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12 Best Drag and Drop WordPress Page Builders (for 2021)

Top 7 Easiest Drag & Drop Page Builders for WordPress 

Written By: author image Stacey Corrin
author image Stacey Corrin
Stacey has been writing about WordPress and digital marketing for over 10 years and on other topics for much longer. Alongside this, she's fascinated with web design, user experience, and SEO.
     Reviewed By: Turner John
reviewer image Turner John
John Turner is the co-founder of SeedProd. He has over 20+ years of business and development experience and his plugins have been downloaded over 25 million times.

In my decade of content marketing, I’ve worked with several WordPress page builders, focusing on those that are truly easy to use. I’ve used them to build landing pages for clients and even on my hobby projects, giving me a good grasp of what works and what doesn’t.

But if you’re new to drag-and-drop page builders, or just looking for an easier way to build in WordPress, chances are you don’t know where to start.

What’s the easiest drag and drop page builder for WordPress for beginners? And what’s the best value for your budget? In this comparison, I’ll cover everything you need to know.

Best WordPress Page Builders:

What Is a WordPress Page Builder?

A WordPress page builder is a web-based tool that lets you create WordPress pages by dragging and dropping elements without needing to know how to code. These easy-to-use drag and drop builders typically include customizable design elements, pre-made templates, live previews, and mobile-responsive designs.

If you’re a WordPress website owner, you’re probably already familiar with how page building works in WordPress. The most common method is using the WordPress block editor or full site editor, which you might also know as Gutenberg. It lets you create the page layout with blocks, allowing you to design a professional page without coding.

From my experience with the block editor, you’re limited by what you can do with it. Yes, you can customize colors and fonts and create interesting sections. But it’s harder to customize the small details like padding, borders, margins, shadows, and everything else.

When testing the top WordPress page builders like SeedProd or Thrive Architect, I found it much easier to get the look I wanted. For instance, I could simply click to add a box shadow or drag and drop to add an opt-in form. This saved me a lot of time while producing a professional than if I’d stuck with the default editor.

How I Tested the Best WordPress Page Builders

When searching for the best WordPress page builders for this review, I prioritized easy drag and drop functionality. I wanted to identify the builders that make it truly simple for anyone, regardless of technical skill, to create professional websites.

My evaluation criteria included:

  • Ease of use: How intuitive is the drag and drop interface? Can beginners get started quickly?
  • Essential features: Does the builder offer pre-designed templates, mobile-responsive design, and robust customization options?
  • Value: Are there free versions or affordable pricing plans?

With that said, let’s explore the easiest drag-and-drop WordPress page builders I’ve used and tested.

Best Drag-and-Drop WordPress Page Builders

1. Easiest WordPress Page Builder for Speed: SeedProd

SeedProd best WordPress page builders and Drag and Drop WordPress website builder

Ask any website owner what they’re obsessed with, and chances are they’ll say “page speed.” A fast-loading website is better for SEO and user experience, both of which impact your bottom line.

As a WordPress user, you have quite a few options for speeding up your site, from image optimization to caching plugins. But if you want a page builder that prioritizes speed, while being easy to use, you need SeedProd.

My Experience

When I first tested SeedProd, I was mainly interested in its landing page builder, which lives up to the hype. But during the setup process, I discovered it’s coming soon, and maintenance mode features and I was sold. Not all page builders offer this level of functionality right out of the box.

SeedProd landing page modes

SeedProd makes it easy to design a professional coming soon or maintenance mode page that blends seamlessly with your brand. When I was building my page, I could choose from several templates and customize them to my liking – a level of control I didn’t find with some competitors.

SeedProd landing page templates

Once you’re in the page builder, you’re met with a drag-and-drop interface that’s familiar to other tools. Simply drag and drop page elements (such as headings, images, and opt-in forms) where you want them and customize them to your liking.

Drag and drop page building in SeedProd

One thing I found particularly useful when I was first learning the tool was its inclusion of pre-built sections, which are blocks of content pre-designed by the SeedProd team. It made the process much faster than if I had designed everything from scratch.

SeedProd page sections

Another thing that stands out is how smooth and lag-free the SeedProd editor is – even on larger pages with lots of elements.

And here’s the kicker: SeedProd isn’t just for landing pages. Their theme builder lets you create entire WordPress themes without touching code.

