What are the limitations of Webflow compared to other website builders like Elementor and Divi, and what features are most anticipated for its future development?
- Webflow’s main limitations include complex pricing, CMS item limits, limited e-commerce flexibility, a small plugin ecosystem, basic membership features, minimal native multi-language support, and a steeper learning curve compared to Elementor and Divi.
- Highly anticipated improvements are official multi-language support, advanced e-commerce features, stronger membership tools, expanded CMS capabilities, a native app store, more dynamic content options, and enhanced automation workflows.
Webflow is a powerful visual development platform, but like any tool, it has its limitations when compared to other builders like Elementor and Divi. Here's a detailed breakdown:
1. Current Limitations of Webflow
Pricing Complexity: Webflow's pricing model (Workspace plans vs Site plans) can be confusing and more expensive compared to Elementor (WordPress-based) or Divi (one-time license options).
CMS Item Limits: Webflow CMS collections typically have a limit (e.g., 10,000 items on Enterprise plans, much less on lower plans), which can be restrictive for large content-based sites.
No Native Full E-commerce Flexibility: Webflow’s e-commerce features are limited compared to Shopify or WooCommerce, with caps on product numbers and limited checkout/payment customizations.
Limited Plugin Ecosystem: Unlike WordPress (Elementor, Divi), Webflow does not have a large third-party plugin market. You often have to custom-code advanced features.
Member Management: While Webflow has Memberships in beta/early release, it's not as mature as dedicated membership plugins available for WordPress.
Multi-language Sites: Native multi-language management in Webflow is minimal. Third-party tools like Weglot are often necessary.
More Developer-Oriented: Webflow expects users to understand concepts like CSS, box model, and DOM structure more deeply than Elementor and Divi, which are more beginner-friendly.
2. Most Anticipated Features for Webflow
Official Multi-language Support: A built-in, scalable system for handling multilingual websites is highly awaited.
Advanced E-commerce Improvements: More flexibility in checkout flows, payment processor integrations beyond Stripe/Paypal, and better backend management tools.
Stronger Membership Tools: Enhanced user management, gated content options, subscription models, and user dashboards.
Expanded CMS Limits: Higher CMS collection item limits and relational database features like custom queries, search filters, or conditional logic.
Native App/Plugin Store: A true marketplace for third-party extensions without needing custom code integrations.
More Dynamic Content Options in Designer: Currently, using CMS content dynamically inside interactions and conditions is limited; improvements here are expected.
Improvements to Logic Automation: Webflow’s native Logic (automation builder) is in early stages; users hope for Zapier-like workflows without third-party tools.
Summary
Webflow offers unmatched design precision and visual front-end control, but it currently falls behind Elementor and Divi in areas like plugins, e-commerce flexibility, scalability for massive CMS needs, and native multilingual support. Highly anticipated future developments include native multi-language features, stronger membership systems, better CMS scalability, and the launch of a third-party app ecosystem. Webflow’s development path shows they are steadily addressing these gaps.