Block Editor vs Classic Editor: Which One Is Better for Your WordPress Site?

The debate between Block Editor vs Classic Editor continues to divide the WordPress community. Since WordPress 5.0 introduced the Block Editor (Gutenberg) in 2018, users have had strong opinions about which editor provides the better experience.

If you’re wondering which editor to use for your WordPress site, you’re not alone. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each editor, so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, skill level, and content goals.

Whether you’re a blogger, business owner, developer, or agency, choosing the right editor affects your daily workflow, content quality, and long-term site maintainability. Let’s examine both options in detail.

What Is the Block Editor?

The Block Editor, formerly known as Gutenberg, is WordPress’s modern content editor that uses a block-based approach. Introduced as the default editor in WordPress 5.0, it treats every piece of content—paragraphs, images, headings, embeds—as individual blocks.

Key Characteristics:

• Visual, drag-and-drop interface
• Modular content approach
• Built-in layout capabilities
• Extensive customization options
• Modern React-based architecture

The Philosophy: The Block Editor aims to make WordPress more accessible to non-technical users while providing powerful design capabilities without requiring page builders or custom code.

What Is the Classic Editor?

The Classic Editor is WordPress’s original content editor that served as the standard from WordPress’s inception until version 5.0. It resembles a traditional word processor with a single content area and a toolbar.

Key Characteristics:

• Familiar word-processor interface
• Single text area for all content
• TinyMCE-based editor
• Straightforward, minimal interface
• Limited layout capabilities

The Philosophy: The Classic Editor focuses on simplicity and writing, treating posts as primarily text-based documents with occasional media insertions.

Block Editor vs Classic Editor: Feature Comparison

Content Creation Experience

Block Editor:

• Each content element is a separate block
• Visual, WYSIWYG experience
• Drag-and-drop rearrangement
• Real-time preview of final appearance
• Easier to create complex layouts

Classic Editor:

• Single unified text area
• More traditional writing experience
• Less visual, more focused on text
• Requires HTML knowledge for complex layouts
• Faster for simple text-heavy posts

Winner: Block Editor for visual content; Classic Editor for text-focused writing

Layout Capabilities

Block Editor:

• Built-in column layouts
• Native gallery grids
• Cover images with overlays
• Media and text combinations
• Custom width settings
• Group and container blocks
• Pre-designed block patterns

Classic Editor:

• Limited built-in layouts
• Requires plugins or custom HTML
• Basic image alignment only
• No native column support
• Simple table support

Winner: Block Editor (by a significant margin)

Learning Curve

Block Editor:

• Pros: Intuitive for visual thinkers, discoverable features
• Cons: Different from familiar word processors, overwhelming initial interface
• Learning Time: 1-2 weeks for proficiency

Classic Editor:

• Pros: Familiar to anyone who’s used Microsoft Word
• Cons: Requires HTML knowledge for advanced features
• Learning Time: Immediately familiar to most users

Winner: Classic Editor for beginners; Block Editor for long-term productivity

Performance and Speed

Block Editor:

• Larger file size (JavaScript-heavy)
• More demanding on browser resources
• Can feel slow on older computers
• Requires modern browser
• React-based architecture

Classic Editor:

• Lightweight and fast
• Minimal resource requirements
• Works on older browsers
• Immediate responsiveness
• Simple JavaScript implementation

Winner: Classic Editor for raw performance

Embedding Instagram and Social Media

Block Editor:

• Native embed blocks for major platforms
• One-click Instagram embedding
• Visual preview in editor
• Easy customization with plugins like Instagram Blocks
• Alignment and sizing controls built-in

Classic Editor:

• Requires manual shortcode or URL paste
• Limited visual preview
• Less intuitive customization
• Often requires HTML knowledge for styling

Winner: Block Editor (especially with Instagram Blocks plugin)

Content Reusability

Block Editor:

• Reusable blocks feature
• Block patterns for common layouts
• Easy copy-paste between posts
• Template capability
• Synced blocks across site

Classic Editor:

• Must copy-paste HTML manually
• No native template system
• Requires shortcodes for reusable elements
• No visual reusability features

Winner: Block Editor

Mobile Editing

Block Editor:

• Optimized for touch interfaces
• Responsive block controls
• Works on tablets and phones
• Mobile-specific interface

Classic Editor:

• Desktop-focused interface
• Difficult on mobile devices
• Limited touch optimization
• Requires keyboard for efficiency

Winner: Block Editor

Accessibility

Block Editor:

• Built with accessibility in mind
• Keyboard navigation support
• Screen reader compatible
• ARIA labels throughout
• Regular accessibility audits

Classic Editor:

• Basic accessibility features
• Keyboard shortcuts available
• Screen reader compatible
• Simpler interface may be easier for some users

Winner: Tie (both are accessible, with different strengths)

Extensibility

Block Editor:

• Growing ecosystem of block plugins
• Custom block development
• Block variations and patterns
• Easy integration with modern tools
• Active third-party development

Classic Editor:

• Mature plugin ecosystem
• Many plugins still support it
• Limited new development
• TinyMCE extensions available

Winner: Block Editor (for future-proofing)

Pros and Cons Summary

Block Editor Advantages

✅ Visual Content Creation No need to imagine how things will look—you see it as you build.