WordPress theme builder templates

Plus, if you’re running an online store, their WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads integrations make it easy to build high-converting product and checkout pages, a feature that often requires add-ons or upgrades with other builders.

Custom WooCommerce checkout page

Key Features I Loved

  • Drag-and-drop page builder
  • Coming soon and maintenance mode functionality
  • Email marketing integrations
  • Pre-built templates and sections
  • Theme Builder
  • WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads integrations
ProsCons
Easy to useLimited features in the free version
Lightweight codeCan get expensive on higher tiers, especially if you need the theme builder and eCommerce features
SEO-friendly
Responsive designs
Can be used to build full websites, not just landing pages

Pricing & Plans

Free plan available. Paid plans start at $39.95 per year.

Customer Review

SeedProd customer review

Websites Using SeedProd

2. Best WordPress Page Builder for Marketers: Thrive Architect

Thrive Architect WordPress page builder

As a marketer, I often judge a WordPress page builder on more than just looks. I need a tool that’s fine-tuned for conversions. That’s where Thrive Architect comes in, armed with features that go beyond basic page building.

My Experience

Right from the get-go, Thrive Architect screams “results.” Instead of generic templates, you’re greeted with a library of conversion-focused landing page designs – each carefully built to maximize opt-ins, webinar sign-ups, or whatever your marketing goal might be.

Thrive Architect templates

While testing Thrive, I was blown away by the sheer number of marketing-specific elements built directly into the editor. Want to add a countdown timer to create urgency? Drag, drop, done. Need to run A/B tests on headlines to see what converts best? No problem – Thrive has you covered.

Thrive Architect WordPress page builder interface

Of course, all the expected drag-and-drop goodness is there. You can easily add elements, customize styling, and preview your page without touching code.

But Thrive Architect is in a league of its own for marketers who want to build high-performing landing pages, sales pages, or even complete marketing funnels.

Key Features I Loved

  • Drag-and-drop page builder with a focus on marketing-specific elements
  • Large selection of conversion-optimized landing page templates
  • Built-in A/B testing, countdown timers, testimonials, and lead-generation forms
  • Seamless integration with Thrive Themes and other Thrive Suite marketing tools
ProsCons
Powerful marketing features that eliminate the need for multiple pluginsCan have a steeper learning curve than simpler page builders
Templates designed with conversions in mind, not just aestheticsThrive Architect is part of the Thrive Suite, so accessing the full range of features requires a subscription
Excellent for building email lists, promoting online courses, and driving sales

Pricing & Plans

Thrive Architect is available as part of the Thrive Suite, starting at $499 per year. You also get Thrive Architect as a standalone plugin for $99 per year.

Customer Review

Thrive Themes customer review

Websites Using Thrive Architect

3. Best for WordPress Page Builder for Simplicity: Beaver Builder

Beaver Builder WordPress page builder

Sometimes, you just want a WordPress page builder that gets out of your way and lets you build. No fuss, no bloat, just simple drag-and-drop goodness. That’s Beaver Builder in a nutshell.

My Experience

From the moment you start using Beaver Builder, you’ll notice how refreshingly straightforward it is. The interface is clean and uncluttered, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced WordPress users who are tired of fighting with clunky builders.

Beaver Builder WordPress page builder editor

What impressed me most about Beaver Builder is how it balances simplicity with power. Yes, it’s easy to use, but don’t mistake that for a lack of features.

Beaver Builder includes everything you need to create professional-looking pages, from content blocks and widgets to advanced styling options and layout controls.

Beaver Builder advanced styling with custom code

One of my favorite things about Beaver Builder is its live, front-end editing experience. You see your changes happening in real-time, directly on your site. No more clicking back and forth between preview modes.

Key Features I Loved

  • Clean and user-friendly drag-and-drop interface
  • Real-time, front-end editing for an intuitive building experience
  • Variety of content modules and widgets to add diverse functionality
  • Responsive design controls to ensure your site looks great on all devices
ProsCons
Incredibly easy to learn and use, even for complete WordPress newbiesThe template library isn’t as extensive as some competitors
Solid balance of simplicity and powerful featuresMay not be ideal for users who need highly specialized marketing or eCommerce features built-in
Excellent support and a thriving community

Pricing & Plans

Beaver Builder offers a limited free version. Premium plans start at $99 per year and allow users to use Beaver Builder on unlimited websites.

