Logo
Logo

September 27, 2024

6 Best WordPress Theme Builders (Expert Picks)

Are you looking for the best WordPress theme builders? Building a custom WordPress website no longer requires deep technical expertise. With the rise of theme builders, anyone can design and customize a professional website with ease.

In this article, we’ll explore the best WordPress theme builders, breaking down their key features, pros and cons, pricing, and suitability for different user needs, helping you find the perfect builder for your website.

In a hurry? We have highlighted our top recommendation below so you can make a quick decision.

Top Pick

Breakdance

The perfect balance of power and ease. Deep design control, WooCommerce integration, and lightning-fast performance that is ideal for both beginners and experienced developers.

Visit Breakdance →

There are so many theme builders out there, and honestly, it is hard to know which ones are actually worth your time. Instead of relying on marketing claims, we decided to test these plugins ourselves and see what they can really do.

We created identical WordPress test environments and built the same pages using each builder. We measured real performance metrics using PageSpeed Insights and Pingdom, tested WooCommerce integration depth, evaluated the learning curve for beginners, and assessed the flexibility for advanced users.

We also looked at third-party ecosystems, template quality, and long-term value. Our goal is simple: to give you a clear picture of what each builder actually delivers, so you can make the right choice for your website.

Best WordPress Theme Builders

Theme builders have changed the way we build WordPress sites, and honestly, it is easier than ever to create something that looks professional without touching a line of code. We spent a lot of time testing these builders to see what they can actually do in real projects. Some are great for beginners, others are built for developers who need more control. In this section, we will break down each builder and share what makes them worth considering for your next website.

1. Breakdance

Breakdance Builder
⭐ 4.4/5 | 40K+ Active Installations
Performance-first architecture
130+ built-in elements
Advanced WooCommerce integration

Breakdance is a user-friendly yet powerful theme builder that offers deep design control. Its drag-and-drop interface, combined with dynamic content support and advanced styling options, makes it an excellent choice for users who want to create polished, feature-rich websites without complex coding.

Key Features

  • Allows you to integrate and display dynamic content from custom fields.
  • Provides extensive control over typography, colors, and spacing to fine-tune the look of your site.
  • Customize the display of content based on user interactions or conditions.
  • It comes with 145 built-in elements, including specific elements for single posts and archive pages.
  • WooCommerce Builder: Deep WooCommerce integration for creating custom eCommerce sites.
  • Unique Code Block that supports adding PHP, CSS, and HTML code to your website.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Lightning-fast performance with clean code and deep WooCommerce integration.
Cons: Smaller template library and limited third-party add-ons.

Pricing

Breakdance offers a range of flexible pricing options to accommodate various needs. Here are all the plans available:

  • Free version with 80+ elements for designing basic websites
  • Pro Single Site: $99.99 per year for one website with all pro features
  • Pro Unlimited Sites: $199.99 per year for unlimited websites with all pro features
  • Agency: $799.99 per year for teams and resellers managing multiple client sites

2. Oxygen

Oxygen Builder
⭐ 4.5/5 | 100K+ Active Installations
Lightweight and fast performance
Full CSS and JS control
Developer-friendly design approach

Oxygen has evolved into a more powerful builder with the release of Oxygen 6. It remains a top choice for users who prefer a code-oriented design approach, combining its developer-friendly roots with new integrations that extend its capabilities. The builder now works seamlessly with Breakdance Elements as extensions, giving you more options to build custom websites without compromising on performance.

Key Features

  • Designed to be fast and efficient, minimizing the impact on site performance.
  • Provides extensive control over the design and functionality, making it ideal for experienced developers.
  • Create custom queries to display dynamic content based on specific criteria.
  • Allows you to create custom Gutenberg blocks for use in the WordPress editor.
  • Oxygen 6 includes Breakdance Elements for advanced design control.
  • Enhance your content management capabilities with ACF integration.
  • Customize your online store using the same drag-and-drop editor.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Lightweight and lightning-fast with powerful CSS and JS control, plus Breakdance extensions.
Cons: Steep learning curve for beginners without coding experience.

Pricing

Oxygen offers several pricing tiers to fit different needs. Here are all the plans available:

  • Basic: $129 one-time payment for Oxygen Classic with lifetime updates.
  • WooCo: $149 one-time payment for Oxygen Classic with WooCommerce features.
  • Oxygen 6: $199.50 one-time payment includes both Oxygen Classic and Oxygen 6, with Breakdance Elements, Breakdance WooCommerce, and Breakdance Forms extensions.

3. Divi Builder

Divi Builder
⭐ 4.9/5 | 1.9M+ Active Installations
Lifetime deal available
2600+ templates
Built-in A/B testing

Divi Builder is one of the most popular WordPress theme builders on the market, known for its visual interface and vast template library. It’s a versatile tool for creating responsive websites quickly, with drag-and-drop functionality that’s accessible for beginners and experts alike.

