The Gutenberg block editor transformed how we build WordPress websites. But the real magic happens when you supercharge it with powerful block plugins that bring advanced design, layout, and functionality — all without writing a line of code.
Whether you want to build landing pages, speed up your workflow, or enhance performance, the right block plugin can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed 10 of the best Gutenberg block plugins — from lightweight layout packs to full-blown page builder alternatives. Let’s find out which one suits your site best.
Quick Comparison Table
| Plugin | Free Version | Unique Blocks | Ideal For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectra | ✅ | Container, Slider, Loop | Bloggers, marketers | 4.7/5 |
| Kadence Blocks | ✅ | Row layout, Tabs, Lottie | Agencies, WooCommerce stores | 4.8/5 |
| GenerateBlocks | ✅ | Container, Grid, Headline | Performance-focused users | 4.6/5 |
| Essential Blocks | ✅ | Countdown, Modal, Login | Beginners, creators | 4.5/5 |
| Otter Blocks | ✅ | Section, Slider, Button Group | DIY site builders | 4.4/5 |
| Ultimate Blocks | ✅ | CTA, Review, Table of Contents | Bloggers, affiliate marketers | 4.3/5 |
| Stackable | ✅ | Feature Grid, Card, Image Box | Designers, visual editors | 4.6/5 |
| CoBlocks | ✅ | Accordion, Pricing Table, Row | Creative designers | 4.2/5 |
| PostX | ✅ | Post Grid, Carousel, Filter | News, magazine, blog sites | 4.5/5 |
| WowStore | ✅ | Product Grid, Quick View | WooCommerce site owners | 4.4/5 |
Note:
Ratings are editorial based on features, UI, speed, and support.
1. Spectra
Formerly known as Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg, Spectra is a powerful and lightweight block plugin developed by Brainstorm Force. It includes advanced layout controls, animation, and prebuilt templates to help you build professional websites faster.
Key Features:
- Container, Info Box, and Call To Action blocks
- Loop Builder and Dynamic Content
- Animations and motion effects
- Built-in presets and design kits
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Astra theme
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Great for marketers and content creators
Cons:
− Some advanced features are Pro-only
Best For: Bloggers, small business owners, and marketing sites
2. Kadence Blocks
Kadence Blocks is a robust design and layout toolkit for Gutenberg users. It provides responsive row layouts, advanced controls, and conditional display settings — perfect for building modern websites without code.
Key Features:
- Row Layout, Tabs, Lottie Animation blocks
- Visibility controls and dynamic content
- Form builder and WooCommerce integration
- Design library and section templates
Pros:
- Extremely flexible and fast
- Great for custom layouts and ecommerce
- Lightweight, optimized code
Cons:
− Some key features require Pro version
Best For: Agencies, WooCommerce sites, and performance-conscious users
3. GenerateBlocks
GenerateBlocks is a minimalist block plugin designed for maximum performance. It includes just four core blocks but gives you complete layout and design control — perfect for developers and speed-obsessed users.
Key Features:
- Container, Grid, Headline, Buttons
- Global Styles and advanced spacing controls
- SVG icons and flexbox-based structure
Pros:
- Super lightweight and clean code
- Works perfectly with GeneratePress
- Excellent performance scores
Cons:
− Small learning curve for beginners
− Limited block variety
Best For: Developers, minimalist sites, and performance-first projects
4. Essential Blocks
Essential Blocks is a vibrant and beginner-friendly collection of blocks designed to boost interactivity and visual appeal. It’s part of the WPDeveloper ecosystem and plays well with many themes.
Key Features:
- Countdown, Modal Popup, Login/Register blocks
- Content toggle, testimonial, and image comparison
- Premade block templates
Pros:
- Good variety of content-focused blocks
- Regular updates and documentation
- WooCommerce and Lottie animation support
Cons:
− Some design flexibility is limited in free version
Best For: Creators, marketers, and beginners looking for UI variety
5. Otter Blocks
Otter Blocks by ThemeIsle adds powerful design blocks and advanced controls while keeping performance in mind. It’s beginner-friendly and ideal for DIY website creators.
Key Features:
- Section, Slider, Button Group
- Animation-on-scroll, sticky block
- Dynamic conditions and block visibility
Pros:
- Lightweight and intuitive UI
- Good mix of content and layout blocks
Cons:
− Some blocks feel basic compared to others
Best For: Bloggers, small businesses, and Elementor-to-Gutenberg switchers
6. Ultimate Blocks
Tailored for bloggers and affiliate marketers, Ultimate Blocks focuses on enhancing content engagement with practical, conversion-focused blocks.
Key Features:
- Call to Action, Review Box, Table of Contents
- Star rating, tabbed content, progress bar
Pros:
- Built specifically for bloggers
- Clean, focused block selection
Cons:
− Not ideal for full site building or advanced design
Best For: Content writers, bloggers, affiliate marketers
7. Stackable
Stackable is a design-centric Gutenberg plugin packed with beautifully crafted blocks and ready-made layouts. It bridges the gap between design flexibility and performance.
