Gutenberg vs. Classic Editor: Which One to Use in 2025?

Since its introduction in 2018, WordPress’ block-based Gutenberg editor has revolutionized content editing on the platform. However, the classic Classic Editor remains a popular choice among many longtime users. As of 2025, the debate continues: should you stick with Gutenberg or revert to the Classic Editor? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key differences, advantages, challenges, and current best practices to help you decide which editor aligns with your website’s goals and your workflow.

Understanding the Evolution of WordPress Editors

WordPress’s editing experience has undergone significant changes. Initially, the Classic Editor provided a simple, straightforward interface based on TinyMCE— a seasoned rich-text editor used for years. In 2018, the release of WordPress 5.0 introduced Gutenberg, an innovative block-based editor designed to offer more flexibility, visual editing, and enhanced content customization.

From Classic to Gutenberg: A Brief Timeline

1. 2018: Introduction of Gutenberg with WordPress 5.0
2. 2021: Major Gutenberg updates with improved interface and features
3. 2023: Increased adoption among theme and plugin developers
4. 2025: Continued evolution, with classic editor still supported but increasingly phased out

Feature Comparison: Gutenberg vs. Classic Editor

1. User Interface & Ease of Use

The Classic Editor features a familiar toolbar similar to traditional word processors, making it very approachable for users accustomed to simple text editing. Its straightforward layout minimizes distractions and maintains consistency with older editors.

Gutenberg, on the other hand, adopts a block-based approach. Each content piece—paragraphs, images, headings, buttons, and more—is a separate block that can be moved, styled, or configured independently. This offers immense flexibility but can be overwhelming for beginners.

2. Content Flexibility & Design Capabilities

With Gutenberg, you can craft complex layouts directly within the editor: multi-column sections, media galleries, embedded content, and custom styling—all through simple drag-and-drop functionality. This significantly reduces reliance on page builders or custom code.

Alternatively, the Classic Editor relies heavily on shortcodes, custom HTML, or third-party page builders to achieve similar layouts, which can complicate editing and maintenance.

3. Compatibility & Extensions

• Classic Editor: Well-established, with extensive plugin and theme support, especially for legacy sites. Many developers still release updates compatible only with the classic interface.
• Gutenberg: Newer ecosystem with a growing collection of block plugins, themes, and integrations. Modern themes are optimized for Gutenberg, ensuring seamless compatibility.

4. Learning Curve & User Adoption

For experienced users or those with simple editing needs, the Classic Editor’s familiarity minimizes the learning curve. Conversely, Gutenberg’s innovative interface may require an adjustment period but rewards users with more powerful editing capabilities once mastered.

Note: WordPress.org officially recommends Gutenberg as the future of editing, but they continue supporting the Classic Editor plugin, allowing users to switch back temporarily.

Advantages and Disadvantages: Gutenberg vs. Classic Editor

Advantages of Gutenberg

• Modern and flexible: Build rich, visually appealing content with minimal plugins.
• Intuitive block system: Reusable blocks and templates streamline content creation.
• Better media handling: Drag-and-drop media, embedded content, and multimedia integrations.
• Extended functionality: Growing library of third-party blocks and themes.

Disadvantages of Gutenberg

• Learning curve: May be daunting for non-technical users.
• Compatibility issues: Some legacy plugins or themes might conflict with Gutenberg.
• Potential performance impacts: Complex pages with many blocks might experience slower load times.

Advantages of Classic Editor

• Familiarity: Easy for long-time users comfortable with traditional editing.
• Stability: Mature, with fewer bugs and compatibility issues.
• Compatibility: Works seamlessly with many legacy themes and plugins.

Disadvantages of Classic Editor

• Limited design flexibility: Requires additional plugins or custom code for complex layouts.
• Decreased future support: WP development focuses on Gutenberg, decreasing updates for the classic editor.
• Potential obsolescence: May face eventual discontinuation, impacting long-term projects.

Current Trends and User Preferences in 2025

As of 2025, the WordPress ecosystem is predominantly moving toward Gutenberg as the default editor. Most new themes, plugins, and hosting providers promote Gutenberg compatibility. WordPress’s core development team emphasizes Gutenberg as the future of content editing and site building.

Nevertheless, a subset of users—especially those managing older sites or with specific customization needs—prefer to continue with the Classic Editor, using the dedicated plugin for compatibility. The choice largely depends on individual workflows, technical proficiency, and site complexity.

Which Editor Should You Use in 2025?

The decision hinges on your specific requirements and comfort level:

• If you prioritize modern design flexibility and streamlined content creation: Gutenberg is the way to go.
• If you prefer simplicity, stability, and minimal change: Classic Editor may be more suitable, especially for legacy sites.
• For mixed needs: Consider starting with Gutenberg, but keep the Classic Editor plugin handy as a fallback.

How to Transition Between Editors

Switching to Gutenberg

Most WordPress sites automatically load Gutenberg, but you can control this:

/wp-admin/plugins.php
Activate or deactivate the Gutenberg plugin for enhanced features or disables it to fall back to classic.

Reverting to Classic Editor

If you wish to stay with the Classic Editor, install and activate the Classic Editor plugin. It allows you to disable Gutenberg for your site or specific users, providing a familiar editing environment.

Final Thoughts: Future Outlook of WordPress Editors in 2025

While the Classic Editor still exists in 2025, the momentum clearly favors Gutenberg as the default editing experience. Website owners, developers, and content creators should prepare for this transition by familiarizing themselves with block editing and modern design paradigms.

Choosing the right editor depends on your site’s goals, user skill levels, and maintenance preferences. Embracing Gutenberg now will position your website to take advantage of future innovations, whereas maintaining the Classic Editor might be practical for legacy sites and stability.

Resources and Further Reading

• Official Gutenberg Block Editor Documentation
• Classic Editor Plugin
• Comprehensive Guide to WordPress Editors
• WPBeginner’s Comparison of Visual and Text Editors

In conclusion, whether you choose Gutenberg or stick with the Classic Editor in 2025, the key is understanding your needs and leveraging the tools that empower your content creation process. Whichever path you take, WordPress continues to evolve as a flexible, user-centric platform for all.