Key Features

  • Visual user-friendly interface that allows you to design your site visually without needing to code.
  • Access to 350+ pre-designed template and layout packs to jumpstart your design.
  • Built-in Split testing to test different design variations to optimize your site’s performance and user engagement.
  • WooCommerce Modules to enhance your online store with additional design and functionality options.
  • Create and manage global design elements that can be applied across your site.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Massive template library with 2600+ designs and lifetime licensing option available.
Cons: Interface has a steeper learning curve and can add code bloat affecting performance.

Pricing

Divi offers flexible pricing options to suit different budgets. Here are all the plans available:

  • Divi: $89 per year for unlimited sites with all pro features
  • Divi Lifetime: $249 one-time payment for unlimited sites with access to all pro features for life
  • Divi + Pro Services: $297 one-time payment with lifetime Divi access, annual renewal of $212 for Pro Services

4. Beaver Builder

Beaver Builder
⭐ 4.5/5 | 500K+ Active Installations
Stable and reliable performance
Clean and intuitive interface
WooCommerce integration

Beaver Builder has built a reputation for being one of the most reliable page builders you can use. It does not try to do everything at once, but what it does, it does really well. The interface is clean and straightforward, which means you can focus on building your site without getting lost in complicated menus. It is the kind of builder that just works, which is exactly what many of us are looking for.

Key Features

  • Easily integrate and customize your online store with WooCommerce.
  • Build and arrange page elements with a smooth and responsive drag-and-drop editor.
  • Use Beaver Themer to extend Beaver Builder’s functionality with advanced theme-building options.
  • Create and manage custom post types for specialized content.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Clean and intuitive interface with reliable, stable performance across sites.
Cons: Beaver Themer requires separate purchase for full theme building capabilities.

Pricing

Beaver Builder offers several pricing tiers, but you’ll need both Beaver Builder and Beaver Themer for full theme building capabilities. The Beaver Builder pricing starts at $99/year, and the Beaver Themer costs $147/year on top of this. The add-on comes included with the higher tier Ultimate plan, which costs $546/year.

Beaver Builder offers four pricing tiers to fit different needs, and every plan includes everything you need bundled together. Here are all the plans available:

  • Starter: $89 per year for 1 site.
  • Plus: $179 per year for 3 sites.
  • Professional: $299 per year for 50 sites.
  • Unlimited: $546 per year for unlimited sites.

All plans come with Page Builder, Theme, Beaver Themer, Loop Builder, and WooCommerce support.

5. Elementor

Elementor Builder
⭐ 4.5/5 | 9M+ Active Installations
Beginner-friendly interface
Huge addon ecosystem
Free version available

Elementor is one of the most widely used WordPress theme builders, offering a comprehensive range of widgets and customization options. With its theme builder, you can design headers, footers, and templates with precision, all while enjoying a smooth user experience. It’s a go-to for those who need both ease of use and extensive design control.

Key Features

  • Access a rich library of widgets for various types of content and functionality.
  • Customize every aspect of your site’s design, including headers, footers, and templates.
  • Create and manage popups for promotions, announcements, or user interactions.
  • Create and manage custom post types for specialized content.
  • Customize your eCommerce store with Elementor’s WooCommerce Builder.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Massive ecosystem of third-party add-ons and free version to get started.
Cons: Can slow down site performance and expensive yearly renewals for advanced features.

Pricing

Elementor offers several pricing tiers with the Pro version required for theme building capabilities. Here are all the plans available:

  • Essential: $59 per year for 1 site
  • Advanced: $99 per year for 3 sites
  • Expert: $199 per year for 25 sites
  • Agency: $399 per year for 1000 sites

If you’re deciding between Elementor and another major builder like Divi, this in-depth look at how Elementor and Divi compare offers valuable insights into their strengths and differences. The head-to-head breakdown explores performance, features, pricing, and user experience to guide your decision-making process.

6. Blocksy

Blocksy Theme
⭐ 4.9/5 | 80K+ Active Installations
Speed-optimized block theme
Seamless Gutenberg integration
Built-in WooCommerce features

Blocksy takes a different approach compared to traditional theme builders. Instead of replacing your theme, it works as a lightweight block theme that integrates seamlessly with the Gutenberg editor. This means you get a fast, clean foundation without any unnecessary bloat. It is perfect for users who prefer the native WordPress editing experience but still want advanced features like custom headers, footers, and WooCommerce functionality built right in.

Key Features

  • Designed to deliver fast performance and efficient loading times.
  • Fully compatible with the Gutenberg editor, allowing for a seamless editing experience.
  • Create and manage custom headers with advanced design options.
  • WooCommerce website gets some nifty features such as compare view and product filters that would otherwise require you to install additional plugins.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Lightning-fast performance with seamless Gutenberg integration and lightweight code.
Cons: Limited theme building options compared to dedicated theme builders.