Customer Review

Beaver Builder customer review

Websites Using Beaver Builder

Check out my Beaver Builder review for more details.

4. Best WordPress Page Builder for Flexibility: Divi by Elegant Themes

Divi is the best WordPress page builder for visual designers

If you love having endless design options, then Divi is the page builder for you. This powerful tool gives you complete control over how your website looks — without needing to know how to code.

My Experience

You can use Divi’s page builder with their popular Divi theme, but it also works as a standalone plugin with other popular WordPress themes. I actually tested Divi with a few different themes, and it worked flawlessly with all of them, which is a huge plus if you like to experiment with different designs.

One thing that sets Divi apart from other WordPress page builders is its front-end visual editor. Instead of making changes on the backend and then previewing them, Divi lets you edit your content directly on your website.

Divi WordPress page builder

I found this feature extremely useful when I was learning how to use Divi, as I could see how my changes would look in real-time.

And if you need a creative boost or want to speed up your workflow, Divi AI is a game-changer. This built-in AI assistant can generate copy and images, suggest layouts, and even write code for you right inside the Divi editor.

Divi image AI

And if you love working with templates, you’re in luck! Divi has a massive library of pre-built layouts, sections, and modules that you can mix and match to create just about any design you can imagine.

Divi templates library

What I loved most about this, though, was that it made the design process much faster since I didn’t have to build every page from scratch.

Now, full disclosure: Divi has so many features and options that it can be a little overwhelming at first, especially if you’re a beginner. But if you stick with it and take the time to learn the ropes, you’ll be rewarded with a tool that gives you ultimate design freedom.

Key Features I Loved

  • Front-end, visual editing experience for intuitive design
  • Vast library of pre-built layouts, sections, and modules
  • Global styling options for efficient sitewide changes
  • Responsive design controls and extensive customization options
ProsCons
Unmatched flexibility and design freedomCan be overwhelming for beginners due to the sheer number of options
Great for building complex layouts and unique websitesRelying heavily on Divi’s visual builder can sometimes make it trickier to switch to other themes or builders down the line
Active community and extensive documentation

Pricing & Plans

Divi is available as part of the Elegant Themes membership, which starts at $89 per year for use on unlimited websites.

Customer Review

Divi Customer review

Website Using Divi

For more information, here’s my Divi review.

5. Best WordPress Page Builder for Templates: Elementor

Elementor WordPress page builder

Let’s be real: Sometimes, we need a little design inspiration. And when it comes to WordPress page builders, Elementor is like that friend with impeccable taste and a closet full of stylish outfits you can borrow.

My Experience

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve turned to Elementor’s template library to kickstart a new website project. It’s a lifesaver when you need a professional-looking design fast but don’t have the time (or, let’s be honest, the design chops) to create something from scratch.

Elementor is famous for its massive library of templates – we’re talking hundreds of pre-designed pages and blocks for just about every niche and industry imaginable. Whether you need a landing page for your latest course launch, a sleek homepage for your agency, or a sales page that converts like crazy, Elementor likely has a template to get you started.

Elementor landing page templates

But don’t worry, you’re not stuck with a cookie-cutter design. Once you’ve chosen a template, Elementor’s drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to customize everything to match your brand. You can swap out images, tweak colors, and adjust layouts – the sky’s the limit.

Elementor page builder

During my own testing, I’ve found that I can usually get a template 80% of the way there and then make a few tweaks to align it perfectly with my vision.

One thing I especially appreciate about Elementor is its focus on user experience. The interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate, even if you’re new to page builders. Plus, their extensive library of widgets means you can add all sorts of cool functionality to your pages without needing to wrangle code.

Key Features I Loved

  • Huge library of pre-designed templates for various website needs
  • User-friendly drag-and-drop editor for easy customization
  • Extensive widget library for adding advanced functionality
  • Responsive design controls and mobile editing capabilities
ProsCons
Vast template selection to jumpstart your design processRelying heavily on templates can sometimes limit design creativity
Intuitive interface that’s great for both beginners and prosUsing too many Elementor widgets can potentially slow down your website if not optimized carefully
Active community and marketplace for additional templates and extensions

Pricing & Plans

Elementor offers a free version with limited features. Their paid plans start at $59 per year for use on one website.

