Sliders are a dynamic method to present images, products, or articles on your WordPress site. If you’re using Elementor—the famous drag-and-drop page builder—you need a slider plugin that’s both compatible and powerful. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 WordPress sliders for Elementor, including both free and premium choices, to help you create great visual experiences for your visitors.
1. Smart Slider 3 (Free & Pro)
Smart Slider 3 is one of the most popular slider plugins for WordPress, known for its intuitive interface and deep integration with Elementor. The free version offers basic slide creation features, while the Pro version unlocks layers, animations, and dynamic content sources.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop slide builder
- Responsive and mobile-friendly
- Layer-based editing
- Pre-designed templates (Pro)
Best For: Users who want flexibility and design control without coding.
2. Elementor Slides Widget (Pro)
If you’re already an Elementor Pro user, you have access to the Slides widget—a built-in, easy-to-use slider tool. While it doesn’t offer as many advanced features as dedicated slider plugins, it integrates seamlessly into the Elementor workflow.
Key Features:
- Smooth transitions and animation settings
- Customizable buttons and content
- Mobile responsiveness
Best For: Elementor Pro users who want a lightweight solution for basic sliders.
3. Slider Revolution (Paid)
Slider Revolution is a powerhouse when it comes to slider creation. Though it’s a premium plugin, it offers unmatched animation capabilities, visual effects, and advanced design tools. It also offers pre-built slider templates that you can easily import and customize.
Key Features:
- Visual editor with timeline-based animation
- 200+ templates
- Integration with Elementor via shortcode
- Advanced layer animations
Best For: Designers and developers building high-end, visually rich websites.
4. MetaSlider (Free & Pro)
MetaSlider is a beginner-friendly and SEO-optimized slider plugin that works well with Elementor via shortcode. It’s lightweight, fast, and comes with a range of slider types, including flex, responsive, and carousel sliders.
Key Features:
- Multiple slider types (Flex, Nivo, Coin, etc.)
- Image cropping and SEO fields
- Easy shortcode integration
- Pro version includes layer slides and video support
Best For: Bloggers, marketers, and small businesses looking for a reliable, easy-to-use solution.
5. Master Slider (Free & Pro)
Master Slider is another popular slider plugin offering touch navigation, smooth transitions, and responsive design. It integrates with Elementor via shortcode and includes some Elementor-specific add-ons in the Pro version.
Key Features:
- Touch swipe navigation
- Retina-ready and responsive
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Pro version includes WooCommerce sliders
Best For: Users who want mobile-optimized sliders with minimal setup.
6. Prime Slider by BdThemes (Free & Pro)
Prime Slider is built specifically for Elementor users. It includes pre-designed slider blocks that can be added directly from the Elementor panel, making it one of the most Elementor-native solutions on the market.
Key Features:
- Elementor widget-based sliders
- Responsive and mobile-friendly
- Unique designs for niche industries
- Pro version includes more advanced skins
Best For: Elementor users who prefer native integration and modern, niche-specific designs.
7. LayerSlider (Paid)
LayerSlider is a feature-rich slider plugin known for its animation tools and design flexibility. Though it’s a premium product, it delivers advanced visual effects, transitions, and deep customization options.
Key Features:
- Powerful animation editor
- Parallax and 3D transitions
- WooCommerce and post content support
- Works with Elementor via shortcode
Best For: Agencies and advanced users who want complete control over slider animations.
8. Artisan Slider for Elementor (Free)
Key Features:
- Fully native Elementor widget
- Lightweight and optimized for fast loading
- Pre-made templates for quick design
- Supports image, video, and content slides
Best For: Elementor users who want a fast, minimalist, and easy-to-use slider solution that integrates seamlessly into their workflow.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right WordPress slider for Elementor depends on your design goals, budget, and ease-of-use preferences. If you’re just starting, Smart Slider 3, MetaSlider, or Artisan Slider are excellent free options. For more advanced needs, Slider Revolution or LayerSlider provide unmatched capabilities. And if you’re already using Elementor Pro, its built-in Slides widget might be all you need.
Always consider the plugin’s responsiveness, performance impact, and design features before making a choice. With the right slider, you can turn any section of your Elementor-built site into a visual masterpiece.