Pricing

Blocksy offers flexible pricing with both annual and lifetime options. The Personal plan starts at $69 per year for a single-site license. The same plan with a lifetime license costs $199. There are also other plans with 10 and unlimited site licenses.

Blocksy offers flexible pricing with both annual and lifetime options. Here are all the plans available:

  • Personal: $69 per year for 1 site, includes all premium features.
  • Personal (Lifetime): $199 one-time payment for 1 site.
  • Professional: $139 per year for 10 sites, includes all premium features.
  • Professional (Lifetime): $249 one-time payment for 10 sites.
  • Agency: $179 per year for unlimited sites, includes all premium features.
  • Agency (Lifetime): $299 one-time payment for unlimited sites.

What Features to Look for in a WordPress Theme Builder

Now that we have walked through each builder, you probably have a better sense of what works for you. But before you make your final decision, it helps to know what actually matters when choosing a theme builder. Here are the key features you should keep in mind.

  • Template Options: A broad range of theme builder templates that cater to specific page types and your design preferences. Look for theme builders that let you create templates for pages such as single pages, archive pages, single product pages, and more.
  • Conditional Display Rules: The ability to set where and when specific templates are applied on your site. This feature allows for the creation of dynamic and personalized content experiences, ensuring that the right content is displayed to the right audience.
  • Custom Field Support: Enhanced control over content layout with custom fields. Custom fields enable you to manage and display additional content types, providing more flexibility in how information is presented on your site.
  • Pre-made Layouts: Ready-made designs that help you launch your website quickly. Page builders with a library of premade layouts that apply to dynamic theme parts can significantly speed up the design process.

Conclusion: Which Is the Best WordPress Theme Builder?

BuilderEase of UseTemplate LibraryPerformancePricing
BreakdanceVisual editor, drag-drop18 pre-designed templatesHigh performance due to better codeStarts at $99.99/year
OxygenLearning curve55+ templates availableLightweight, fastStarts at $129 lifetime
Divi BuilderBeginner-friendly800+ templatesBalanced performanceStarts at $89/year
Beaver BuilderUser-friendly170+ templatesReliable performanceStarts at $99/year
ElementorEasy to use300+ templatesModerate performanceStarts at $59/year
BlocksySimple and intuitive20+ templatesSpeed-optimized block themeStarts at $69/year

After testing all these builders extensively, Breakdance stands out as the best overall choice. It delivers the right balance of power and ease of use, with exceptional performance and deep WooCommerce integration that works for almost any project. It doesn’t matter if you are building a simple blog or a WooCommerce store, Breakdance gives you features without the bloat.

For developers who want more control, Oxygen remains an excellent option. It is lightweight, fast, and gives you direct access to CSS and JS, making it perfect for those who prefer a code-first approach. And if you are someone who prefers working with the Gutenberg editor, Blocksy is a solid pick that keeps things fast while still giving you theme-building capabilities through Content Blocks.

Common Questions About WordPress Theme Builders

Which theme builder is best for WordPress?

If you’re looking for the best theme builder, Breakdance stands out as the top choice. Other options include:

  • Oxygen
  • Divi Builder
  • Beaver Builder
  • Elementor
  • Blocksy

What’s the difference between a theme and a theme builder?

A theme provides a fixed design for your site, setting its overall look and layout. On the other hand, a theme builder like Breakdance allows for extensive customization. It offers tools to modify every aspect of your site’s design, from layout elements to specific page details, giving you greater control and flexibility.

How can I create my own WordPress theme?

With a theme builder like Breakdance, you can create a fully customized WordPress theme without needing to code. Breakdance provides a comprehensive set of features to design and personalize headers, footers, and page layouts to fit your unique needs, simplifying the process of building a tailor-made website. Its powerful WooCommerce integration also makes it the ideal tool for creating a custom eCommerce site.

Louis Reingold
Louis has been profitably building software for the web since 2005, when he was 14 years old. Released his first commercial WordPress plugin in 2008.
    Experience the Breakdance difference.
    Upgrade your WordPress editing experience with Breakdance, the visual builder for WordPress that's both easy-to-use and exceptionally powerful.
    • Unlimited Sites
    • 60-day Money Back Guarantee
    • Premium Support
    • Only $199.99/Year

    Experience the Breakdance difference.

    Unlimited license.
    Unlimited websites.

    Get maximum flexibility with unlimited licensing and domain activations.

    60-day money back guarantee.
    No questions asked.

    Get your money back within 60 days of purchase, no questions asked. It's risk-free!

    Premium support.
    Get all the help you need.

    We offer premium support to ensure the ultimate customer experience.

    Just $199.99/year for
    unlimited sites.

    For a limited time, we're offering an unlimited site license for just $199.99/year. Buy now to lock in this price.