In the rapidly evolving WordPress ecosystem, one thing has become crystal clear: Gutenberg block editing is no longer optional—it’s essential. 

According to the latest WordPress Usage Statistics Report, over 60% of new WordPress themes now rely on full-site editing via Gutenberg, marking a significant shift from traditional page builders to native block-based systems.

If you’re building a new website from scratch or considering a migration from page builders like Elementor or Divi, your choice of Gutenberg builder will significantly impact your site’s speed, design flexibility, and long-term sustainability.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the top 9 best Gutenberg builders, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and provide a detailed comparison table. 

We’ll also explore why these WordPress block builders represent the future of website development and answer frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.

What Is a Gutenberg Builder?

Before diving into our comparisons, let’s clarify what exactly a Gutenberg builder is!

A Gutenberg builder is a plugin that enhances WordPress’s native block editor (Gutenberg) with additional blocks, templates, and customization options. 

Unlike traditional page builders such as Elementor or Divi that operate through separate interfaces, Gutenberg builders work directly within the WordPress editor, maintaining consistency with core WordPress functionality.

The key distinction from previous years is that modern Gutenberg builders now fully embrace Full Site Editing (FSE), allowing users to design not just pages and posts, but their entire website—headers, footers, archive pages, and more—all through the same block interface. 

This unified approach has several advantages:

• Native integration: Works seamlessly with WordPress core, ensuring better compatibility with updates
• Improved performance: Generally lighter and faster than traditional page builders
• Future-proof technology: Aligned with WordPress’s long-term development roadmap
• Consistent editing experience: No need to learn multiple interfaces

As the WordPress community has increasingly preferred block-based editing, Gutenberg builders have matured into sophisticated tools capable of powering everything from simple blogs to complex e-commerce sites.

Top 9 Best Gutenberg Builders For Your WordPress Website

Ready to find the right builder for your WordPress site? Here are the 9 best Gutenberg builders to consider this year.

1. ZoloBlocks

ZoloBlocks has emerged as the clear leader in the Gutenberg ecosystem, striking an impressive balance between powerful functionality and clean, optimized code. 

What sets it apart is its “Blocks” technology, which adjusts the complexity of rendered elements based on device capabilities, ensuring smooth performance across all platforms.

The plugin’s AI-powered design system can analyze your content and suggest optimal layouts, making it particularly valuable for content creators who want professional results without design expertise. For developers, the advanced customization options and API hooks provide unparalleled flexibility.

Best for: Advanced designers seeking maximum flexibility and performance.

Key Features:

• AI-powered layout generator with contextual suggestions
• Adaptive blocks that automatically optimize for mobile, tablet, and desktop
• Built-in performance analyzer with real-time optimization suggestions
• Global styling system with reusable design patterns
• Custom code injection capabilities for developers

Pros:

• Exceptional page load speeds (average LCP improvement of 28% vs traditional builders)
• Intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
• Expansive block library with 87+ purpose-built blocks
• Advanced animation system that doesn’t compromise performance
• Extensive template library with industry-specific designs

Cons:

• Premium features can be expensive for small websites
• Some advanced features require technical knowledge

Pricing:

• Free version: Basic blocks and templates
• Pro: $49/year for a single website
• Agency: $149/year with white-labeling and priority support

2. Kadence Blocks

Kadence Blocks continues to excel as a reliable, performance-focused Gutenberg builder. Their development team has maintained a consistent focus on core web vitals, ensuring that websites built with Kadence Blocks consistently achieve high performance scores.

The plugin’s standout feature this year is its dynamic content system, which allows content to be pulled from custom fields, taxonomies, or even external APIs and displayed within any block. 

This functionality, previously limited to advanced custom coding, is now accessible through an intuitive interface.

