Elementor Pro and why it’s so popular?
Elementor Pro is one of the most popular WordPress page builders because it’s fast, easy to use, and doesn’t require any coding. With drag-and-drop tools, pre-built templates, and advanced design options, anyone can build a professional-looking website in minutes. Designers, bloggers, and businesses love it for how quickly it turns ideas into fully working pages.
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, Sliders) | No | Yes |
| Theme Builder | No | Yes |
| WooCommerce Builder | No | Yes |
| Popup Builder | No | Yes |
| Support & Updates | No (community only) | No official support, updates via GPLDL |
| Cost | Free | Low-cost via GPL site (GPLDL) |
| License Type | Proprietary | 100% GPL (from GPLDL) |
Can you get Elementor Pro for free?
Officially, no — Elementor Pro is a paid plugin. However, since it’s released under the GPL license, you can legally get it from third-party GPL sites like GPLDL. These versions are the same software but without official support or auto-updates. It’s a legal workaround for those who can’t afford the official subscription, but it’s always best to support the original developers if you can.
Best free or budget–friendly alternatives to Elementor Pro
If Elementor Pro is out of your budget, here are some great free or low-cost alternatives:
- Brizy – A beginner-friendly page builder with a clean interface and solid free features.
- Beaver Builder Lite – Simple and fast, great for basic layouts.
- Kadence Blocks – Works within the WordPress block editor; lightweight and flexible.
- SiteOrigin Page Builder – A classic drag-and-drop builder that’s been around for years.
- Gutenberg + Addons (like Spectra or Stackable) – Extend WordPress’s native editor with more design tools.
These tools offer solid performance for free or with affordable pro upgrades.
What is Elementor Pro General Public License?
Elementor Pro is released under the GPL (General Public License), which means you’re free to use, modify, and share the plugin. When you buy Elementor Pro, you’re paying for support and updates—not the plugin code itself. Because of this license, trusted GPL sites like GPLDL can legally redistribute Elementor Pro. The key thing to remember: the software is legal to share, but only official purchases include customer support and automatic updates.
Elementor Pro GPL vs Elementor Pro: What’s the difference?
Both versions give you the same plugin, with all the same features and design tools. The difference lies in how you get it:
- Elementor Pro (official): Comes with automatic updates, customer support, and a license key.
- Elementor Pro GPL (from sites like GPLDL): No license key, no official updates, and no support — but it’s cheaper or even free.
If you’re okay managing updates manually and don’t need support, the GPL version can be a smart budget choice.
Elementor Pro version history and timeline
- 2016 – Elementor launched with its free version.
- 2017 – Elementor Pro released with advanced widgets and Theme Builder.
- 2019 – Introduced Popup Builder and WooCommerce Builder.
- 2021 – Major performance updates and new design features like motion effects.
- 2023 – Added Loop Builder and AI integration tools.
- 2024 – Continued focus on speed, accessibility, and deeper WooCommerce support.
Elementor Pro has grown from a simple builder to a full website design platform trusted by millions worldwide.