Greatest WordPress Themes
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All businesses need a good website.
The websites must load quickly and have a profitable design.
The good news is that there are a ton of great WordPress themes out there that do just that.
WordPress themes use different layouts to present content beautifully and to drive engagement with your brand.
I've put together a guide on the best WordPress themes currently available to get you started.
The top 7 options for WordPress themes:
- Astra – The best WordPress theme for beginners
- Sydney – The Best Freelance WordPress Theme
- Foodie Pro – The best WordPress theme for food bloggers
- Jayla – The best WordPress theme for online stores
- Zakra – The best WordPress theme for SEO
- Tusant – The best WordPress theme for podcast creators
- Travel Way – The best WordPress theme for travel bloggers
How to choose the best WordPress themes for you
Choosing a single WordPress theme for your brand can be overwhelming. The options are endless and it can be difficult to know where to start. If you struggle to choose one, think about the full picture.
The first thing to think about is whether you should get a free or paid WordPress theme. The difference isn't just in the pricing.
A free WordPress theme can offer a lot to the right person, but it's worth knowing some of the cons. The main problem is the lack of ongoing support for this particular topic, which in most cases can mean seeking help from the original creator's email if something breaks.
Far from being ideal.
Not to mention, the same free themes can appear on many websites, which detracts from the originality of your branding.
However, usually you can try a theme for free before you decide to invest in the full paid version so that they have their use.
However, paid themes are a better choice for brands in general. They generally include regular updates and support, higher levels of customization, and higher quality code.
Another thing to mention is that WordPress.org, or "self-hosted WordPress" (as opposed to WordPress.com) is the best choice for most businesses as it offers a higher level of control and is cheaper overall. This extends to themes, availability and customization.
With that in mind, I've seen some top brands on WordPress.com or "hosted WordPress" with some really dazzling themes.
If in doubt I would still say go to WordPress.org.
Other important things to think about are the following:
Theme functionality
Thinking about functionality is very important. I'm talking about what kind of website you need to do business.
Do you need social media icons linked to branded accounts? How about a comment section or forum and what about the ecommerce side of things like a business?
In other words, you have to think about the features that you need.
The good news is that WordPress plugins can add a significant number of extras at any time, but it's worth taking a look at the functionality of a theme that you like.
For example, certain topics can be coded in such a way that adding a forum can be difficult.
If you enjoy a topic, make sure you have done your research before buying and that it can meet your core needs.
Website responsiveness
How responsive a site is can make or break it. It's that simple. There are more devices than ever and the list continues to grow.
Can the theme you choose be customized for these different devices?
A mobile reader needs to have the same full experience as a desktop user for any good WordPress theme to adapt to it on a case-by-case basis. Don't forget that Google has mandated that websites be responsive to mobile devices, which can have a significant impact on your rankings.
Mobile traffic is increasing every year, so having a responsive WordPress theme is essential. Most WordPress themes include this by default, but not all, and free themes often don't. Think about it carefully when you research.
Page builder
With a good page builder, you can drag and drop pages with little effort.
Most WordPress themes come bundled with page builders, but not all. Some topics may even use a bespoke page builder that can slow down a site with unwanted code.
Ideally, you'd want a streamlined WordPress theme that works with the best page builders, especially if you have a preference.
You could find a WordPress theme that does just about anything you want, only to find that it isn't compatible with your preferred builder. Or buy one with a proprietary builder, but it's not very good. Too late as you've already bought it.
Browser support
A theme can load up easily and look nice in your browser. But what about your client's browser? It's worth noting that not all themes will work correctly in every browser. So many tests are a good idea.
Usually you can check a browser's compatibility under the details of a WordPress theme, but the developers don't always list this. In that case, test it yourself.
It's as simple as downloading some of the most popular browsers, reloading your website with the new theme, and seeing what works and what doesn't.
Most of the time, you will find one or two problems that are unique to a particular browser. I've seen pages inexplicably broken in certain browsers while others were fine. This is often an overlooked area, so it is wise to stay one step ahead of potential problems.
Different types of WordPress themes
WordPress can be a little more complicated than you might first think. It's not just free themes versus paid themes or simple themes versus premium themes.
There are a few different groupings of topics, but they can be broken down into the following core clusters:
Starter themes
A starter WordPress theme is essentially a skeleton of a theme. These themes provide the important infrastructure a WordPress theme needs, but that is all.
From there, it's up to you to build the rest of the website. For some brands, this might be exactly what they want, and for others, it might be a scary thought and too much work.
The idea is that these themes are minimal in design and are malleable and very customizable.
Framework topics
Framework WordPress themes are about networking different parts with one another. A framework theme combines a parent and child theme into one fully functional and customizable theme.
A child topic is effectively an add-on that goes beyond a parent topic. This is a great way to modify and tweak a website to your heart's content.