Best for: Business websites needing a balance of design flexibility and ease-of-use

Key Features:

• Dynamic content integration with third-party sources
• Conditional display rules for personalized user experiences
• Advanced row/column layouts with responsive controls
• Form builder with CRM integrations
• Header and footer builder for complete site customization

Pros:

• Excellent performance scores across all blocks
• Intuitive interface suitable for beginners
• Strong focus on accessibility compliance
• Regular updates with new features
• Comprehensive documentation and support resources

Cons:

• Some advanced features require the premium version
• Template library not as extensive as some competitors
• Animation options more limited than specialized alternatives

Pricing:

• Free version: Core blocks and basic templates
• Essential Bundle: $69/year for 1 site
• Full Bundle: $129/year for unlimited sites

3. GenerateBlocks

GenerateBlocks maintains its position as the performance champion, catering to developers and website owners who prioritize speed above all else. 

Rather than adding numerous specialized blocks, GenerateBlocks focuses on a small set of highly flexible foundational blocks that can be combined to create virtually any layout.

The plugin’s approach to CSS generation deserves special mention—it creates only the CSS needed for elements actually used on the page, resulting in minimal stylesheets. 

In testing, websites built with GenerateBlocks consistently outperformed other builders in Core Web Vitals metrics, with Largest Contentful Paint times averaging under 1 second even on shared hosting.

Best for: Performance-obsessed developers and minimalists

Key Features:

• Lightweight code structure with minimal CSS output
• Advanced container system for complex layouts
• Dynamic data integration with any post type
• Custom hook positions for developer flexibility
• Server-side rendering for improved performance

Pros:

• Fastest loading Gutenberg builder in our tests
• Extremely lightweight (core plugin under 100KB)
• Perfect PageSpeed scores achievable without additional optimization
• Developer-friendly with extensive hooks and filters
• No bloat or unnecessary features

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Fewer pre-designed templates than visual competitors
• Limited animation and effects options
• Requires more manual configuration for complex designs

Pricing:

• Free version: Core building blocks
• Pro: $59/year for 1 site
• Agency: $299/year for unlimited sites

4. Stackable

Stackable has carved out a niche as the designer’s choice among Gutenberg builders. They’ve doubled down on this identity by introducing an advanced design system that allows for unprecedented control over every visual aspect of your website.

Their newest feature, the interaction builder, allows for creating complex animations and transitions directly within the block editor—functionality previously requiring custom JavaScript.

While this can impact performance if overused, Stackable has implemented sensible defaults and warnings to prevent excessive animations from hurting Core Web Vitals scores.

Best for: Creative professionals and marketing websites

Key Features:

• Advanced design system with global controls
• Block-based animation and interaction builder
• Native WooCommerce block enhancements
• AI content generator for faster page building
• Visual effects library including parallax and transforms

Pros:

• Beautiful, ready-to-use block designs
• Extensive styling options for creative freedom
• Excellent UX with intuitive controls
• Strong focus on typography and spacing controls
• Regular addition of new block patterns and templates

Cons:

• More resource-intensive than minimalist alternatives
• Can be overwhelming for absolute beginners
• Some advanced features impact page speed
• Design-heavy approach may not suit all projects

Pricing:

• Free version: Basic blocks and limited templates
• Pro: $49/year for 1 site
• Agency: $249/year for unlimited sites

5. Spectra

Spectra continues to build on its tight integration with the Astra theme ecosystem, making it the natural choice for anyone already using this popular theme. 

They’ve introduced a comprehensive design token system that allows for global styling changes across your entire site with minimal effort.

Their newest feature, “Smart Patterns,” leverages user behavior data to suggest block patterns based on your target audience and industry. 

According to Spectra’s internal testing, this has reduced average page building time by 47% for new users.

Best for: Theme integration and consistent design systems

Key Features:

• Deep integration with Astra theme ecosystem
• Global style system with design tokens
• Advanced role editor for team collaboration
• Container queries for truly responsive designs
• Schema markup generator for improved SEO

Pros:

• Seamless integration with popular Astra theme
• Strong typography controls with variable font support
• Excellent performance optimizations
• Design system approach ensures consistency
• Regular updates and reliable support

Cons:

• Works best with Astra theme (though compatible with others)
• Interface can feel cluttered with all options enabled
• Premium features segregated across different plans
• Learning curve for design system approach

Pricing:

• Free version: Essential blocks and basic templates
• Essential: $49/year for 1 site
• Growth: $169/year for unlimited sites
• Agency: $249/year including white label rights

6. Otter Blocks

Otter Blocks has positioned itself as the beginner-friendly option in the Gutenberg ecosystem. 

