on third-party plugins | Relies more on third-party add-ons |
| Performance & Speed | Slightly heavy, requires optimization | Generally faster than Divi |
| WooCommerce Support | Built-in WooCommerce Builder | Requires additional add-on |
| SEO Tools | Built-in optimization features | Requires external SEO plugins |
Divi Builder Overview
Divi, developed by Elegant Themes, is one of the most feature-rich WordPress page builders available. It comes with:
- Wide Range of Built-in Modules: Divi provides users with a rich selection of modules such as text, images, galleries, sliders, and more. These modules allow you to build a fully functional website without relying on additional plugins.
- Extensive Pre-designed Layouts: Divi comes with over 2,700+ pre-designed full-page layouts, making it easy to quickly build professional websites across various industries without starting from scratch.
- Theme Builder for Global Templates: With Divi’s built-in theme builder, users can create global templates for headers, footers, and other sections of the website, ensuring a consistent look and feel across all pages.
- Deep Customization with Global Styling: Divi allows users to maintain consistent design by applying global styles across the entire site. This includes fonts, colors, and spacing, which can be modified site-wide with just a few clicks.
- Custom CSS Support: For advanced users, Divi offers the ability to add custom CSS, providing even greater control over individual design elements and page styles.
- Performance Considerations: Although Divi is feature-packed and can add some weight to websites, it is optimized for speed with features like lazy loading of images and script optimization to enhance performance.
WPBakery Overview
WPBakery is a long-standing WordPress page builder that allows both back-end and front-end editing. It's a popular Divi alternative and comes with features such as:
- Dual Editing Options: WPBakery allows users to edit content on both the back-end and front-end, offering flexibility for different workflows.
- Wide Variety of Content Elements: The plugin features a range of content elements, such as buttons, sliders, and text blocks, enabling users to create engaging layouts without much coding.
- High Compatibility with Third-Party Themes and Plugins: WPBakery works well with many third-party themes and plugins, making it easy to add extra functionality, though advanced features often depend on external add-ons.
- Moderate Customization Options: While it offers basic design elements and custom CSS, WPBakery lacks the deep styling control found in some other builders like Divi, which may limit customization for some users.
- Performance Considerations: WPBakery is lightweight compared to Divi, but users might experience slowdowns on larger sites or with multiple plugins.
1. Divi vs WPBakery: User Interface and Ease of Use
The user interface of a page builder plays a critical role in determining how quickly and efficiently users can build and edit their websites. A well-designed interface can make the difference between a frustrating experience and a smooth, enjoyable one. Here’s how Divi and WPBakery stack up in terms of their user interfaces and ease of use.
Divi’s User Interface
- Front-end Visual Builder: Divi allows users to build pages through a drag-and-drop interface directly on the front end of the website. This real-time editing feature enables users to see changes as they happen, making the design process more intuitive and engaging.
- Floating Panels: The interface utilizes floating menus and panels, which provide immediate access to editing options without cluttering the workspace. This design choice enhances the visual aspect of website building and fosters an interactive environment.
- Section-Based Editing: Users can design their pages using a clear structure comprised of sections, rows, and modules. This organization helps streamline the layout process and allows for a more structured approach to web design.
- Customization Windows: Divi employs a three-tab module structure—Content, Design, and Advanced—enabling users to manage each element of their site with precision. This system allows for a deep level of customization, catering to both basic and complex design needs.
- Learning Curve: While Divi's extensive customization options can feel overwhelming for beginners, the rewards of mastering the interface are significant. Once users become proficient, they gain access to robust design control that empowers them to create highly personalized websites.
WPBakery’s User Interface
- Back-end Editor: WPBakery features a traditional back-end editor, appealing to those who are already familiar with the classic WordPress dashboard. This familiarity can make it easier for users to get started with the builder.
- Front-end Editing: The plugin also includes a front-end editing option, but it lacks the intuitiveness and fluidity found in Divi’s visual builder. This can result in a less engaging experience for users who prefer real-time design feedback.
- Simple Layout Structure: WPBakery emphasizes a straightforward layout structure, utilizing content elements arranged in rows and columns. While this makes it accessible, it offers fewer design layers compared to Divi, which may limit creative possibilities.
- Less Interactive: The back-end editing mode in WPBakery feels more technical and less interactive. Users may find the absence of real-time design feedback somewhat restrictive, potentially hindering their creative flow.
- Easier for Beginners: For users accustomed to the WordPress dashboard, WPBakery's interface can feel more straightforward and less daunting. This can be a significant advantage for those who prefer a simpler, less visually driven approach to page building.
2. Divi vs WPBakery: Features and Customization Options
Flexibility in customization and advanced features allow users to create more dynamic, personalized websites.
Divi Customization Features
- Pre-made Layouts: Divi offers over 2,700 customizable templates for various industries, allowing users to easily tailor them to their brand needs.
- Global Design Settings: Users can apply consistent fonts, colors, and spacing across their entire site, ensuring a cohesive look while simplifying the design process.
- CSS Customization: Advanced users can integrate custom CSS for complete control over design elements, adding unique touches beyond the standard settings.
