Picking a Gutenberg block plugin used to be simple, because there were only a few. Now the block editor has a crowded shelf, and two names come up constantly when someone in our Facebook community asks what to install: Spectra and Stackable.
They look almost identical on a feature list. Both add design blocks to the native WordPress editor, both have a free version, and both are well reviewed. The real difference shows up once you start building, and that is what this comparison is about.
We pulled the current numbers straight from WordPress.org and each plugin’s own site, so you are comparing the 2026 versions and not last year’s. Here is how Spectra and Stackable compare across setup, blocks, pricing, and the jobs each one is genuinely good at.
What is Spectra?
Spectra is a free WordPress plugin that adds a library of design blocks to the Gutenberg editor. It comes from Brainstorm Force, the same team behind the popular Astra theme, so it is built to pair with a lightweight block setup rather than a heavy page builder.
On WordPress.org, Spectra has over 1 million active installations and a 4.7 star rating from 1,867 reviews, which makes it one of the most widely used block plugins available. The current version is 2.19.29, and it is tested up to WordPress 7.0.
The free plugin ships with 30+ blocks covering layout containers, buttons, forms, post grids, and content elements, plus site-wide controls for spacing and typography. Spectra core is free, and Spectra Pro starts at $69 per year for three sites, with higher tiers and a lifetime option for advanced blocks and effects.
Spectra is a good fit if you want a free, low-fuss block set that feels native to the editor and works neatly alongside Astra.
Also Read: our full Spectra review breaks down the pros and cons in detail.
What is Stackable?
Stackable is a free Gutenberg block plugin built by Gambit Technologies, with a stronger focus on full-page design. It leans toward giving you complete section and page layouts you can drop in and edit, rather than only individual blocks.
On WordPress.org, Stackable has 100,000+ active installations and a 4.9 star rating from 518 reviews, the higher rating of the two plugins. The current version is 3.19.9, and it is tested up to WordPress 7.0.
The free version includes 42 blocks, a global design system, dynamic content, conditional display, and a large pattern library. Stackable Premium adds advanced copy-paste styles, more design library patterns, and one-on-one support, starting at $49 per year. Unlike most block plugins, Stackable’s free tier can be used on unlimited sites.
Stackable is a good fit if you care about design consistency across a whole site and want a generous free tier without a per-site limit.
Also Read: see our hands-on Stackable review for the full feature walkthrough.
Spectra vs Stackable: Head-to-Head
Here are the two plugins side by side, using numbers verified on WordPress.org and each plugin’s site in July 2026.
| Feature | Spectra | Stackable |
|---|---|---|
| Active installs (WordPress.org) | 1 million+ | 100,000+ |
| Rating | 4.7 stars (1,867 reviews) | 4.9 stars (518 reviews) |
| Free blocks | 30+ | 42 |
| Latest version | 2.19.29 | 3.19.9 |
| Tested up to | WordPress 7.0 | WordPress 7.0 |
| Made by | Brainstorm Force (Astra) | Gambit Technologies |
| Free tier site limit | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Paid plan | Spectra Pro from $69/yr (3 sites) | Premium from $49/yr (1 site) |
| Best for | Astra users, native editor feel | Whole-site design systems |
Which Should You Choose?
There is no single winner here, because the two plugins solve slightly different problems.
Choose Spectra if you already use Astra, or if you want the largest and most battle-tested block plugin with the biggest install base. Its free set is broad, and the native editor feel is hard to beat for straightforward sites.
Choose Stackable if design consistency matters more than raw block count. Its global design system, generous free tier on unlimited sites, and higher review score make it a strong pick for agencies and multi-site builders on a budget.
If you find yourself needing features from both, such as a header builder, a popup builder, dynamic listings, and social feeds in one plugin, that is usually the point where a single all-in-one block suite makes more sense than stitching two together. If you are weighing wider options first, our roundup of the best Gutenberg plugins for WordPress is a good next stop.
