What is the Difference Between Jupiter and Jupiter X?

Jupiter and Jupiter X are both versions of the highly popular WordPress theme developed by Artbees. Jupiter was launched in 2013, and Jupiter X was introduced in 2018. While they share the same roots, they offer different functionalities, design approaches, and feature sets. In this article, we will explore the key differences between the two, helping you understand which version best suits your needs.

1. Core Page Builder: WPBakery vs. Elementor

One of the most significant differences between Jupiter (also referred to as Jupiter 6) and Jupiter X is the page builder they use by default:

• Jupiter (Jupiter 6): Uses WPBakery Page Builder (formerly Visual Composer) as its core page-building tool. This builder provides a drag-and-drop interface but has limitations in terms of flexibility and user experience compared to modern page builders.
• Jupiter X: Introduced Elementor as the default page builder, offering a much more intuitive, visual, and live editing experience. Elementor allows users to customize designs with greater flexibility, performance, and responsiveness without needing additional coding skills.

If you are migrating from Jupiter 6 to Jupiter X, you might need to convert your WPBakery-built pages into Elementor manually.

Related Article: Understanding the Legacy Page Builder (WPBakery)

2. Elementor Pro Features Replaced by Jupiter X

Jupiter X not only uses Elementor as its main page builder but also completely eliminates the need for Elementor Pro by offering its own native features. With Jupiter X, users get built-in alternatives to Elementor Pro’s premium functionalities, including:

• Theme Builder (replaced by Layout Builder)
• Motion Effects
• Role Manager
• Form Builder and Popup Builder
• Custom Code, Fonts, Attributes and more
• Global Styling & Widgets 

This makes Jupiter X a cost-effective and feature-rich alternative to using Elementor Pro, ensuring that users do not need to purchase additional licenses for premium page-building features.

Related Article:Jupiter X vs. Elementor Pro

3. Performance and Speed

Jupiter X was designed with performance and speed optimization in mind:

• Jupiter (Jupiter 6): While optimized, it carries older structures that rely on WPBakery and additional shortcodes, which can sometimes affect performance.
• Jupiter X: Built from the ground up with a modular approach, reducing unnecessary code and enhancing site speed. It also benefits from Elementor’s performance improvements, making it a better choice for modern websites focused on speed and efficiency.

4. Theme Customization and Flexibility

Customization is another major area where the two themes differ:

• Jupiter (Jupiter 6): Customization options were mostly provided through the old Theme Options panel. While it was powerful at the time, it lacked flexibility compared to newer frameworks.
• Jupiter X: Jupiter X features a Layout Builder, 100+ widgets, and various builders such as Popup Builder and Form Builder, offering maximum customizability for all website elements. Users have more control over layout, typography, colors, and global settings without relying on additional plugins.

5. Header and Footer Builder

• Jupiter (Jupiter 6): Provided a set of predefined header and footer styles but did not allow for extensive customizations without custom coding.
• Jupiter X: Introduced a Header & Footer Builder, allowing users to create and customize headers and footers using Elementor. This gives users full design control without needing extra plugins or coding knowledge.

6. Template Library & Prebuilt Websites

• Jupiter (Jupiter 6): Included a selection of demo templates, but they were tied to WPBakery.
• Jupiter X: Features an expansive template library with over 450 prebuilt websites, sections, and blocks that can be imported and customized easily using Elementor. This makes Jupiter X one of the most versatile themes for quickly creating stunning websites with minimal effort.

7. WooCommerce Features

Both Jupiter and Jupiter X support WooCommerce, but Jupiter X provides deeper integration:

• Jupiter (Jupiter 6): WooCommerce support required additional customization.
• Jupiter X: Comes with WooCommerce Builder, allowing users to create custom product pages, shop layouts, and checkout designs using Elementor. Thanks to Artbees' SellKit plugin, which is included in Jupiter X for free, it also offers exclusive WooCommerce features such as a complete checkout builder, checkout optimization (express checkout, skip cart, form validation, auto-populate), order bumps, sales funnels, smart upsells, automated coupons, dynamic discounts, and checkout notices.

Migration from Jupiter 6 to Jupiter X

If you are an existing Jupiter 6 user and wish to migrate to Jupiter X, it’s important to note:

• If you prefer to migrate your WPBakery-based content to Jupiter X and continue editing with WPBakery, you can use the Donut plugin.
• The transition from WPBakery to Elementor is not automatic. You may need to rebuild your pages using Elementor.
• Some old shortcodes and customizations may not be fully compatible.
• A fresh installation is recommended for users who want to take full advantage of Jupiter X’s modern features.

Related Article: Donut Plugin

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Jupiter X is the ideal choice for users looking for a modern, high-performance, and highly customizable WordPress theme. With its native Elementor replacement features, 450+ prebuilt templates, and advanced WooCommerce enhancements via the SellKit plugin, Jupiter X offers everything users need without requiring Elementor Pro.

For users still on Jupiter 6 who prefer WPBakery Page Builder, transitioning to Jupiter X requires rebuilding pages in Elementor. However, the improved speed, flexibility, and future-proof design of Jupiter X make it a compelling upgrade.

Feature Comparison

If you are considering upgrading from Jupiter 6, be prepared for a transition process, but the long-term benefits in flexibility and performance make it a worthwhile move.

If you're looking for a modern, feature-rich WordPress theme that offers high customization, superior performance, and seamless WooCommerce integration, Jupiter X is the way to go.

If you are starting a new website, Jupiter X is the recommended choice due to its modern architecture, ease of customization, and superior performance.