You're staring at two options. One is the best-selling WordPress theme of all time. The other is the most popular page builder plugin with 5+ million active installs.
Both promise drag-and-drop simplicity. Both claim professional results. Both have passionate fans who swear their choice is superior...
So which one actually wins??
I've built sites with both Avada and Elementor. A lot of sites. And here's what I've learned: the "best" choice depends entirely on how you work, how many sites you build, and what you value most.
This comparison breaks down everything - features, pricing, flexibility, performance, and real-world usability. By the end, you'll know exactly which one fits your situation.
Let's settle this debate...
The Fundamental Difference
Before we compare features, understand this crucial distinction:
Avada is a theme. It's an all-in-one package that includes the Avada Builder (formerly Fusion Builder), theme options, prebuilt websites, and premium plugins. When you buy Avada, you get everything integrated.
Elementor is a plugin. It works with any WordPress theme but requires a separate theme to function. You can pair it with free themes like Hello Elementor or any premium theme you choose.
This difference affects everything - how you work, what you can customize, and importantly, how much you'll pay over time.
Features Comparison
Page Builder Interface
Avada Builder:
- Front-end live editor (Avada Live)
- Back-end editor option (classic mode)
- 120+ design elements
- Container-based layout system
- Global styling options integrated with theme
- Wireframe view for faster building
Elementor:
- Front-end live editor only
- 100+ widgets (40 free, 60+ Pro)
- Flexbox container system
- Navigator panel for complex layouts
- Global widgets for reusable components
- AI-powered features (Elementor AI)
Verdict: Both offer powerful visual editing. Elementor's interface feels slightly more intuitive and modern. Avada's back-end editor option is useful for slower connections or complex pages.
Theme Builder Capabilities
Avada:
- Full layout system (headers, footers, page title bars, content)
- Conditional layouts based on page type, category, etc.
- Custom 404, archive, and single post templates
- WooCommerce layout builder included
- All features included in base purchase
Elementor Pro:
- Complete theme builder (header, footer, single, archive)
- Dynamic content capabilities
- Popup builder
- WooCommerce builder
- Display conditions for targeting specific pages
Verdict: Very similar capabilities. Avada's layout system is deeply integrated with the theme. Elementor offers more flexibility since you're not locked to one theme. Elementor's popup builder is a nice bonus that Avada lacks.
Design Elements & Widgets
Avada includes:
- 120+ elements (buttons, sliders, galleries, counters, etc.)
- Chart elements
- Modal dialogs
- Mega menu builder
- Off-canvas content
- Special WooCommerce elements
Elementor Pro includes:
- 90+ pro widgets
- Form builder with integrations
- Slides widget
- Posts/portfolio widgets
- Call to action elements
- Testimonial carousels
- WooCommerce-specific widgets
Verdict: Avada has more built-in elements. However, Elementor has a massive ecosystem of third-party add-on plugins (Essential Addons, JetElements, etc.) that add hundreds more widgets if needed.
Prebuilt Designs & Templates
Avada:
- 110+ prebuilt website demos
- 600+ Avada Studio content blocks
- Industry-specific designs
- Full-page templates
- Single-click import
Elementor:
- 100+ complete website kits (Pro)
- 300+ templates (pages, blocks, popups)
- Template library directly in editor
- Cloud templates for cross-site use (Pro)
Verdict: Avada's prebuilt websites are more comprehensive - full sites ready to customize. Elementor's approach offers more flexibility for mixing and matching pieces. Both get the job done.
Pricing Breakdown
This is where things get interesting...
Avada Pricing
One-time purchase: $69 per site
Includes:
- Avada theme
- Avada Builder
- 110+ prebuilt websites
- Premium plugins (Slider Revolution, ACF Pro, Convert Plus)
- Lifetime updates
- 6 months support (extend to 12 months for ~$21)
The catch: Each site needs its own license. Building 5 sites = $345 upfront.
Elementor Pro Pricing
Annual subscription:
- Essential: $59/year (1 site)
- Advanced: $99/year (3 sites)
- Expert: $199/year (25 sites)
- Agency: $399/year (1000 sites)
Free version available with 40 widgets and basic features.
Long-Term Cost Comparison
Let's do the math for different scenarios:
Scenario 1: Single site owner (3 years)
- Avada: $69 (one-time) = $69 total
- Elementor Pro: $59 × 3 = $177 total
Winner: Avada by $108
Scenario 2: Freelancer with 5 clients (3 years)
- Avada: $69 × 5 = $345 total
- Elementor Pro (Expert): $199 × 3 = $597 total
Winner: Avada by $252
Scenario 3: Agency with 20 clients (3 years)
- Avada: $69 × 20 = $1,380 total
- Elementor Pro (Expert): $199 × 3 = $597 total
Winner: Elementor by $783
The pattern: Avada wins for fewer sites held long-term. Elementor wins for agencies building many sites, especially if you value the flexibility of not being locked to one theme.
Ease of Use
Learning Curve
Avada:
- Steeper initial learning curve
- Many options can feel overwhelming
- Everything works "the Avada way"
- Once learned, very efficient
- Excellent documentation (550+ articles)
Elementor:
- More intuitive interface
- Easier for beginners
- Works like other drag-and-drop tools
- Massive YouTube tutorial ecosystem
- Quick to get productive
Verdict: Elementor is easier to learn. Avada has more depth but requires more time investment. If you're brand new to page builders, Elementor will get you building faster.
