If you have been using WordPress for a while, chances are you have come across WPBakery at least once. It is one of the most widely used page builder plugins out there, and for good reason. But with so many newer options now available, a lot of people are asking whether it still holds up. Let us break it all down in plain terms.
What exactly is WPBakery?
WPBakery Page Builder is a drag and drop plugin for WordPress that lets you build and edit web pages without touching a single line of code. You can move sections around, add text blocks, images, buttons, and much more, all from a visual editor right inside WordPress.
It works in two modes. One is the front end editor, where you can see your changes in real time as you make them. The other is the back end editor, which works inside the standard WordPress dashboard. Both give you the same result, it just depends on how you prefer to work.
It has been around since 2011, originally under the name Visual Composer, and it quickly became one of the go-to tools for WordPress developers and site owners alike.
What Can WPBakery Actually Do?
WPBakery comes packed with features that cover most of what a typical WordPress website needs. Here is a look at what you get out of the box.
- Drag and Drop Editing
The core of WPBakery is its drag and drop interface. You can build layouts by stacking rows and columns, then dropping content elements inside them. It is fairly intuitive once you get the hang of it.
- A Large Element Library
WPBakery comes with over 50 built in content elements. Things like text blocks, image galleries, sliders, video players, call to action buttons, testimonials, tabs, and accordions. Most common website needs are covered without adding anything extra.
- Pre Built Templates
If starting from scratch feels overwhelming, WPBakery offers a library of ready made templates. You can pick one, swap out the content, and have a page looking decent in under an hour.
- Custom CSS and Code
For those who want more control, WPBakery lets you add custom CSS and even HTML directly to individual elements. So you are not stuck with the default styling if it does not suit your brand.
- Third Party Add Ons
Because WPBakery has been around for so long, there is a large ecosystem of add on plugins built specifically for it. These extend what the builder can do and help you add more advanced functionality without custom development.
- Role Manager
This one is useful if you have a team. You can control which users have access to the page builder and what they can edit. Helpful for client sites where you want to limit what they can accidentally break.
Should You Still Be Using WPBakery in 2026?
This is the big question. And the honest answer is, it depends on your situation.
WPBakery is still a solid choice if you are working on an existing site that was already built with it. Switching page builders mid project can be a real headache and often is not worth the disruption.
It also makes sense if your team is already comfortable with it. There is a learning curve to every page builder, and if your people know WPBakery well, sticking with it can save you time and money.
That said, newer builders like Breakdance, Bricks, and Elementor have caught up and in some areas pulled ahead when it comes to performance and design flexibility. WPBakery has a reputation for generating heavier code than some of its competitors, which can affect page speed if not managed carefully.
So if you are starting a brand new project with no existing constraints, it might be worth exploring other options. But for existing WPBakery sites, there is no urgent reason to rip everything out and start again.
How Much Does WPBakery Cost?
WPBakery is a paid plugin. There is no meaningful free version available on WordPress.org. You purchase it either directly from their website or through CodeCanyon, which is a popular marketplace for premium plugins and themes.
- Regular License
This covers a single site and costs around $69 as a one time payment. Updates and support are included for six months, after which you can pay to extend support if needed.
- Extended License
This is for agencies or developers who want to use it on client sites where an end product is being sold. It costs significantly more and is aimed at professional use.
- Bundled with Themes
A lot of premium WordPress themes on ThemeForest come bundled with WPBakery at no extra cost. If you purchased one of these themes, you may already have access to it without realising.
One thing to keep in mind is that while the one time payment sounds appealing, you will need to pay for continued support if you want access to future updates beyond the initial period. This is fairly standard for premium plugins.
How Does WPBakery Stack Up Against Other Builders?
There are quite a few page builders to choose from these days. Here is a quick comparison to give you a sense of where WPBakery sits.
- WPBakery vs Elementor
Elementor is probably the most popular alternative right now. It has a smoother interface, a large free version, and a strong community. Elementor tends to generate lighter code in many cases. WPBakery has a steeper learning curve but has been around longer and has a massive library of compatible themes and add ons.
- WPBakery vs Beaver Builder
Beaver Builder is known for being clean and developer friendly. It produces tighter code than WPBakery in most cases and is a favourite among agencies that care about performance. WPBakery has more built in elements, but Beaver Builder is often easier to work with for custom builds.
- WPBakery vs Breakdance
Breakdance is a newer builder that has been gaining a lot of traction. It is fast, modern, and built with performance in mind. If you are starting fresh and want something future facing, Breakdance is worth a serious look. WPBakery has the advantage of maturity and compatibility with a huge range of themes.
- WPBakery vs Gutenberg
Gutenberg is the default block editor that comes built into WordPress. It has improved a lot over the years and for simpler sites it can be more than enough. WPBakery gives you more layout control and design flexibility, but Gutenberg is free and gets the job done for straightforward content pages.
So, Is WPBakery Worth It?
WPBakery is a reliable, well established tool that has helped build millions of WordPress websites. It is not the newest or the flashiest option out there, but it works, it is widely supported, and if you are already using it, there is no rush to change.
For new projects, it is worth comparing it with what else is available before committing. The landscape has changed a lot and some of the newer builders offer better performance and a cleaner editing experience out of the box.
If you are working with a development agency, the best approach is to let them guide the decision based on your specific goals, your existing setup, and what will be easiest to manage long term.
At the end of the day, the builder matters less than how well it is implemented. A well built WPBakery site will outperform a poorly built Elementor site every time. The tool is only as good as the hands it is in.
Quick Summary
- WPBakery is a drag and drop WordPress page builder that has been around since 2011
- It comes with 50 plus built in elements, templates, and support for custom code
- Still a solid choice for existing sites, but newer builders may be better for fresh projects
- Costs around $69 for a single site licence with optional support renewal
- Competes with Elementor, Beaver Builder, Breakdance, and Gutenberg
- Performance depends heavily on how it is set up, not just the plugin itself