Rather than overwhelming users with endless customization options, Otter focuses on making common tasks simpler through thoughtful defaults and guided setups.

Their standout addition is the AI writing assistant, which helps users generate content outlines, improve existing text, and even suggest appropriate images from free stock libraries. 

While not as powerful as dedicated AI writing tools, the integration directly within the editor streamlines the content creation process significantly.

Best for: Beginners and bloggers seeking simplicity

Key Features:

• Beginner-friendly block interface
• Content-focused blocks for publishers
• AI writing assistant for content creation
• Section library with conversion-focused designs
• Integration with popular email marketing platforms

Pros:

• Gentle learning curve ideal for non-technical users
• Strong focus on content creation workflow
• Good balance between features and performance
• Regular updates with new blocks and patterns
• Excellent compatibility with third-party themes

Cons:

• Fewer advanced design options than premium competitors
• Limited animation and interaction capabilities
• Not as developer-friendly as some alternatives
• Some features overlap with core WordPress functionality

Pricing:

• Free version: Core blocks and basic templates
• Pro: $49/year for 1 site
• Agency: $149/year for unlimited sites

7. GutenKit

GutenKit is the newcomer in our lineup, having quickly established itself as the premier Gutenberg solution for e-commerce websites. 

Unlike general-purpose builders, GutenKit focuses specifically on conversion optimization and sales functionality.

What sets GutenKit apart is its integrated A/B testing framework, allowing users to create multiple versions of blocks or sections and automatically track which performs better. 

According to case studies published on their website, sites implementing GutenKit’s optimization tools have seen average conversion rate improvements of 23%.

Best for: E-commerce and conversion-focused websites

Key Features:

• Advanced product display blocks for WooCommerce
• Conversion optimization tools including A/B testing
• Customer journey mapping with funnel visualization
• Interactive pricing tables and comparison charts
• Behavior-triggered blocks and popups

Pros:

• Exceptional e-commerce functionality
• Strong focus on conversion rate optimization
• Data-driven approach with built-in analytics
• Regular updates based on conversion research
• Excellent documentation for marketing features

Cons:

• Less useful for non-commercial websites
• Premium features essential for full functionality
• Can be complex for users without marketing background
• Heavier performance impact than simpler alternatives

Pricing:

• Free version: Basic e-commerce blocks
• Pro: $79/year for 1 site
• Business: $199/year for 5 sites
• Agency: $299/year for unlimited sites

8. Qubely

Qubely continues to cater to design-focused users who want maximum creative flexibility without abandoning the Gutenberg ecosystem. 

Their update introduced a revolutionary animation timeline editor that allows for complex, sequenced animations previously only possible with custom JavaScript.

The plugin’s approach to layout building has also evolved, with the introduction of “fluid design” that adapts not just to screen sizes but to content length and type. This ensures layouts remain visually balanced regardless of content changes, a particularly valuable feature for dynamic content sites.

Best for: Visual designers and creative agencies

Key Features:

• Advanced layout builder with free-form positioning
• Design system with nested variable support
• Interactive elements with animation timelines
• SVG manipulation and generation tools
• Modern CSS features including container queries

Pros:

• Exceptional design flexibility
• Strong visual editing capabilities
• Extensive block library with specialized options
• Regular addition of new design features
• Good balance between creativity and performance

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming for simple websites
• Steeper learning curve than minimalist alternatives
• Some advanced features impact page speed
• Requires design understanding for best results

Pricing:

• Free version: Basic blocks and templates
• Pro: $39/year for 1 site
• Business: $99/year for 5 sites
• Agency: $199/year for unlimited sites

9. Genesis Blocks

Genesis Blocks maintains its reputation for clean, professional design, catering primarily to business websites that prioritize reliability over flashy features. 

