Introduction: Why Real Data Matters for Page Builders
Finding out which WordPress page builders people actually use starts with real data. At WPoptic, all plugin activity comes from direct scans of more than 13.5 million live websites. This approach leaves out vendor claims and focuses only on active installs across real projects.
These numbers reflect what site owners, agencies, and freelancers choose when building or updating their sites. Each plugin in the report holds a place earned through steady use on a wide mix of web projects. With such a large sample, the data avoids short-term trends or temporary spikes.
By sharing these results, the goal is to give practical insights for anyone deciding which tools to use or recommend. Choices made by millions of site owners often show which plugins get the most consistent support and updates. For anyone working with WordPress, seeing what is actually running in the wild helps with every project or recommendation.
The State of WordPress Page Builders in 2025
Out of the 13.5 million websites in the WPoptic data set, just over 7.1 million run one of the top ten page builder plugins. That equals about 53 percent of all sites reviewed. The real percentage is even higher when factoring in smaller page builders not in this top ten. More websites now rely on page builders than ever before.
This shift signals a move away from classic theme-based site building. Instead, more site owners prefer page builders to handle layouts, design, and updates. Site creators want flexibility and control that standard themes often can’t deliver. Most new builds and redesigns now start with a page builder as the main tool.
The image makes this change even clearer. Since 2015, the use of traditional WordPress themes has dropped while page builders, especially Elementor, have seen steady growth. More people now reach for visual editing tools to get the look and feel they want, without being tied to a single theme structure.
At the same time, working with a page builder has its trade-offs. Many of these tools add extra code to every page, which can make sites slower or heavier than a lean, hand-built theme. For a web designer, it pays to keep a close eye on performance. Staying lean often means making careful choices about plugins, trimming unused features, and testing real site speed. Balancing design flexibility with lightweight code can set your projects apart.
Top 10 Most Popular Page Builders (Based on Actual Installs)
We recently analysed data from 13.5 million WordPress websites to see which page builders are actually being used in real-world projects.
Elementor came out on top, used on almost 30 percent of all the sites we scanned. That didn’t surprise me. What did catch my attention is that WPBakery is still the second most used page builder. If you look at the Google Trends image above, WPBakery (or Visual Composer) was never really popular as a search term. Still, their plugin ended up on a lot of sites because it was bundled with many well-known themes. This gave WPBakery a huge user base even though it wasn’t always in the spotlight. Divi continues to hold a solid place as well.
Here’s what the numbers look like for the top ten:
On the other hand, newer builders like Bricks and Breakdance are starting to grow. They’re getting a lot of attention in the community, but based on our data, they haven’t broken into the top rankings yet. It’ll be interesting to see how that shifts over the next year.
Plugins like Starter Templates, Oxygen, and Beaver Builder each have their own loyal groups of users. Some pick a builder for speed and simplicity, others go for more advanced design options. There’s clearly room for a wide mix of tools, but the big names still dominate for now.
Trends We’re Seeing in 2025
The move towards visual editing tools keeps getting stronger each year. Most new sites now launch with a page builder at the core. Even long-time WordPress users who once relied on classic themes are switching to builders for faster updates and more control over layouts.
At the same time, the number of available builders keeps growing. There is a steady stream of new tools entering the market, but only a few make it onto real sites in large numbers. Most people still choose a builder with a proven track record. Elementor, WPBakery, and Divi hold the lead, while others work to carve out space with unique features or better speed.
Performance remains a big topic for designers and agencies. Many are becoming more aware of code bloat and site speed. Some builders are focusing on lighter output or giving users more control over what gets loaded on the page. Still, the trade-off between features and performance is something every project needs to weigh up.
No-code features continue to expand. Builders now offer more built-in design tools, animation settings, and dynamic content options. The line between theme and builder keeps getting thinner, with more users picking a builder as their main site platform.
Community feedback plays a bigger part than ever. Plugin developers respond quickly to user requests and bug reports. New builders like Bricks and Breakdance are listening closely to early adopters and rolling out updates faster.
Every year brings shifts in which tools stand out and which ones fade. For now, the main trend is clear: page builders are shaping how most WordPress sites come together, and user demand is pushing them to keep evolving.
How We Collect Our Data at WPoptic
The data in this report comes straight from active WordPress websites. WPoptic uses a custom browser extension that scans public sites for plugins and other technical details. Every scan adds to a growing database that covers millions of websites from all over the world.
The process is fully automated and does not collect personal or sensitive information. Only technical plugin data and anonymized site info get stored. Each month, the database updates to reflect what’s really running out in the open.
This approach means the numbers you see here reflect actual usage. Sites with inactive plugins do not count. The results cover a wide range of website types, everything from blogs and business sites to online shops and portfolios.
What This Means for Your Next Website Project
Choosing a page builder is now one of the most important steps when starting a WordPress site. The data from WPoptic makes it clear which tools see steady use and broad support. Popular builders like Elementor, WPBakery, and Divi have proven track records. Most designers and agencies pick from these because they offer regular updates, a large user base, and reliable support.
A page builder should fit your workflow. Some tools are easier to understand or quicker to use, especially if you are managing several sites or client projects. Getting comfortable with one builder can make your work smoother and help avoid common roadblocks. Switching to a new builder for every project usually leads to extra work and unnecessary learning curves.
Looking at the latest numbers can also save time down the line. Builders with strong adoption often work better with modern themes, other plugins, and third-party tools. This makes it easier to avoid issues and focus on design or content instead of troubleshooting technical problems.
Conclusion + Stay Up-to-Date with WPoptic
The way WordPress sites are built keeps shifting, and real usage data offers the clearest picture of what’s working right now. Most sites in the WPoptic study now run a page builder, and the leading plugins hold their ground while new options quietly build momentum. No matter your level of experience, staying informed about these shifts can help with every decision you make on your next project.
All of the data and rankings in this post come straight from the latest research at WPoptic. If you want to see more details or get the freshest numbers, check out the pagebuilder category. Our next round of research is coming up, and we’re always open to new ideas or questions.
For anyone working with WordPress, tracking real plugin usage makes it easier to choose tools, spot trends early, and avoid surprises. If you want updates when new data goes live, or if you have a request for what we should analyze next, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help keep you ahead of the curve.