- WooCommerce Builder: Divi includes specialized WooCommerce modules for straightforward integration and customization of online stores, enhancing the shopping experience.
- Third-Party Add-ons: With its extensive built-in features, Divi reduces the need for third-party plugins, streamlining the website-building process and minimizing compatibility issues.
WPBakery Customization Features
- Content Elements: WPBakery provides a variety of built-in content elements like buttons, sliders, and text blocks for creating functional web pages. However, they may lack the versatility found in other builders.
- Add-ons and Compatibility: The builder relies on third-party addons for advanced features, such as improved WooCommerce integration. While this expands capabilities, it can introduce compatibility issues and extra costs.
- Template Library: WPBakery offers around wide variety of pre-designed templates, but significantly fewer than Divi's 2,700+ layouts, which may limit design options for users.
- Limited Global Options: Unlike Divi, WPBakery does not have a global design feature, requiring manual adjustments for each element, making the process more time-consuming.
- CSS Editing: WPBakery allows CSS customization for styling, but it lacks the depth of control offered by Divi, making detailed adjustments more challenging.
3. Divi vs WPBakery: Performance and Speed
Page builders impact website load speed, which directly influences user experience and SEO.
Divi Performance
- Resource-Heavy: Divi’s extensive features and customization options can lead to slower load times if not optimized properly.
- Performance Enhancements: Recent updates have focused on improving speed and reducing bloat, introducing features like lazy loading and script optimization to enhance performance.
- Optimization Needed: Sites built with Divi often require caching and performance optimization plugins to maintain smooth operation. This combination helps ensure a better user experience.
WPBakery Performance
- Lightweight: With fewer built-in features, WPBakery offers a more agile experience, making it ideal for users who want fast-loading websites.
- Fast Load Times: The simple interface contributes to its speed, appealing to those who prioritize performance.
- Depends on Add-ons: However, performance can vary based on the number and type of third-party add-ons. While these plugins can enhance functionality, using too many may slow down the site, so users should proceed cautiously.
4. Divi vs WPBakery: WooCommerce Integration
Many WordPress users rely on WooCommerce to build eCommerce websites, so the builder’s compatibility with WooCommerce is essential.
Divi WooCommerce Support
- Integrated WooCommerce Modules: With over 40 dedicated WooCommerce modules, Divi covers essential features like product pages, cart, and checkout.
- Customizable Store Layouts: Users can easily create tailored product pages using Divi’s WooCommerce builder, allowing for a unique shopping experience.
- Pre-designed Store Layouts: Divi also offers pre-made WooCommerce templates, enabling quick setup for eCommerce sites without compromising on style. Whether starting fresh or updating a store, Divi simplifies the process.
WPBakery WooCommerce Support
- WooCommerce Compatibility: WPBakery has a separate add-on for WooCommerce, enabling users to set up online stores. The add-on allows users to build custom WooCommerce pages such as product page, cart page, checkout page and more.
- Add-on Dependent: To create custom eCommerce pages, users typically need to invest in specific WooCommerce add-ons, which can increase costs and complicate the setup process.
- Fewer Built-in Elements: Unlike Divi, WPBakery provides a smaller selection of native WooCommerce elements, meaning users will often depend on external plugins to access advanced features.
5. Divi vs WPBakery: Pricing Plans
Pricing affects long-term value, especially for agencies or freelancers managing multiple sites.
Divi Pricing
Divi offers two pricing options:
- Annual and Lifetime Plans: Divi offers two pricing options: an annual plan for $89 per year, allowing unlimited sites, and a one-time lifetime plan for $249, also covering unlimited sites.
- All-Inclusive: Both plans include updates, support, and access to all Elegant Themes products, providing a complete package for users.
- Divi Pro Plans: Divi also offers Pro plan that include access to Pro service such as Divi Ai, Divi Cloud, Divi Teams and more. The pricing for Pro plan starts at $277/year or $297 one time fee plus $212 recurring the following years.
- Better Long-term Value: The lifetime plan is ideal for long-term users, especially agencies and developers managing multiple sites, as it avoids ongoing subscription fees while offering perpetual updates and support.
WPBakery Pricing
- One-Time Purchase: WPBakery costs $69 for a single site license, which includes lifetime updates, making it a simple option for one-off projects.
- Add-on Costs: Users may need to buy additional premium add-ons for more advanced features, potentially raising the overall cost over time.
- Cheaper for Single Use: This pricing is economical for users focused on a single site, but those looking to expand functionality should expect extra spending on add-ons.
Which is a Better Page Builder: Divi or WPBakery?
When comparing Divi and WPBakery, Divi clearly stands out for users who need advanced design control. It offers more customization options, superior WooCommerce support, and a large library of templates. This makes it a solid choice for those looking for long-term value, especially with its lifetime pricing plan.
WPBakery, on the other hand, is better for users who prefer simplicity. Its lightweight performance and lower initial cost make it ideal for single-site projects. While it doesn’t have as many built-in features as Divi, it’s a good option for those who don’t need as much complexity and want a more affordable page builder.
Final Recommendation:
Choose Divi if you’re looking for design flexibility and a feature-rich builder. Go with WPBakery if you prefer a simpler, more lightweight tool with fewer upfront costs.