Spectra vs Stackable Compared
| FEATURES | Nexter Blocks | Spectra | Kadence Blocks | Stackable | Greenshift | Essential Blocks | Crocoblock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Blocks | 90+ | 25+ | 15+ | 40+ | 100+ | 70+ | 60+ |
| Total Extensions | 15+ | 3 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Blog Builder | Yes | - | - | - | Limited | Limited | - |
| Advanced Data Table | Yes | - | Limited | - | (Limited, Only Comparison Table Block) | Yes | Yes |
| Popup Builder/Off Canvas | Yes | Limited | Limited | (Limited, Only Video Popup Block) | (Limited, Simple Popup Builder with Button Trigger) | Yes | (Limited, Requires separate JetPopup plugin) |
| Dynamic Listing | Yes | - | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Custom Loop Skin | Yes | - | - | Yes | - | - | - |
| Vertical & Horizontal Mega Menu | Yes | - | - | - | Limited | Limited | (Limited, Requires separate JetMenu plugin) |
| Dark Mode | Yes | - | - | - | Yes | - | - |
| Cross Domain Copy and Paste | Yes | - | - | (Limited, Only includes Copy-Paste Styles) | Limited | Limited | - |
| Live Ajax Search | Yes | - | - | - | Yes | - | (Limited, Requires separate JetSearch plugin) |
| Header & Footer Builder | Yes | Limited | - | Yes | - | - | (Limited, Requires separate JetThemeCore plugin) |
| Carousel Anything & Remote | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Login/Signup Form | Yes (Contains Password Reset too) | Yes | - | - | (Limited, Only Login Form Block) | - | (Limited, Requires separate JetFormBuilder and JetWooBuilder plugin) |
| Advanced Row Background | Yes | - | Yes | Limited | - | Limited | - |
| Code Snippets & Hooks | Yes | - | - | - | Limited | - | - |
| Advance Theme Builder | Yes | Limited | - | - | - | - | (Limited, Requires separate JetThemeCore plugin) |
| Social Reviews | Yes (Includes Facebook & Google Reviews) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Social Feeds | Yes (Includes Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo & Multi Social) | - | - | - | - | (Limited, Only Instagram feed) | - |
| Scroll Sequence | Yes | - | Limited | (Limited, Only included Motion Effects) | (Limited, Only Background Parallax Block) | - | - |
| Form Styler | Yes | Yes | Yes | - | - | Yes | (Limited, Requires separate JetFormBuilder plugin) |
| Advanced Display Conditions | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes | Limited | - | Limited |
| White-label Plugin | Yes | - | - | - | Yes | - | - |
Why We Recommend Using Nexter Blocks?
Depending on your business, website, and the features you’re looking for, you might be looking for different Gutenberg blocks. Besides, your budget and affordability are also important factors in this decision.
However, when choosing the right Gutenberg blocks, you must consider certain factors to ensure a smooth experience. These include ease of use, premium customer support that extends beyond phone and chat support, flexibility, security, and so on.
Check 90+ Gutenberg Blocks Library from Nexter Blocks
Nexter Blocks brings you all these features and more in a single plugin. It is easy to install and use, you can enjoy hands-on support, and the plugin offers you possibly every unique function you need to create a stunning website.
And the best part? The blocks are highly customizable, and you don’t need to know coding to use them for your website.
Suggested Reading
- Nexter Blocks vs Spectra: 20+ Feature Comparisons
- Spectra vs Essential Blocks for Gutenberg
- Stackable vs Essential Blocks for Gutenberg
- 12 Best Gutenberg Plugins for WordPress
- Gutenberg vs Elementor: An Honest Block-Builder Comparison
Stay updated with Helpful WordPress Tips, Insider Insights, and Exclusive Updates – Subscribe now to keep up with Everything Happening on WordPress!
Extra Resources
Nexter Official Website
Check 90+ Gutenberg Blocks Library
Get Premium Plan – Yearly & Lifetime (Both available)
Join our Facebook Community – Ask all your WordPress questions
Subscribe for Product Updates, Elementor News, Tips & More