Workflow Efficiency
Avada strengths:
- Integrated theme + builder = fewer conflicts
- Global options apply site-wide instantly
- Built-in performance wizard
- No theme compatibility concerns
Elementor strengths:
- Works with any theme (flexibility)
- Huge third-party ecosystem
- Better mobile responsive controls
- Global widgets for consistency
Verdict: Depends on your preference. Avada's all-in-one approach means less troubleshooting but less flexibility. Elementor requires more setup but offers more choices.
Performance
Page speed matters for SEO and conversions. How do they compare?
Avada Performance
The reality: Avada loads a lot by default. Out of the box, it's not the fastest theme.
Optimized properly:
- Performance Wizard helps significantly
- Disable unused features
- Critical CSS generation
- Lazy loading built-in
- With optimization + WP Rocket: 70-90 PageSpeed achievable
Elementor Performance
The reality: Also not lightweight, especially with Pro features. The editor adds overhead.
Optimized properly:
- Pair with lightweight theme (Hello Elementor)
- Improved asset loading (recent updates)
- DOM optimization options
- With optimization + caching: 80-95 PageSpeed achievable
Verdict: Elementor with a lightweight theme can be faster. Avada requires more optimization work. Neither is "fast" without effort. If performance is your top priority, consider lighter alternatives like GeneratePress or Astra with Elementor - or acknowledge you'll need to optimize either choice. For more on Avada performance, see my article on Why Your Avada Site is Slow.
WooCommerce Integration
Both support WooCommerce, but implementation differs.
Avada + WooCommerce
- Deep integration with theme styling
- Custom product layouts via Layout Builder
- Shop page customization
- Cart and checkout builders
- WooCommerce-specific elements
- Variation swatches built-in
- All included in base price
Elementor Pro + WooCommerce
- WooCommerce Builder (Pro feature)
- Custom single product templates
- Shop archive design
- Cart and checkout customization
- Product-specific widgets
- Works with any WooCommerce theme
Verdict: Both capable. Avada's integration is deeper but theme-locked. Elementor offers more flexibility. For serious ecommerce, check my Avada WooCommerce setup guide.
Support & Community
Avada Support
- 6 months included (extendable)
- Ticket-based support system
- 550+ documentation articles
- 200+ video tutorials
- Active but smaller community
- ThemeFusion handles everything
Elementor Support
- 24/7 support (Pro users)
- Extensive documentation
- Elementor Academy (courses, webinars)
- Massive YouTube tutorial ecosystem
- Huge Facebook groups
- Third-party tutorials everywhere
Verdict: Elementor wins on community size and available learning resources. You'll find answers faster simply because more people use it and create content about it.
Third-Party Ecosystem
Avada
Limited third-party ecosystem. Most functionality is built-in. A few add-on plugins exist on CodeCanyon but nothing compared to Elementor's ecosystem.
Elementor
Enormous ecosystem:
- Essential Addons (100+ widgets)
- JetElements (advanced widgets)
- Dynamic.ooo (dynamic content)
- Crocoblock (advanced functionality)
- Hundreds more add-ons
This ecosystem is both a strength and weakness - more options but also more potential conflicts.
Verdict: If you need specialized functionality beyond basics, Elementor's ecosystem is unmatched.
When to Choose Avada
Avada is ideal if you:
- Build single sites or a few client sites
- Want everything integrated (no plugin hunting)
- Prefer one-time payment over subscriptions
- Value stability over flexibility
- Need comprehensive WooCommerce integration
- Don't mind investing time to learn "the Avada way"
- Want premium plugins included (Slider Revolution, etc.)
When to Choose Elementor
Elementor is ideal if you:
- Build many client sites (agency model)
- Want flexibility to change themes
- Prefer the most intuitive interface
- Need access to third-party add-ons
- Value large community and resources
- Want to start with free version
- Prioritize mobile-responsive design controls
The Third Option
If neither feels perfect, there's another contender worth knowing: Divi.
Divi combines aspects of both:
- All-in-one theme like Avada
- Unlimited sites license like Elementor's higher tiers
- $89/year or $249 lifetime for unlimited everything
For agencies building many sites, Divi's pricing model often makes more sense than both Avada and Elementor. It's worth comparing if the licensing costs of Avada or annual fees of Elementor Pro are concerns.
My Recommendation
After building with both extensively:
For most individual site owners: Avada offers better value. Pay once, get everything, never think about renewals. The learning curve is worth it for the long-term savings.
For freelancers/agencies: Elementor (or Divi) makes more financial sense. The flexibility to work with any theme and the massive learning resource ecosystem accelerates projects.
For beginners: Start with Elementor free. Learn the fundamentals without financial commitment. Upgrade to Pro or switch to Avada once you know what you need.
For performance-obsessed: Neither is ideal out of the box. But Elementor + Hello Elementor + proper optimization can be lighter than Avada. Consider lightweight theme alternatives if speed is paramount.
Final Verdict
There's no universal winner. Both Avada and Elementor can build stunning, professional websites. Your choice should align with:
- How many sites you'll build
- Your budget preference (one-time vs subscription)
- Your need for flexibility vs integration
- Time you can invest in learning
The good news? Either choice works. The WordPress ecosystem is mature enough that both tools deliver professional results. Pick one, master it, and build something great.
Still unsure? Start with Elementor free. If you outgrow it or want the all-in-one approach, Avada will be there. The best page builder is the one you actually learn and use consistently!!
Questions about specific use cases? Drop them in the comments...
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