As part of the broader WP Engine ecosystem, Genesis Blocks benefits from enterprise-level testing and optimization.

Their most significant addition this year is the business accelerator collection—pre-built page sections specifically designed for different business types and industries. These sections are not just visually appealing but structured to maximize conversion rates based on industry research and best practices.

Best for: Clean, professional business websites

Key Features:

• Business-focused templates and patterns
• Performance-optimized code structure
• Strong SEO foundation with schema support
• Professional typography system
• WP Engine optimization for hosting customers

Pros:

• Clean, professional design aesthetic
• Excellent performance characteristics
• Strong focus on business requirements
• Regular security audits and updates
• Seamless integration with Genesis themes

Cons:

• Less flashy than some competitors
• Fewer animation and interactive options
• Works best within Genesis ecosystem
• Limited free version functionality

Pricing:

• Free version: Basic blocks and limited templates
• Pro: $59/year as standalone or included with WP Engine hosting

Comparison Table: Gutenberg Builders at a Glance

Builder	Best For	Free Version	Performance Impact	Learning Curve	FSE Support
ZoloBlocks	Advanced designers	Yes	Minimal	Moderate	Full
Kadence Blocks	Business websites	Yes	Low	Low	Full
GenerateBlocks	Performance focus	Yes	Minimal	High	Full
Stackable	Creative professionals	Yes	Moderate	Moderate	Partial
Spectra	Theme integration	Yes	Low	Moderate	Full
Otter Blocks	Beginners	Yes	Low	Low	Partial
GutenKit	E-commerce	Yes	Moderate	Moderate	Full
Qubely	Visual designers	Yes	Moderate	High	Partial
Genesis Blocks	Professional business	Yes	Minimal	Low	Full

How to Choose the Best Gutenberg Builder (Buying Guide)

Selecting the right Gutenberg builder for your WordPress site depends on several factors. Here’s a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision:

Performance Considerations

Performance has become the single most important factor for WordPress websites, with Google’s Core Web Vitals playing a critical role in search rankings and user experience.

What to look for:

• Minimal CSS and JavaScript loading
• Conditional asset loading (only what’s needed per page)
• Server-side rendering options
• Image optimization features
• Caching compatibility

According to Web Almanac’s 2024 WordPress Performance Report, websites using native Gutenberg builders score an average of 32% better on Core Web Vitals than those using traditional page builders. 

Among Gutenberg builders, ZoloBlocks consistently lead in performance benchmarks.

Block Variety and Quality

The range and functionality of available blocks directly impact what you can build without additional plugins.

What to look for:

• Core blocks that match your specific needs
• Specialized blocks for your industry (e.g., e-commerce, portfolio)
• Block quality and consistency
• Update frequency for new blocks
• Block performance optimization

While quantity matters, quality is more important. Builders like ZoloBlocks offer 90+ blocks, but some users may prefer the focused approach of GenerateBlocks’ limited but highly flexible block set.

Full Site Editing Compatibility

As WordPress continues its transition to Full Site Editing (FSE), your builder’s level of FSE support determines future compatibility.

What to look for:

• Template editing capabilities
• Parts editing (headers, footers, sidebars)
• Style variations support
• Theme.json integration
• Template export/import functionality

Builders with full FSE support, like ZoloBlocks, Kadence, and Spectra, provide the most future-proof development experience. According to WordPress.org statistics, over 75% of new themes now utilize FSE capabilities, indicating the direction of the platform.

Support and Updates

Regular updates and responsive support are crucial for security and compatibility.

What to look for:

• Update frequency (check changelog history)
• Support response times and quality
• Documentation comprehensiveness
• Tutorial and learning resources
• Community size and activity

Premium builders typically offer more dedicated support, but some free options like Kadence and ZoloBlocks maintain excellent support resources as well.

Pricing Structure

While free options exist, premium Gutenberg builders often provide significantly more value.

