Elementor Pro – and Why It’s So Popular?
Elementor Pro is one of the most used WordPress page builder plugins. It lets you design beautiful websites without needing to write any code. With its drag-and-drop editor, ready-made templates, and full customization options, anyone can build professional-looking pages easily.
It’s popular because it saves time, is beginner-friendly, and gives users full control over their website design—even with no coding skills.
Elementor Free vs Elementor Pro GPL — Comparison Table
| Feature | Elementor Free | Elementor Pro GPL |
|---|---|---|
| Drag & Drop Editor | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Basic Widgets | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Pro Widgets (Forms, Slides) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Theme Builder | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Popup Builder | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| WooCommerce Builder | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Custom CSS | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Support & Updates | ❌ No | ❌ Manual updates only |
Can You Get Elementor Pro for Free?
Yes, you can get Elementor Pro for free through GPL-licensed websites. These versions are shared under the General Public License, which allows users to use, share, and modify the plugin legally.
However, the free GPL version doesn’t come with official support or automatic updates. You’ll need to update it manually, and there’s no help from the Elementor team if you run into problems. If you want full support and auto-updates, it’s best to buy it from the official site.
Best Free or Budget–Friendly Alternatives to Elementor Pro
Looking for other options? Here are some great alternatives to Elementor Pro:
- Brizy – Offers a simple drag-and-drop builder. The free version has many tools, and the Pro version is budget-friendly.
- Beaver Builder – A clean and easy-to-use page builder. It has a strong free version and affordable upgrades.
- SiteOrigin Page Builder – A lightweight builder plugin that works well with most themes. It’s completely free.
- Gutenberg (Block Editor) – WordPress’s built-in editor. It’s improving fast and is completely free.
- WP Page Builder – Offers a good set of features in its free version and is great for beginners.
These tools are easy on the pocket and still let you build custom websites.
What Is Elementor Pro General Public License?
Elementor Pro shared under the GPL (General Public License) means anyone can use, change, and share it legally. This license allows developers to offer the Pro version without breaking any rules.
When you get Elementor Pro GPL from trusted GPL sites, you’re using it legally. However, these versions don’t come with support or automatic updates. For full support, security, and the latest features, the official version is the better choice.
Elementor Pro GPL vs Elementor Pro: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Elementor Pro GPL | Official Elementor Pro |
|---|---|---|
| All Pro Features | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Drag & Drop Builder | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Premium Widgets | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Theme & Popup Builder | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Automatic Updates | ❌ Manual updates only | ✅ Yes |
| License Key | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included |
| Security & Reliability | ⚠️ Depends on source | ✅ Guaranteed |
Elementor Pro Version History and Timeline
- Initial Launch – Elementor started as a free page builder in 2016, offering simple drag-and-drop design for WordPress users.
- Elementor Pro Release (2016) – Introduced advanced design tools, premium widgets, and features like custom headers, footers, and templates.
- Version 2.0 (2018) – Added the powerful Theme Builder, letting users design entire websites without coding.
- Version 2.5+ – Brought in Motion Effects and advanced responsive controls for better design flexibility.
- Version 3.0 (2020) – Major performance upgrade, added global site settings, improved speed, and workflow.
- Recent Updates – Include AI-powered design tools, improved WooCommerce builder, and more speed and stability improvements.
Elementor Pro keeps evolving to give users better performance, features, and design freedom.