✅ Built-in Layout Options Create columns, grids, and complex designs without plugins or code.

✅ Modern Interface Clean, contemporary design that feels current and professional.

✅ Content Blocks Are Reusable Save time by reusing common elements across multiple posts.

✅ Better for Mixed Media Seamlessly combine text, images, videos, embeds, and custom elements.

✅ Growing Ecosystem Hundreds of block plugins (like Instagram Blocks) extend functionality.

✅ Future of WordPress Active development, new features, and long-term support guaranteed.

✅ Full Site Editing Eventually control your entire site design, not just post content.

Block Editor Disadvantages

❌ Steeper Learning Curve Requires adjustment period, especially for Classic Editor veterans.

❌ Performance Overhead More resource-intensive, can feel sluggish on older computers.

❌ Interface Complexity More buttons, panels, and options can overwhelm new users.

❌ Plugin Compatibility Some older plugins don’t work well with Block Editor.

❌ Distraction Potential So many options can distract from actual writing.

❌ Bugs and Quirks As a newer system, occasional bugs and unexpected behavior.

Classic Editor Advantages

✅ Familiar Interface If you’ve used Microsoft Word, you already know how to use it.

✅ Fast and Lightweight Minimal resource usage, loads quickly even on older hardware.

✅ Focused Writing Fewer distractions, better for pure text content.

✅ Mature and Stable Years of development mean fewer bugs and reliable behavior.

✅ Simple to Learn New users can start writing immediately without training.

✅ Wide Plugin Support Decades of plugins designed specifically for Classic Editor.

✅ Better for Long-Form Many writers find it superior for lengthy, text-heavy articles.

Classic Editor Disadvantages

❌ Limited Layout Options Difficult to create columns, grids, or complex designs without HTML.

❌ Less Visual Harder to predict exactly how content will appear on frontend.

❌ Declining Support Fewer new plugins and features being developed.

❌ Requires HTML Knowledge Advanced formatting needs coding skills.

❌ No Reusability Features Can’t easily save and reuse content elements.

❌ Legacy Technology Built on older architecture, eventual deprecation likely.

❌ Limited Future Development WordPress resources focused on Block Editor advancement.

Who Should Use Block Editor?

Ideal For:

Visual Content Creators If your content includes lots of images, galleries, videos, or mixed media.

Design-Conscious Users Those who care about precise layout control and visual presentation.

Instagram and Social Media Marketers Especially when using plugins like Instagram Blocks for seamless embedding.

Agencies and Developers Building sites for clients who need easy-to-use content management.

Portfolio Sites Photographers, designers, and creatives showcasing visual work.

E-commerce Sites Product pages benefit from flexible layout options.

New WordPress Users Those without investment in Classic Editor can start with modern tools.

Future-Proofing Projects Long-term sites should adopt the direction WordPress is heading.

Example Use Cases:

• Lifestyle blog with heavy Instagram integration
• Photography portfolio with complex galleries
• Business site with varied page layouts
• Magazine-style content with mixed media
• E-commerce site with product showcases

Who Should Use Classic Editor?

Ideal For:

Long-Form Writers Bloggers and authors focused primarily on text content.

Technical Users Comfortable with HTML Those who prefer coding their own layouts.

Low-Resource Environments Older computers or limited hosting resources.

Legacy Site Maintenance Maintaining existing sites built with Classic Editor.

Specific Plugin Requirements Using plugins that don’t support Block Editor.

Keyboard-Focused Writers Those who rarely touch the mouse while writing.

Simple Content Needs Basic blog posts without complex layouts.

Teams Resistant to Change Organizations where retraining costs outweigh benefits.

Example Use Cases:

• Personal blog with text-focused content
• Technical documentation sites
• Simple news sites
• Academic or research blogs
• Legacy business sites

Can You Use Both?

Yes! You can use different editors for different posts and pages.

The Classic Editor Plugin

Install the official Classic Editor plugin to:

• Use Classic Editor for specific posts
• Set default editor preference
• Allow per-post editor selection
• Switch between editors as needed

Installation:

1. Go to Plugins → Add New
2. Search for “Classic Editor”
3. Install and activate
4. Go to Settings → Writing
5. Choose default editor and user preferences

Switching Between Editors

Convert Classic to Block:

• Open Classic Editor post in Block Editor
• WordPress automatically converts to blocks
• Review and adjust as needed

Convert Block to Classic:

• Open Block Editor post in Classic Editor
• Blocks convert to HTML
• May lose some block-specific features

Important: Always backup before converting, especially for complex posts.

