Elementor vs. Divi vs. Breakdance: Let’s Talk Legal

Navigating the legal terms and services of website builders like Elementor, Divi, and Breakdance can feel like wading through quicksand. Each platform has its own rules, and for small business owners with limited time, understanding these differences is key to avoiding headaches. Let’s break it down simply and share a practical tip to keep you safe.

Elementor: Clear but Restrictive Licensing

Elementor’s terms govern how you use their plugin, templates, and support services. You get a license to use their software, but it’s tied to the number of sites you paid for—share your activation code, and you risk getting blocked. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for Pro and Hosting plans, which is great if you’re testing the waters. However, their terms emphasize that you don’t own the software or templates; you’re licensing them, and Elementor retains all intellectual property rights. If you provide feedback, they can use it without owing you anything.elementor.com Also, Elementor legally sells your content to buyers world-wide. So, your content isn’t even your own. ACK!

Divi: Flexible but Subscription-Heavy

Divi, built by Elegant Themes, takes an “everything included” approach. Their terms allow unlimited site usage with both annual ($89) and lifetime ($249) plans, making it appealing for agencies or businesses with multiple websites. You’re licensed to use Divi’s themes and plugins, but like Elementor, you don’t own them. Divi’s terms are less restrictive on sharing credentials but still require accurate billing info to avoid service disruptions. Their marketplace of third-party extensions adds flexibility, but you’ll need to review each extension’s separate terms, which can complicate things.wpallimport.comoxygenbuilder.com

Breakdance: Modern with a Generous Refund

Breakdance, the new kid on the block, offers a subscription model starting at $99/year for one site, with an unlimited site license at $199.99/year. Their terms stand out with a 60-day money-back guarantee—double Elementor’s—making it less risky to try. Like the others, you’re licensing the software, not owning it, and Breakdance retains intellectual property rights. A unique perk: even if you cancel your subscription, pro features on existing sites keep working, though you lose support and updates. This makes Breakdance forgiving for small businesses testing the platform.breakdance.com

Key Differences to Know

• Licensing Limits: Elementor strictly limits licenses by site count, while Divi and Breakdance offer unlimited site options, better for businesses managing multiple websites.
• Refund Policies: Breakdance’s 60-day refund window is the most generous, followed by Elementor’s 30 days. Divi’s terms don’t highlight a refund policy, so you’ll need to check directly with Elegant Themes.
• Ownership and Feedback: All three retain full intellectual property rights. If you share feedback or ideas, they can use them without compensation—common but worth noting.
• Third-Party Add-Ons: Divi and Elementor rely on third-party marketplaces, which may introduce additional terms. Breakdance includes more built-in features, reducing the need for external plugins and their legal complexities.

Hip Bip’s Tip: Always Read the Refund Policy

Check the refund policy before committing to any plan. Why? Small businesses often work with tight budgets, and a generous refund window—like Breakdance’s 60 days—gives you time to test the platform without financial risk. Elementor’s 30 days is decent but less flexible, and Divi’s lack of a clear refund policy in their terms means you might be locked in. Knowing the exit strategy ensures you’re not stuck paying for a tool that doesn’t fit your needs.

You’ve got this. Pick a builder that aligns with your budget and growth plans, and don’t let legal fine print slow you down.