Customer Review

Elementor customer review

Websites Using Elementor

Need more details? Here’s a detailed Elementor review I wrote.

6. Best WordPress Page Builder for Beginners: Visual Composer Website Builder

Visual composer drag and drop page builder plugin for WordPress

If you’re new to WordPress page builders, Visual Composer is a great place to start. It’s designed with beginners in mind – easy to learn, yet surprisingly powerful once you get the hang of it.

My Experience

When I first tried Visual Composer, I was immediately struck by how smoothly it integrates with the WordPress dashboard. If you’re already familiar with the basic WordPress editor, you’ll feel right at home. Visual Composer just takes things up a notch (or ten).

Visual Composer WordPress interface

I love that Visual Composer lets you choose between working in the backend or using their front-end editor.

Sometimes, I like to see my design come together visually, but other times, it’s nice to focus on the structure and content without distractions. Visual Composer gives you the flexibility to do both.

Visual Composer WordPress page builder front end interface

That said, I did find that Visual Composer’s free version can feel a bit limited compared to some of the other builders on this list. You might find yourself wanting to upgrade to access more advanced styling options, templates, or elements.

Key Features I Loved

  • Beginner-friendly drag-and-drop interface with both backend and front-end editing options
  • Seamless integration with the WordPress dashboard and interface
  • Growing library of templates and pre-designed content blocks
  • Responsive design controls and options for mobile customization
ProsCons
Easy to learn and use, making it ideal for WordPress beginnersThe free version has limited features compared to some competitors
Offers a good balance of simplicity and features, without being overwhelmingCan sometimes feel less flexible than builders with more advanced design controls
Affordable premium plans for users who need more advanced functionality

Pricing & Plans

Visual Composer offers a free version. Their premium plans start at $49 per year for use on a single website.

Customer Review

Visual Composer customer review

Websites Using Visual Composer

7. Best WordPress Page Builder for Developers: Themify Builder

Themify best free WordPress page builder plugin

If you’re the type of WordPress user who likes to peek under the hood (and maybe even tinker with a little code now and then), then Themify Builder is right up your alley. This builder gives you a good balance of visual editing and developer-friendly features.

My Experience

Themify Builder interface

One thing that surprised me when I first started using Themify Builder was its flexibility. Yes, it has a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to build pages visually, but it also lets you get more granular with your designs using custom CSS and even PHP snippets.

Themify Builder custom CSS

Themify Builder also gets bonus points for its extensive library of add-ons. These add-ons allow you to extend the builder’s functionality with things like WooCommerce integration, custom post types, and even a white-label option if you’re building sites for clients.

However, I will admit that Themify Builder’s learning curve can be a tad steeper than some of the other builders on this list. If you’re a complete WordPress beginner, you might find it a bit overwhelming at first. It’s definitely geared more towards users who are already comfortable with the WordPress ecosystem.

Key Features I Loved

  • Drag-and-drop interface with both backend and front-end editing options
  • Developer-friendly features like custom CSS and PHP support
  • Large library of add-ons to extend functionality
  • Responsive design controls and mobile editing features
ProsCons
Great balance of visual editing and developer-friendly featuresSteeper learning curve than some other builders, which might not be ideal for beginners
Extensive customization options for users who like to tweak every detailThe interface can feel a little dated compared to some competitors
Affordable pricing, especially considering its features

Pricing & Plans

Themify Builder is available as a standalone plugin starting at $69 per year for use on a single website. It is also included with the Themify Master Club, which gives you access to all Themify themes and plugins for $89 per year.

Customer Review

Themify builder customer review

Websites Using Themify Builder

Alternative WordPress Page Builders

There are many other page builders available that didn’t have the chance to test and review. Since you may find the features you need for your site in these solutions, I’ll list them below for you to explore:

  • Page Builder by SiteOrigin: A popular free option known for its flexibility and widget-based design approach.
  • Brizy Page Builder:  If speed and a clutter-free interface are your top priorities, Brizy might be worth a look.
  • WP Page Builder: This freemium builder aims to make page building a breeze with its real-time, front-end editor and intuitive controls.
  • Oxygen Page Builder: Offers a unique approach for developers and advanced users who want ultimate control (and don’t mind a little coding).
  • WPBakery Page Builder: A long-standing and feature-rich builder often favored by developers for its customization options.
  • Zion Builder: A relative newcomer to the scene, with fast performance and a focus on clean code.
  • Live Composer: This freemium builder emphasizes real-time editing and a user-friendly experience for creating dynamic page layouts.