Making the Transition

If you decide to switch from Classic Editor to Block Editor, here’s how to make it smooth:

Step 1: Learn the Basics

Spend an hour with these resources:

• Official WordPress Block Editor tutorial
• YouTube “Gutenberg for beginners” videos
• Sandbox site for experimentation

Step 2: Start with Simple Posts

Don’t immediately tackle complex layouts. Begin with:

• Basic blog posts
• Simple pages
• Text-focused content

Step 3: Explore Block Plugins

Extend functionality with:

• Instagram Blocks for social embeds
• Kadence Blocks for design options
• Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg for marketing blocks

Step 4: Create Reusable Blocks

Save time by creating reusable elements:

• Author bios
• Call-to-action boxes
• Social media sections
• Disclaimer notices

Step 5: Use Block Patterns

Leverage pre-designed patterns for:

• Headers
• Hero sections
• Service listings
• Team member profiles
• Contact sections

Step 6: Practice Keyboard Shortcuts

Master these essential shortcuts:

• / – Quick block inserter
• Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + , – Show all shortcuts
• Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + D – Duplicate block
• Ctrl/Cmd + Alt + Z – Remove block

Performance Considerations

Optimizing Block Editor Performance

If Block Editor feels slow:

1. Use a Quality Host
   • Modern PHP version (7.4+)
   • Adequate server resources
   • Good caching setup
2. Limit Active Plugins
   • Deactivate unused block plugins
   • Use Block Manager to disable unused blocks
3. Update WordPress
   • Each version improves performance
   • Block Editor gets faster with updates
4. Use Modern Browser
   • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
   • Keep browser updated
5. Clear Cache
   • Browser cache
   • WordPress cache
   • CDN cache

Classic Editor Is Faster, But…

While Classic Editor loads faster, the question is: does it matter? For most modern hosting environments and computers, the performance difference is negligible in daily use.

The Future: Full Site Editing

WordPress’s roadmap makes clear: the Block Editor is the future. Full Site Editing (FSE) extends the block paradigm to:

• Theme customization
• Header and footer design
• Widget areas
• Navigation menus
• Template parts

What This Means:

• Block Editor skills become more valuable
• Classic Editor further marginalized
• Entire site manageable without code
• More opportunities for visual customization

Timeline: Full Site Editing is already available with block themes. Adoption is growing, and it’s the clear direction for WordPress.

Decision Framework

Still unsure? Answer these questions:

1. What’s your primary content type?

• Mostly text → Classic Editor
• Mixed media → Block Editor

2. How comfortable are you with new technology?

• Prefer familiar tools → Classic Editor (short-term)
• Enjoy learning new things → Block Editor

3. Do you need complex layouts?

• Rarely → Either editor
• Frequently → Block Editor

4. How long will you maintain this site?

• 1-2 years → Either editor
• 3+ years → Block Editor (future-proofing)

5. Do you embed Instagram or social content?

• Frequently → Block Editor (with Instagram Blocks)
• Rarely → Either editor

6. What’s your technical skill level?

• Beginner → Block Editor (eventually easier)
• HTML comfortable → Either editor
• Developer → Block Editor (better for clients)

Recommendation

For most WordPress users in 2025, the Block Editor is the better choice, especially when enhanced with plugins like Instagram Blocks.

Choose Block Editor if:

• Starting a new site
• Planning long-term maintenance
• Creating visual or mixed-media content
• Building sites for non-technical users
• Embedding social content regularly

Choose Classic Editor if:

• Maintaining existing sites
• Writing text-heavy long-form content
• Working with limited resources
• Using plugins requiring Classic Editor
• Strongly preferring traditional interface

Remember: You’re not locked in. You can switch editors at any time, and you can even use both on the same site for different purposes.

Conclusion

The Block Editor vs Classic Editor debate isn’t about which is objectively better—it’s about which better serves your specific needs. The Block Editor offers powerful visual capabilities and represents WordPress’s future direction. The Classic Editor provides familiar simplicity and focuses on writing.

For most users, especially those embedding Instagram content, creating visually rich posts, or building sites for clients, the Block Editor provides the best experience. Its learning curve is worth the investment for the long-term benefits it provides.

However, writers focused on text-heavy long-form content or those maintaining legacy sites may find Classic Editor still serves them well.

The good news? WordPress supports both, giving you the flexibility to choose—or use both—as your needs dictate. Start with what feels comfortable, and don’t be afraid to experiment with the alternative. Your perfect WordPress workflow might involve elements of both.

Ready to enhance your Block Editor experience? Install the Instagram Blocks plugin to seamlessly integrate social content into your visually-rich WordPress posts. It’s the perfect complement to the Block Editor’s visual approach.