Divi 5 – A Long-Awaited Upgrade, But Is It Enough?

Divi 5 is finally in public alpha, and for the first time, it feels close to completion. The core has been rebuilt on a modern, shortcode-free framework, and it runs faster. Most features are in place, and the WooCommerce modules have just landed, so you can build stores without falling back to Divi 4. Elegant Themes is shipping updates every two weeks; at this pace, I expect a public beta in about 30 days.

I use Elementor for most projects, but I still own a lifetime license for Divi and continue to test Divi 5.

Below, I’ll show what’s new, what still needs work, and whether this release is enough to win me back.

What’s New in Divi 5.0?

The most significant shift in Divi 5 is its new HTML5-based framework, which replaces the old shortcode-based system. This has been in the works for years, and now, with the public alpha available, users are finally getting a hands-on experience.

Key Improvements in Divi 5:

• Performance Boost – Build speed and render times are significantly improved (some users report 30% faster rendering).
• No More Shortcodes – The foundation has been rebuilt with modern HTML instead of relying on shortcodes.
• Regular Feature Additions—Divi 5 is still in public alpha, and new features are added every two weeks.
• The new X-Ray mode allows users to visualize the hierarchical structure of page layouts.
• New user interface

Ongoing Divi Feature Updates:

(as of early September 2025)

• Divi 5 AI
• Advanced Units
  • A recent example of Divi 5’s evolving nature is the Advanced Units feature. This update replaces existing unit fields and sliders with a more flexible system, offering:
  • Draggable anchors for precise adjustments.
  • Improved unit validation logic.
  • Support for CSS value functions and variables.
  • A quick unit picker for commonly used values.
• Design Variables
• With Nested Rows, you can embed rows within other rows, offering limitless nesting capabilities. This allows for the creation of intricate and sophisticated complex layout structures.
• Flexbox Layout: This is one of Divi 5’s most crucial features, unlocking remarkable flexibility in web design and custom layouts. It enables innovative layout structures and provides precise control over the ordering and wrapping of internal elements.
• Attribute Management: It’s an exciting addition! Attribute Management introduces an extensive system for copying, pasting, and resetting attributes, including presets, styles, and content. This feature allows you to selectively manage different attribute types at the element and group levels, streamlining your workflow with unprecedented efficiency.
  Divi 5 aims to deliver the most comprehensive attribute management system among page builders, significantly enhancing productivity.
• Responsive Editor: The Responsive Editor in Divi 5 makes designing for different devices easier. Instead of having to switch between devices, you can now view the value of options in a single modal window without the need to change to a specific breakpoint.
• Group Carousel module
• Icon List module
• Lotiie module
• Loop Builder: Is a tool that allows you to showcase a loop of content from your website’s database, including posts, products, categories, and authors, and customize the design of each item within the loop.
• Woocommerce modules added
  See below the modules available

Since Divi 5 is still being developed, more enhancements are expected, meaning today’s opinions may change over time.

I will update this section with new ongoing features

Divi Community Reactions – Mixed Reviews

As expected, the response from WordPress users has been divided. Here’s what people are saying:

Positive Reactions ✅

• Much Faster Than Divi 4 – Many users appreciate the performance boost.
• Still Great for Quick, Client-Friendly Builds – Some developers find Divi useful for fast, simple projects.
• New Features Show Potential – With biweekly updates, there’s hope that Divi 5 will continue to improve.

Negative Reactions ❌

• Not a Real Evolution – Many say that while Divi 5 is rebuilt, it doesn’t feel new.
• Accessibility Issues Persist – Divi still lacks proper semantic HTML, relying too much on <div> elements.
• Too Late? – Some argue that Elementor, Bricks, and GeneratePress have already dominated the market.

I share some of these concerns. The performance boost is excellent, but Divi 5 still feels like Divi at its core, and that may not be enough to win back users who have moved on.

Migrating from Divi 4 to Divi 5

The transition from Divi 4 to Divi 5 is a key concern for existing Divi users. Elegant Themes has introduced the Divi 5 Migrator System, designed to make the process smooth and seamless.

How Does the Divi 5 Migration Work?

1. One-Click Migration – The Divi 5 Migrator allows users to convert Divi 4 content into Divi 5 with a single click.
2. Backward Compatibility – If a module isn’t yet fully supported in Divi 5, it will function in compatibility mode, ensuring your site remains functional.
3. Pre-Migration Check – Before migrating, the system scans your site and provides a report of any potential issues.
4. Reversion Option – If issues arise post-migration, there’s an option to restore back to Divi 4.

Below is an example of the Divi 5 migratory and the checks.

If you’re considering migrating, waiting until Divi 5 is out of alpha may be the best approach for production sites. Using Divi 5, I believe creating a simple website, such as a Brochure, is acceptable.

Should You Switch to Divi 5?

Divi 5 is a significant update, but your decision depends on whether it’s the right choice for you.

Who Might Benefit from Divi 5?

• Current Divi users are looking for a speed boost.
• Beginners who want an easy drag-and-drop builder.
• Agencies needing fast client site delivery.

Who Might Stick with Other Builders?

• Developers & power users who need more flexibility (Bricks, Breakdance, or GeneratePress may be better choices).
• Users who left Divi and don’t see enough improvements to return.
• Those need accessibility compliance since Divi still has shortcomings.

My Personal Divi 5 Review

I moved away from Divi for now, but I haven’t ruled it out completely. Since I have the Divi Lifetime Deal (LTD), it’s still an option for me, and I continue to test new features on a dedicated site. As long as Elegant Themes continues to improve Divi 5, I’ll evaluate whether it’s worth using again for future projects.

I find Divi pricing is fair and straightforward, especially when compared to the growing trend of expensive subscriptions in the page builder space. Divi offer is for unlimited websites. There are no restrictions like those of our competitors. While I already own Divi through the Lifetime Deal, I think the pricing remains reasonable for new users:

• $89/year for yearly access to all Divi themes, Divi Builder, including Divi Dash for central management.
• $249 one-time payment for lifetime access
• Divi Pro (with features like Divi Dash, Divi Ai, Divi Cloud, and Divi Teams) is $277/year.

If you’re considering securing the Divi LTD, you can get it with a 10% discount using this link

As someone who mainly uses Elementor, I find Divi interesting, but not enough to switch back—at least not yet.

My Take After Testing

I’m keeping Divi on a test site (I own the LTD). What would make me switch:

(1) stronger accessibility out of the box,

(2) sustained performance with heavy layouts,

3) Woo checkout/cart polish, and

(4) a stable beta with clear migration guardrails. Until then, Elementor stays my default.

What’s Your Take?

Have you tested Divi 5? Does it feel like a real comeback, or is it too little, too late? Let’s discuss it!

I will update this article with new features as long as Divi 5 is still in development.

I’d love to hear from you — was this article helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you prefer, you can also reach me by email or connect with me on Reddit at Navigatetech.