WordPress Page Builder Features You Need

Choosing the right WordPress page builder is easier when you know what to look for. I’ve spent a lot of time testing these things, and believe me, not all page builders are created equal.

Here are the essential features to keep in mind (and how they can make your life as a website owner way easier):

1. Drag-and-Drop Interface (That Doesn’t Make You Want to Pull Your Hair Out)

This one’s a no-brainer. The whole point of a page builder is to make web design easier, so the interface should be intuitive and user-friendly. Look for a builder that lets you easily add, move, and resize elements without needing a degree in computer science.

2. Templates That Don’t Scream “Generic”

Starting from scratch can be daunting (and time-consuming). A good page builder should offer a library of professionally designed templates that you can customize to match your brand. Think of them as stylish starting points, not cookie-cutter designs.

3. Mobile Responsiveness (Because, Hello, Mobile)

SeedProd mobile preview mode
<em><strong>Above<strong> Example of mobile preview mode in SeedProd<em>

It’s 2024 – your website needs to look amazing on all devices. Look for a builder with responsive design controls that make it easy to preview and adjust how your pages look on phones, tablets, and desktops.

4. Customization Options (So Your Site Doesn’t Look Like Everyone Else’s)

You’re unique, your website should be too. Choose a page builder that gives you granular control over styling, fonts, colors, spacing – all the little details that make your brand shine.

5. Performance Optimization (No One Likes a Slow Website)

Page Speed Insights

Page speed matters for SEO and for keeping your visitors engaged. The best page builders are built with performance in mind, using clean code and optimizations to ensure your site loads quickly.

6. Solid Support (Because Sometimes You Just Need a Helping Hand)

Even the most tech-savvy among us need help sometimes. Look for a page builder with excellent documentation, helpful tutorials, and responsive customer support (just in case you run into any snags).

What’s the Best WordPress Page Builder for You?

Let’s be honest – there’s no single “best” WordPress page builder that rules them all. It depends entirely on your needs, your budget, and your comfort level with WordPress itself.

But after testing and using a ton of these tools, I can confidently say that SeedProd consistently rises to the top for me as the easiest. I love that I can use it for everything from quick landing pages to full-blown website builds—plus, it’s coming soon, and maintenance mode features are game-changers.

But hey, that’s just me. The most important thing is to choose the builder that best aligns with your unique needs and workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a WordPress page builder if I use the block editor?
The WordPress block editor, also known as Gutenberg, has blocks that look similar to the page builders in this post. However, it isn’t a complete page builder quite yet because it lacks essential features that the most powerful page builders offer. So yes, you’ll need a page builder if you want to create custom designs easily without coding.
Which free page builder is best for WordPress?
SeedProd offers the best free page builder for WordPress. It has everything you need to create top-performing landing pages and doesn’t cost a penny. However,I recommend upgrading to the premium version.
Which WordPress page builder is the fastest?
After conducting performance tests between Beaver Builder vs. Elementor vs. SeedProd, Divi vs. Elementor vs. SeedProd, and even WPBakery vs. Elementor vs. SeedProd, SeedProd always comes out as the fastest WordPress page builder.
Do page builders slow down WordPress?
Page builders add extra features and code, which can make the website take longer to load. However, some page builders are designed to be more efficient and might not slow down your site as much. It’s important to choose a good page builder and to use it wisely.

I hope this article helped you research and find the best WordPress page builder for your website.

If you’re looking for more ways to enhance your website, you’ll find our top plugin roundups helpful:

Thanks for reading! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to leave a comment with any questions and feedback.

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Editor’s Note: I originally published this post in May 2020, but I’ve since updated it for thoroughness.

author avatar
Stacey Corrin Writer
Stacey has been writing about WordPress and digital marketing for over 10 years and on other topics for much longer. Alongside this, she's fascinated with web design, user experience, and SEO.

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