The Gutenberg editor, a.k.a the Block Editor has significantly transformed how websites are built in WordPress. Introduced as the default WordPress editor since version 5.0, Gutenberg uses a block-based system that allows users to create pages and posts by combining different types of content blocks. Instead of relying on complex shortcodes or page builders, users can simply add, arrange, and customize blocks to design their pages.
In 2026 Gutenberg is the recommended way to build a WordPress website in the vast majority of the cases. However, the path to success for the Block editor was not easy. It was filled with obstacles and initial adoption was slow. Initially it faced a lot of resistance from the WordPress community for various reasons including dramatic shift in the development workflow, initial sluggishnesh and limited functionality. However, continuous iteration, focused contributions, and strategic architectural improvements has flipped the script. Nowadays Gutenberg has evolved into a world-class site editor and provides a reliable experience for both developers and end users. Its main advantages over traditional page builders are speed, simplicity, reliability and effectiveness.
The Gutenberg editor provides built-in (Core) blocks that offer base functionality and customization options such as paragraphs, images, blockquotes, tables, columns, galleries and others, but deliberately lacks more advanced design elements in order to keep things as simple as possible. This is where plugins that register additional Gutenberg blocks become extremely useful. These plugins register advanced blocks with additional and more complex layouts like sliders, testimonials, forms, pricing tables, and many other features. With the right plugin, users can build professional websites without writing code.
Below are some of the best free plugins for custom Gutenberg blocks that can help enhance the design and functionality of WordPress websites.
Spectra Gutenberg Blocks
Spectra Gutenberg Blocks (previously known as Ultimate Addons for Gutenberg) is one of the most popular plugins for expanding the Gutenberg editor. Developed by Brainstorm Force, the team behind the Astra theme, this plugin adds a large collection of advanced blocks designed to improve page layouts and visual design.
The plugin includes blocks such as advanced headings, content timelines, post grids, testimonials, marketing buttons, and social sharing options. These blocks make it easier to create engaging content without relying on external page builders. For example, the post grid block allows users to display blog posts in customizable grid layouts, which is ideal for blogs, news websites, and portfolios.
Spectra is also designed with performance in mind. Users can enable or disable individual blocks, ensuring that only the necessary features are loaded on the website. This helps maintain fast loading speeds and better website performance.
Nasio Blocks
Nasio Blocks plugin registers 8 additional Gutenberg blocks – Post slider, Content Slider, Gallery slider, Tabs, Accordion, Chart, Countdown and Icon blocks. These are additional Gutenberg blocks that work together with the core Gutenberg blocks provided with WordPress and aim to enrich the Block editor so you don’t have to use any additional page builders. However, if you really need a page builder like Elementor and it makes your life easier, it is still possible to use it in combination with the Nasio Blocks plugin.
Kadence Blocks
Kadence Blocks is another powerful Gutenberg extension that focuses on flexible layout building. It provides advanced blocks that help users create complex page structures directly inside the block editor.
Some of the most useful blocks included in Kadence Blocks are the row layout block, advanced gallery block, icon list block, and testimonial block. The row layout block is particularly important because it allows users to create multi-column layouts with full control over spacing, alignment, and background styles.
Kadence Blocks also includes pre-designed design patterns that help users build pages quickly. These patterns can be inserted into the editor and customized to match the website’s style. Because of its flexibility and ease of use, Kadence Blocks is widely used by designers, bloggers, and businesses.
Stackable
Stackable – Gutenberg Blocks is a feature-rich block plugin that focuses on creating visually appealing websites. It provides a collection of beautifully designed blocks that help users create professional page layouts.
Stackable includes blocks for feature grids, pricing tables, call-to-action sections, testimonials, and image boxes. These blocks are particularly useful for business websites and landing pages where design and presentation play an important role.
One of Stackable’s strengths is its built-in design controls. Users can easily adjust colors, typography, spacing, and background settings directly within the block editor. This level of customization allows users to design pages that match their branding without using additional CSS or coding.
The plugin also includes a variety of ready-made UI kits that help users build entire pages more quickly. These kits provide pre-designed sections that can be combined to create complete layouts.
Otter Blocks
Otter Blocks is a versatile Gutenberg plugin developed by ThemeIsle. It adds several useful blocks that enhance both design and functionality.
Some of the key blocks included in Otter Blocks are advanced heading, section block, pricing block, Google Maps block, and sharing icons. These blocks help users create more interactive and visually appealing pages.
One notable feature of Otter Blocks is its section block, which allows users to design entire sections of a page with customizable backgrounds, columns, and spacing. This makes it easier to build landing pages and marketing pages directly within the Gutenberg editor.
Otter Blocks also includes animation effects and dynamic visibility options, allowing users to create more engaging content. Because of its simple interface and practical features, it is suitable for beginners as well as experienced WordPress users.
Genesis Blocks
Genesis Blocks is a Gutenberg plugin developed by StudioPress. It focuses on providing essential blocks that help users build professional websites with minimal effort.
The plugin includes blocks such as testimonial blocks, pricing tables, call-to-action sections, and customizable layouts. These blocks are designed to help users create structured and attractive pages.
Genesis Blocks also provides pre-built page sections and templates that can be inserted into the Gutenberg editor. These templates make it easier to design landing pages, service pages, and blog layouts quickly.
Because it focuses on essential design components, Genesis Blocks is particularly useful for bloggers, small businesses, and content creators who want to enhance their websites without adding too many complex features.
Thank you for reading until the end! If you have come up this far, you already know which are our recommended plugins to extend the functionalities of the Gutenberg editor. The Block editor is our prefered way to build WordPress sites. It has made website creation more accessible by introducing a fast, flexible and extendable block-based design system. While the default WordPress blocks are sometimes limited when it comes to advanced design features, plugins like Spectra, Nasio Blocks, Kadence Blocks, Stackable, Otter Blocks, and Genesis Blocks expand the capabilities of the block editor by adding powerful new design elements. These plugins allow users to create modern layouts, interactive content, and visually appealing websites without relying on complex page builders.
By choosing the right block plugin, WordPress users can unlock the full potential of the Gutenberg editor and build professional websites more efficiently. Whether you are a blogger, designer, or business owner, these free plugins provide the tools needed to create flexible and engaging web pages using Gutenberg blocks.