Short answer: pick Elementor if you want the gentlest learning curve, the biggest library of templates and add-ons, and a free version to start with. Pick Bricks if speed, clean code and long-term maintainability matter more, and you (or your developer) are comfortable with basic CSS.
We build client sites with Bricks, including this one, and we maintain plenty of Elementor sites too. Here’s how they compare in practice.
Bricks vs Elementor at a glance
| Bricks | Elementor | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A theme with a built-in visual builder | A plugin that works with most themes |
| Free version | No (60-day money-back guarantee) | Yes, the free Editor plugin |
| Pricing | $79–$249/year, or $599 once for lifetime, unlimited sites | Pro from $60/year per site; higher tiers for more sites and AI |
| Code output | Lean HTML and CSS, few wrapper divs | Heavier by default; V4 is reducing this |
| Classes and variables | Built in for years | Added with Editor V4 |
| Dynamic data and query loops | Built in, very flexible | Loop Grid and dynamic tags in Pro |
| WooCommerce templates | Built in | In Pro |
| Learning curve | Steeper; CSS knowledge helps | Beginner-friendly |
| Ecosystem | Smaller but focused | Huge: templates, add-ons, tutorials |
| Best for | Performance-first custom builds | Fast starts, DIY owners, big template libraries |
The core difference
Both are visual builders: you drag, drop and style without writing PHP. The difference is what they prioritise.
- Elementor prioritises reach and ease. It works with almost any theme, has a free version, and nearly every problem has a tutorial or an add-on.
- Bricks prioritises output. It’s a complete theme, so it controls the whole page: header, footer, templates and content. It writes markup close to what a developer would write by hand.
Speed and code quality
This is the main reason developers move to Bricks. A typical Elementor section nests several wrapper elements and loads widget CSS and JavaScript that the page may not need. Bricks outputs fewer elements, lets you choose the HTML tag of each one (section, article, ul, button) and loads only what’s used. Less markup and CSS make good Core Web Vitals easier to reach, especially on mobile.
Elementor can be fast. Its Editor V4 moves towards classes and leaner CSS, and a careful build with caching can score well. But you start from a heavier baseline, and it takes more work to stay fast as the site grows. Whichever you pick, the build matters more than the tool: see how to speed up a WordPress site.
Ease of use
Elementor is easier on day one. Panels are self-explanatory, and the free version and huge tutorial library make it the natural choice for owners building their own site.
Bricks rewards structure. You think in containers, classes and spacing rather than one-off widget settings. Once that clicks it’s faster, but people with no CSS background find the first week harder.
For clients who only edit text and images, both work well. A developer can restrict what editors may change, so the layout can’t be broken.
Classes, variables and design systems
Bricks has had global classes, CSS variables and a theme-styles system for years. You style a “card” once, and every card on the site updates. Elementor’s Editor V4 adds classes and variables too, which is a big step. Bricks’ version is more mature, and more of its ecosystem is built around it.
Dynamic content and WooCommerce
Both can build custom post templates, archive pages and WooCommerce product, cart and checkout templates.
– Bricks: query loops, dynamic data and conditions are built in and work on any element. That makes listings, filters and custom post types very flexible without extra plugins.
– Elementor: the same features come with Pro and its add-on ecosystem.
Ecosystem and add-ons
Elementor wins clearly. Thousands of templates, add-on packs and third-party widgets exist, and nearly any freelancer has used it. Bricks’ ecosystem is smaller, but the core does more out of the box, so you need fewer add-ons. Fewer plugins means fewer updates, conflicts and security risks.
Pricing
- Bricks:
- $79/year for 1 site, $149/year for 3 sites, $249/year for unlimited sites.
- Or $599 once for lifetime updates on unlimited sites.
- Elementor:
- A free Editor plugin.
- Pro from $60/year for one site, with higher tiers for more sites.
- “One” plans add AI credits and hosted tools.
For one site, the yearly costs are similar. For anyone running several sites, Bricks’ lifetime licence usually works out cheaper. Prices change, so check the official pricing pages before buying.
Lock-in: what happens if you switch later?
With both, your layouts belong to the builder. Deactivate it and the design is gone, though your text and images stay in WordPress.
– Elementor is a plugin, so you can change the theme underneath it.
– Bricks is the theme, so leaving Bricks means a new theme and a rebuild.
There is no reliable automatic converter between the two. Moving from Elementor to Bricks, or back, is a rebuild, ideally combined with a clean-up of content and URLs. See our migration service.
Which one should you choose?
Choose Elementor if:
– you’re building the site yourself and want the easiest start;
– you want a free version or a ready-made template to adapt;
– you rely on specific Elementor add-ons.
Choose Bricks if:
– page speed and Core Web Vitals matter for your business;
– you want clean, maintainable code that a developer can work with for years;
– you’re building custom post types, listings or a WooCommerce store with custom templates;
– you manage several sites and want one lifetime licence.
Why we build with Bricks
For custom WordPress development we choose Bricks. It gives us developer-level control over the HTML and CSS without giving up visual editing for our clients. That makes speed and technical SEO part of the build, not a fix applied afterwards. Recent Bricks builds in our portfolio include Hawker’s Kitchens & Bedrooms, Taxi Hersonissos and Crete Vacation Home.
Not sure which fits your project? Tell us about it and we’ll give you a straight answer, even if the answer is Elementor.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bricks faster than Elementor?
Usually, yes, because it outputs less HTML, CSS and JavaScript by default. A well-optimised Elementor site can still be fast, but it takes more work.
Is Bricks better for SEO?
Indirectly. Neither builder ranks a page by itself, but Bricks’ lighter, semantic output makes Core Web Vitals and clean markup easier, and both support technical SEO.
Is there a free version of Bricks?
No. Bricks is paid only, with a 60-day money-back guarantee. Elementor has a free version.
Can I convert an Elementor site to Bricks?
Not automatically. The two store layouts differently, so pages are rebuilt. Text, images and URLs carry over.
Is Bricks good for beginners?
It’s usable, but Elementor is friendlier for complete beginners. Bricks suits people who know a little CSS, or who work with a developer.
Does Elementor V4 close the gap?
Partly. Classes and variables bring Elementor closer to Bricks’ workflow, but Bricks still produces leaner output and its system is more mature.