WYSIWYG means “what you see is what you get”: you edit content and see roughly how it will look, without writing HTML. WordPress already includes one (the block editor), but it’s not the only option, and it’s not right for every writer.
This WordPress wysiwyg editors guide splits the choices into three groups: editors for writing posts, the classic option for people who prefer it, and visual page builders for designing whole pages.
Short Answer: For writing posts, the built-in block editor is the best WYSIWYG editor for most people, and a block plugin like Kadence Blocks or GenerateBlocks adds richer layouts without a page builder. If you prefer a Word-style box, install Classic Editor with Advanced Editor Tools. Use a visual page builder like Elementor only for landing pages.
Best WordPress WYSIWYG Editors Compared
| Editor | Type | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block editor (Gutenberg) | Built into WordPress | Free | Most bloggers and modern themes |
| Block editor + block plugins (Kadence Blocks, GenerateBlocks, Spectra) | Block add-ons | Free, Pro options | Richer layouts without a page builder |
| Classic Editor + Advanced Editor Tools | Plugin | Free | Writers who want a Word-like toolbar |
| Elementor | Front-end visual builder | Free, Pro paid | Designing landing pages visually |
| Beaver Builder | Front-end visual builder | Paid (lite version free) | Agencies wanting stable, clean builds |
| Thrive Architect | Front-end visual builder | Part of Thrive Suite | Marketers building sales pages |
Block Editor: Best Default
Every WordPress site has it. Each paragraph, image, heading or table is a block, and you see a close preview of the final layout as you type.
Patterns, reusable blocks (synced patterns), and Full Site Editing on block themes have made it far more capable than in its early days.
Pros
- Free
- Fast
- No extra plugin
- Works with every modern theme
Cons
- Some writers find the block-by-block interface fiddly for long-form writing
- Tips: use the Top toolbar and Distraction-free modes (Options menu) for a cleaner writing view; learn the
/shortcut to insert blocks quickly
Block editor + a block plugin: Best upgrade without a page builder
Kadence Blocks, GenerateBlocks and Spectra add rows, columns, advanced buttons, tabs, icon lists and more to the block editor.
You get page-builder-style layouts while keeping the speed of native blocks. Kadence Blocks Pro is part of the Essentials plan; see Kadence pricing.
Pros
- Lighter than full page builders
- Content stays in standard blocks
Cons
- Design controls aren’t as freeform as Elementor
- Pick one block library, not three; they overlap
Classic Editor + Advanced Editor Tools: Best for Word-style writing
The official Classic Editor plugin brings back the pre-2018 editor: one text box with a formatting toolbar.
Add Advanced Editor Tools (formerly TinyMCE Advanced) for a fuller toolbar with tables, font sizes, colours, and more.
Pros
- Familiar
- Fast for plain long-form writing
- Good for pasting from Google Docs
Cons
- Classic editing is legacy
- New WordPress features (patterns, block themes) assume blocks
- Fine for writing posts, but don’t build your future around it
- Note: Advanced Editor Tools can also add a “Classic Paragraph” block inside the block editor, a handy middle ground
Elementor: Best-known visual builder
Elementor’s free version is powerful; Pro adds the theme builder, forms, popups and WooCommerce widgets.
It’s the go-to for many landing pages and client sites. If you need it for headers and templates, compare the best WordPress theme builders first.
Pros
- Huge widget library
- Big community
- Very visual
Cons
- Heavier pages than native blocks
- Content is locked to Elementor if you switch later
- Considering other options? See Elementor alternatives
Beaver Builder: Best for stability and clean code
Beaver Builder has a reputation for being stable and predictable, with cleaner output than many builders.
Popular with agencies who hand sites to clients.
Pros
- Reliable
- Client-friendly editing
- Leaves basic text content behind if you deactivate it
- Though the layout is lost
Cons
- Fewer widgets than Elementor
- Pro needed for most real use
Thrive Architect: Best for conversion pages
Part of Thrive Suite, Thrive Architect focuses on sales pages, opt-in pages and webinar pages, with conversion elements like countdowns and lead forms built in.
Pros
- Marketing-focused templates and elements
Cons
- Sold as part of the suite
- Switching away means rebuilding pages
For a deeper look at builders, read my WordPress page builder plugins comparison.
Which One Should You Use?
| You want to… | Use |
|---|---|
| Write blog posts quickly | Block editor (distraction-free mode) |
| Write in a Word-like box | Classic Editor + Advanced Editor Tools |
| Build better post layouts without slowing the site | Block editor + Kadence Blocks or GenerateBlocks |
| Design landing pages visually | Elementor or Beaver Builder |
| Build sales funnels and opt-ins | Thrive Architect |
Important note: If you switch editors on an existing site, test a few old posts first. Layouts built in one page builder do not move cleanly to another, so a switch can mean rebuilding pages by hand.
Speed Matters
Every visual builder adds CSS and JavaScript. For blog posts, the block editor plus a light theme (see fastest WordPress themes) will almost always load faster than a builder layout.
A good pattern many bloggers use: block editor for posts, a page builder only for a few key landing pages.
FAQs related to Best WordPress WYSIWYG Editors
Does WordPress have a WYSIWYG editor?
Yes. The block editor is WordPress’s built-in visual editor.
Is the Classic Editor still supported?
The Classic Editor plugin is still available and maintained, but WordPress’s development focuses on the block editor.
What’s the best free WYSIWYG editor for WordPress?
The block editor, optionally with a free block library like Kadence Blocks or GenerateBlocks.
Can I switch from Elementor to the block editor later?
Yes, but Elementor layouts don’t convert automatically. Expect to rebuild those pages.
Conclusion
That’s all about the Best WordPress WYSIWYG Editors.
Write in the block editor, add one block plugin if you need more layout options, and save page builders for the few pages that need custom design.
That combination keeps your posts fast and your writing simple. If you are choosing a builder for those landing pages, my roundup of Elementor alternatives compares the lighter options.
