The WordPress editor landscape is shifting fast
For the first time in years, the WordPress ecosystem is undergoing a real transition. Page builders used to dominate everything. Elementor, Divi, Avada. They were the default tool for anyone who wanted visual control. But Gutenberg changed the direction of WordPress. What started as a controversial block editor has turned into a full-site editing system with reusable components, patterns, and cleaner markup than any legacy builder.
At the same time, new builders like Bricks have emerged for people who want full control without the bloat of older tools. And Elementor still has a massive user base, but it is showing its age as the ecosystem moves toward native blocks.
This article breaks down where each editor is heading, what that means for long-term builds, and which editor fits your workflow. For the full series navigation, see: [link:HUB_WEB_PLATFORMS_SERIES|Series Hub].
Gutenberg: the future of WordPress
Gutenberg is no longer just a post editor. It is becoming the foundation of the entire WordPress experience. With full-site editing, block themes, pattern libraries, and native component logic, Gutenberg is turning WordPress into a modern, component-driven system.
Where Gutenberg wins:
- Clean markup that avoids builder bloat
- Native performance with less reliance on heavy JS
- Reusable patterns for consistent design
- Future-proof content that remains portable across themes
- Better accessibility standards
Gutenberg is growing fast because it solves the biggest long-term problem of builder websites: lock-in. If you change themes with Gutenberg, your content survives. With most builders, it does not.
Where Gutenberg still hurts:
- Advanced layout work can feel clunky
- Editor still evolving and changing
- Some workflows require additional plugins
But none of these are long-term blockers. Gutenberg is improving faster than any builder on the market, and it is the direction WordPress itself is investing in.
Elementor: still the fastest way to get something visual
Elementor remains the most popular WordPress builder for a reason. It is easy. It is visual. It gives you quick results without needing any theme development knowledge. But Elementor comes with tradeoffs that become more noticeable as your site grows.
Where Elementor helps:
- Rapid page building
- Huge ecosystem of addons
- Simple to train non-technical clients
- Predictable visual controls
Where Elementor hurts:
- Bloated markup compared to Gutenberg and Bricks
- Heavier JS footprint
- Layout inconsistencies if users lack discipline
- Harder to migrate away from
Elementor is excellent for small to medium sites, agencies that rely on quick turnarounds, and teams that prioritise visual speed over long-term scalability.
If you need more context on builder behaviour, the earlier comparison outlines these patterns clearly: [link:A07_PAGE_BUILDERS_FEEL|Webflow vs WordPress Page Builders].
Bricks: the power builder for developers who want control
Bricks is the most modern of the three, blending visual control with clean output and performance-focused architecture. It appeals to people who want the flexibility of a builder without the bloat.
Where Bricks wins:
- Cleaner markup than Elementor
- Better performance out of the box
- Powerful dynamic data support
- Deep theme-building capabilities
- Strong integration with ACF and CPTs
Where Bricks struggles:
- Smaller ecosystem than Elementor
- Requires more skill than Gutenberg or Elementor
- Less friendly for clients who want basic editing
Bricks is the best fit for structured sites, advanced builds, and teams who want control without sacrificing performance.
The long-term direction of the ecosystem
The WordPress ecosystem is clearly moving toward:
- block themes
- pattern libraries
- component-based design
- lighter markup
- interoperable content
This means Gutenberg is the long-term bet. Elementor will remain popular for years due to its user base, but it will feel increasingly dated as WordPress becomes more component-driven. Bricks will continue to grow among developers who want a builder that respects performance and structure.
How to choose based on how you work
If you want future-proof content
Choose Gutenberg. It is aligned with WordPress core and will outlast every builder currently in the ecosystem.
If you want rapid visual creation
Choose Elementor. It is still the fastest builder for producing pages quickly without touching code.
If you want performance and control
Choose Bricks. It is the best blend of visual ease and developer power.
If you want maximum flexibility
Pair Gutenberg with ACF and CPTs. This combination gives you the strongest foundation for complex, scalable builds. For more depth on structured content, see: [link:A19_DYNAMIC_CONTENT|Dynamic Content Comparison].
Client handoff considerations
Think about who will manage the site when you are done.
- Clients who want simple editing: Elementor or Gutenberg
- Clients who want structured control: Gutenberg
- Clients who care about performance: Bricks
- Clients with technical skill: Bricks or Gutenberg
Handoff is not just about ease of use. It is about reducing your future support load. The fewer ways a client can break the site, the fewer panicked emails you get.
Migration considerations
Moving between these editors ranges from easy to impossible:
- Gutenberg to Gutenberg: seamless.
- Elementor to Gutenberg: rebuild.
- Bricks to Gutenberg: rebuild.
- Gutenberg to Elementor: partial rebuild.
Builder lock-in is real. Gutenberg avoids it almost entirely, which is why it is the safest long-term choice. If you want to understand when migrations make sense, see: [link:A17_MIGRATION_PLAYBOOK|Migration Playbook].
The practical takeaway
The future of WordPress editing is Gutenberg. Elementor will remain useful and widely adopted for quick builds and client-friendly workflows. Bricks will continue gaining developer mindshare for its blend of performance and flexibility. There is no wrong choice if you match the editor to your workflow, your client, and your long-term needs.
If you want help choosing an editor for your next project or want to stabilise an existing builder-based site, you can reach out here: [link:CONTACT_PAGE|Contact RedShaw Consulting].
