Not Recommended

WPBakery Page Builder

Legacy Page Builder

By Daniel Snell
1/25/2024
0.0

Former Visual Composer, a once-popular page builder that's now considered outdated and problematic for modern WordPress sites.

Detailed Ratings

Review Not Planned

Outdated technology with severe performance issues. Better modern alternatives available.

WPBakery Page Builder - Review Skipped

We’re not planning to review WPBakery Page Builder. Reason: Outdated technology with severe performance issues. Better modern alternatives available.

Why We’re Skipping This Review

WPBakery (formerly Visual Composer) represents outdated WordPress development practices from the early 2010s. Its shortcode-based architecture and performance issues make it unsuitable for modern websites.

Known Issues

Critical Problems

  • Performance: Adds 500kb+ of CSS/JS on every page
  • Maintenance: Shortcode architecture makes content unmaintainable
  • Migration: Nearly impossible to migrate to other solutions
  • Security: Older versions have known vulnerabilities
  • Mobile: No proper mobile editing capabilities

Why It’s Still Around

Many ThemeForest themes still bundle WPBakery, creating a lock-in situation for users. Once you build with WPBakery, migrating away requires rebuilding your entire site.

Better Alternatives

For Performance

  • GenerateBlocks: Lightweight, developer-friendly
  • Gutenberg: Native WordPress solution

For Visual Building

  • Bricks Builder: Modern architecture, clean code
  • Breakdance: From the Oxygen team

For Simplicity

  • Kadence Blocks: User-friendly with good performance
  • Stackable: Gutenberg-based solution

Our Recommendation

Avoid WPBakery completely. If you have an existing site using it, plan a migration to a modern solution. The technical debt and performance impact aren’t worth any perceived convenience.

Red Flags

  • Sites using WPBakery typically score 20-40 on PageSpeed
  • Content becomes locked in shortcode format
  • Updates frequently break layouts
  • No meaningful improvements in years

If you’re stuck with WPBakery, we recommend hiring a developer to migrate your content to a modern solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

WPBakery Page Builder is a WordPress solution that helps you build and optimize your website with powerful features and excellent performance.
Yes, WPBakery Page Builder offers excellent value with its comprehensive feature set, regular updates, and reliable support. It's a solid investment for serious WordPress users.
WPBakery Page Builder offers various pricing plans to suit different needs. Check their official website for current pricing and special offers.
While WPBakery Page Builder is excellent, alternatives exist depending on your specific needs. Consider your requirements for features, budget, and ease of use when comparing options.
Getting started with WPBakery Page Builder is straightforward. Visit their official website, choose a plan that fits your needs, and follow their setup documentation or tutorials.