Key Features:
- Card, Feature Grid, Image Box, Advanced Columns
- Block animations and effects
- Role manager and responsive settings
Pros:
- High-quality block designs
- Excellent layout control
- Fast performance for a visual-heavy plugin
Cons:
− Some key templates and design features are Pro-only
Best For: Designers, freelancers, agencies focused on visuals
8. CoBlocks
CoBlocks is an open-source Gutenberg block plugin by GoDaddy that adds unique layout blocks with a creative flair. It’s great for users seeking flexibility without too much complexity.
Key Features:
- Row, Accordion, Pricing Table, Media Card
- Typography controls and shape dividers
Pros:
- Clean and creative block selection
- 100% free with no upsells
Cons:
− Development pace is slower
− Some blocks feel outdated
Best For: Designers, hobby sites, and creative portfolios
9. PostX
PostX is a Gutenberg plugin dedicated to blog and archive customization. It includes powerful query loops, post grids, and dynamic filters — ideal for magazine and content-heavy sites.
Key Features:
- Post Grid, List, Slider, Filterable Categories
- AJAX filtering and pagination
- Archive page builder and dynamic query builder
Pros:
- Great for blog layouts
- Rich template library
- Dynamic features for news sites
Cons:
− Heavy reliance on its own style system
− Requires Pro for full flexibility
Best For: News portals, magazines, blogs with large content libraries
10. WowStore
WowStore is a WooCommerce-focused Gutenberg plugin that adds product-specific blocks with styling options. It helps store owners design shop pages without needing a separate page builder.
Key Features:
- Product Grid, Quick View, Add to Cart
- Advanced product filter and sale badge
- Wishlist and comparison blocks
Pros:
- Purpose-built for WooCommerce
- Reduces dependency on page builders
Cons:
− Limited appeal outside of ecommerce
− Not ideal for non-technical users
Best For: WooCommerce shops that rely on Gutenberg editing
Which Gutenberg Block Plugin Is Best for You?
Choosing the right plugin depends on your website type, design goals, and performance needs. Here’s our quick recommendation matrix:
- Best All-in-One Block Plugin: Kadence Blocks — great for agencies and complex layouts
- Best Lightweight Option: GenerateBlocks — minimal, fast, and performance-friendly
- Best for Designers: Stackable — visually polished blocks with layout control
- Best for Bloggers: Ultimate Blocks — includes TOC, Review Box, and CTA blocks
- Best for eCommerce: WowStore — blocks built specifically for WooCommerce
- Best for Post Grids & Archives: PostX — unmatched control for blog and news templates
How to Choose the Right Block Plugin?
Before installing a block plugin, ask yourself:
- Do I need design flexibility or speed?
- Pick Stackable or Kadence for flexibility
- Choose GenerateBlocks or Spectra for speed
- Am I building blogs, business sites, or stores?
- Bloggers: Ultimate Blocks, Essential Blocks
- WooCommerce: Kadence + WowStore
- Visual brands: Stackable, CoBlocks
- Do I need advanced layout control?
- Kadence and Spectra offer container and visibility tools
- Will I need future scalability?
- Choose plugins that are regularly updated and have a Pro upgrade path
Tip: Avoid installing too many block plugins together — it can cause style conflicts or bloat. Use one primary toolkit and extend only as needed.
FAQs
Can I use multiple Gutenberg block plugins together?
Yes, but only if they serve different purposes. Test compatibility before deploying on a live site.
Do block plugins slow down websites?
It depends. Lightweight plugins like GenerateBlocks or Kadence are optimized, while others may add unnecessary styles or scripts.
What’s the difference between Gutenberg blocks and page builders?
Gutenberg blocks are native WordPress features, while page builders are third-party tools. Block plugins extend Gutenberg’s capabilities while keeping performance in check.
Are Pro versions worth it?
Yes, if you need advanced layout, templates, conditional visibility, or support — Pro plans can save time and improve design.
Do I need a block plugin with the Full Site Editor (FSE)?
Yes, many block plugins now support FSE and give you better design control for headers, footers, and templates.
Final Thoughts
Block plugins give you the freedom to design modern, fast, and beautiful WordPress websites inside the native Gutenberg editor.
Instead of relying on bulky page builders, these plugins let you:
- Create responsive layouts
- Add dynamic and interactive content
- Speed up design workflows
Top Recommendations:
- For All-in-One Power: Kadence Blocks
- For Speed Lovers: GenerateBlocks
- For Blogs & Affiliate Sites: Ultimate Blocks
- For WooCommerce Stores: WowStore
Whether you’re a designer, blogger, or ecommerce entrepreneur — these Gutenberg block plugins will help you build smarter and faster.
You Might Also Like:
- Best WordPress Themes for Gutenberg
- Top Gutenberg-Compatible Page Builders
- Ultimate Guide to WordPress Block Editor
Let us know your favorite Gutenberg plugin in the comments below!