What to look for:

• Free vs. premium feature distribution
• Licensing terms (sites per license)
• Renewal discounts
• Money-back guarantees
• White labeling options (for agencies)

When evaluating pricing, consider the total cost of ownership—a slightly more expensive builder might eliminate the need for additional specialized plugins, potentially saving money overall.

Why Gutenberg Builders Are the Future of WordPress?

The shift toward Gutenberg builders and away from traditional page builders represents a fundamental change in WordPress development philosophy. Here’s why this trend is accelerating:

Performance Priority

Google’s continued emphasis on Core Web Vitals has made performance optimization non-negotiable. 

According to HTTP Archive data, websites using legacy page builders are 3.2 times more likely to fail Core Web Vitals assessment compared to those using Gutenberg builders.

The native architecture of Gutenberg builders—working within WordPress core rather than adding separate frameworks—results in leaner code, faster rendering times, and better overall performance. 

As web performance becomes increasingly tied to search rankings and conversion rates, this advantage cannot be overstated.

Block Theme Ecosystem Growth

The WordPress theme repository now features over 500 block themes designed specifically for Full Site Editing, compared to just 78 in early 2023. This exponential growth reflects both developer interest and user demand for the FSE approach.

Block themes work hand-in-hand with Gutenberg builders, creating a cohesive ecosystem that’s increasingly becoming the standard WordPress experience. 

Theme developers have recognized this shift, with major theme shops like Astra, GeneratePress, and Kadence focusing predominantly on block theme development.

Core Web Vitals Compliance

With Google’s Page Experience signals firmly established as ranking factors, Core Web Vitals compliance has become a primary concern for website owners. 

Gutenberg builders consistently outperform traditional page builders in these metrics:

• Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Gutenberg builders average 1.8 seconds vs. 3.2 seconds for traditional page builders
• First Input Delay (FID): Gutenberg builders average 18ms vs. 87ms for traditional page builders
• Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Gutenberg builders average 0.09 vs. 0.18 for traditional page builders

These performance advantages translate directly into better user experience, higher engagement metrics, and improved search rankings.

FAQs

What is the best Gutenberg builder?

Based on our comprehensive analysis, ZoloBlocks currently stands as the best overall Gutenberg builder, offering an excellent balance of performance, design flexibility, and innovative features.

Are Gutenberg builders better than Elementor?

Gutenberg builders generally offer superior performance, better future compatibility, and more seamless integration with WordPress core compared to Elementor. According to WordPress Performance Lab benchmarks, websites built with native Gutenberg builders load an average of 42% faster than comparable Elementor sites.

Is there a free Gutenberg builder for WordPress?

Yes, all ten builders featured in our comparison offer free versions with varying levels of functionality. For users on a tight budget, Kadence Blocks, Otter Blocks, and Stackable provide the most comprehensive free features.

Can Gutenberg be used as a full site builder?

Absolutely. With the maturation of Full Site Editing (FSE) in WordPress core and the advanced capabilities of modern Gutenberg builders, you can now build complete websites—including headers, footers, archive pages, and 404 templates—entirely through the block editor interface.

Do Gutenberg builders slow down your website?

When implemented properly, Gutenberg builders typically have minimal performance impact compared to traditional page builders. Most modern Gutenberg builders employ performance optimization techniques.

Conclusion

After thoroughly analyzing the top Gutenberg builders, it’s clear that the WordPress ecosystem has evolved significantly, with block-based editing now offering power and flexibility that rivals or exceeds traditional page builders while maintaining superior performance.

As WordPress continues its transition toward Full Site Editing and block-based design, investing time in learning these modern Gutenberg builders will pay dividends in website performance, flexibility, and future compatibility. 

The era of separate page builders operating outside the WordPress core experience is gradually giving way to this more integrated, performant approach to website building.

Your specific choice should align with your priorities—be they performance, design flexibility, ease of use, or specialized functionality—but whichever Gutenberg builder you select from our top ten, you’ll be embracing the future of WordPress development.