If you’ve been exploring how to build a website on WordPress, chances are you’ve come across Elementor – one of the most popular drag-and-drop page builders around. It’s user-friendly, beginner-friendly, and perfect for small business owners wanting to take control of their website design without needing to write code.
But then you might have also seen Elementor Pro, and started wondering – what’s the difference? Do you really need to upgrade? Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your website goals.
Elementor (Free Version)
The free version of Elementor is a fantastic place to start. It gives you access to:
A visual, drag-and-drop editor (what you see is what you get)
Basic widgets like text, image, video, button, divider, Google Maps, etc.
Basic layout tools like columns and sections
Mobile responsive editing
Access to a library of pre-designed templates
This version is ideal for:
Simple websites or one-pagers
Bloggers or hobbyists
DIY-ers starting out on a budget
Testing the builder before committing
You can absolutely build a good-looking, functional website with just the free version. But if you want to add more design control, advanced features, or save time, that’s where Elementor Pro helps even more.
Elementor Pro (Paid Version)
Elementor Pro unlocks powerful tools that let you go further with your website design and functionality. With the upgrade, you’ll get:
More Powerful Widgets
Forms (contact, newsletter signup, etc.)
Slides, carousels, pricing tables, countdowns
WooCommerce widgets for online stores
Call-to-action boxes, flip boxes, testimonials and more
Theme Builder
Design your header, footer, blog post templates, archive pages, and more – all without needing a developer or writing any code. This gives you full design freedom across your whole site.
Marketing Tools
Pop-ups (with targeting and triggers)
Integrations with Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, Hubspot, and other marketing tools
Custom forms with conditional logic
Advanced Design Features
Custom CSS for more control (without editing theme files)
Global widgets and design settings
Motion effects and animations
Role manager (great for teams)
Access to the Full Template & Block Library
Pro users can use professional-grade, fully customisable pre-built website kits, saving time and effort.
Pricing
Elementor Pro starts at USD $59 per year for one site (around AUD $90). It’s a one-off investment that can seriously boost your website’s professionalism, especially if you’re running a business.
Which one is right for you?
Elementor is an amazing tool – whether you stick with the free version or invest in Pro. If you’re a small business owner looking to grow your online presence, Elementor Pro gives you the flexibility, polish, and efficiency to build a website that works for your business.
Still not sure? At Hatchling Web, we can help you build or customise your website with either version. We also run beginner-friendly workshops to teach you how to use Elementor confidently in WordPress — no tech background needed!
Get in touch or check out our Elementor training sessions to learn more.
Related Questions
What is the main difference between Elementor (free version) and Elementor Pro?
In short, the free version of Elementor give you just enough features and functionlity to build a basic website using their Drag-and-Drop functionality, however the Pro version of Elementor offers many more features and functions to further enhance building of a website.
Do I need WordPress to use Elementor?
Yes, Elementor is a Drag-and-Drop page builder plugin designed specifically for self-hosted WordPress websites (WordPress.org) or WordPress.com sites with a Business Plan or higher. You cannot use Elementor on its own, as it requires a WordPress environment to function and create your website.
WordPress.org vs WordPress.com—what’s the difference?
WordPress.org provides free, open-source software for self-hosted websites, giving users complete control over customisation, hosting, and plugins, but requiring you to manage your own hosting and security. WordPress.com is a hosted, managed platform offering different plans, with a basic free version and paid upgrades, which handles technical aspects like hosting and security but imposes limitations on customisation and functionality.
If your looking for complete control when using WordPress, we recommend WordPress.org and hosting with a reputable hosting provider.
How do I install Elementor?
You can either install Elementor (free version) from the plugins library within your WordPress admin dashboard, or you can download it from the plugins repository then upload to install it on your WordPress website.
The Pro version is only available to download directly from Elementors website after upgrading from the free version. You’ll need both the free version and Pro version installed to use the Pro version in full.