A higher-level topic, on the other hand, is the basic topic below. It can operate on its own, but you cannot change it without the help of the subtopic.
The advantage of these themes is that they can be turned into something unique using the existing structure of the parent theme as a starting point.
Tailored topics
Customized topics are another category. These are themes designed by a professional team tailored to your specific niche and needs.
You can customize a theme yourself, of course, but if you have the budget a team designed and created theme can prove to be far more successful and created exactly how you want it to be.
Be warned, however, these can be expensive.
# 1 – Astra – The Best WordPress Theme for Beginners
We all have to start somewhere, and that goes for WordPress themes too. Where do you even start The answer is with Astra.
Astra is our first choice for WordPress beginners as it has great customization options, a high level of functionality, and a significant number of free extensions.
I mentioned earlier that making sure that great page builders are compatible with a theme is important, and Astra doesn't disappoint. Some of the most popular page builder plugins, such as Elementor and Beaver Builder, are easy to use with it.
In addition, Astra offers a lightweight experience that allows it to charge exceptionally quickly. Without mentioning the super easy customization and pre-built options for blogs, portfolios and online stores.
Other important functions of the Astra theme are:
- Special sidebar
- WooCommerce ready
- Mega menu
- Mobile headers
- Fluid layout
- Distance control
- Custom fonts
- Infinite loading
In terms of pricing, you can get Astra for free and this gives you a basic theme to get started with. For some, it could be anything they need.
There is also a Pro version of Astra that offers additional settings and options. The Pro version is a must if you need a lot of customization and new layouts. You can buy it for $ 59.
# 2 – Sydney – The best Freelance WordPress theme
Whether you are a freelance marketer, editor, or content writer, having a great subject to demonstrate your accomplishments and details is vital.
This is where Sydney comes in. This is a powerful and feature-rich theme that is ideal for freelancers, both newbies and those who have been doing this for years and may want to make changes.
Sydney has 600+ different Google fonts to choose from, and users have access to a full-screen slider that can make a strong first impression on potential customers.
I also like the custom Elementor blocks which can be designed however you want so you can focus on getting your branding right.
Other characteristics of the Sydney theme are:
- Slider or static image header
- Translation done
- Social buttons
- Cross-browser support
- Regular updates
- Live customizer
- Parallax backgrounds
- Color control
Sydney has a free version and you have access to many important features.
Even so, the Pro license is only $ 59, and with the upgrade, you can take it to the next level with additional page options, templates, WooCommerce, video headers, and much more.
This is a good idea for most freelancers and small businesses.
# 3 – Foodie Pro – The best WordPress theme for food bloggers
This compelling WordPress theme is perfect for sharing new recipes and the best cooking tips with your online audience.
You can't go wrong with Foodie Pro as it is minimalist and clean, yet it has a wide variety of features and specific design options.
Foodie Pro consists of the Genesis Framework – both secure and search engine optimized – and offers almost countless color and typography options.
You can quickly upload your brand's logo. A selection of pre-made templates will only speed things up if you are in a hurry to get started.
Other features of Foodie Pro are:
- Customizable header
- Mobile responsive
- Widget areas
- Recipe index
- Works with popular plugins
- Subsidiary topic based on the Genesis Framework
- WordPress customizer
- Light design
There isn't a free version of Foodie Pro, but you can purchase the theme and full framework package for $ 129.95. I think this is a fair offer based on what you can do with it.
There's also a Genesis Pro option for those who love the framework and want to keep investing. The Genesis Pro variant provides access to additional support and any future topic the company publishes.
Genesis Pro is a great choice for those with big plans and costs $ 360 per year.
# 4 – Jayla – The best WordPress theme for online stores
The Jayla theme takes a minimal and timely approach to the ecommerce industry so you can easily set up a store and sell products online.
Jayla is based on the popular and powerful WooCommerce plugin, so you can access a wide variety of functions.
Jayla also gives you access to multi-block builders to speed up your website creation, and a nearly unlimited number of colors for your layout.
Perhaps most impressive is the wide range of stores you can build with the theme. From furniture stores to tech stores and everything in between, Jayla is useful in most ecommerce scenarios.
Other highlights of the Jayla theme include:
- Install demo with one click
- Lifelong support
- Head and foot builders
- Page builder via drag & drop
- Woo product filter
- Compatible with Yoast SEO
- WooCommerce product wish list
- Supports over 800 Google fonts
On the price side, Jayla costs just $ 59 for the regular license, which is more than enough to get your business off the ground.
This regular license also adds future updates at no additional cost and six months of support for site bugs and other issues.
If you'd like additional support, you can extend it to 12 months for $ 17.63.
# 5 – Zakra – The best WordPress theme for SEO
Zakra isn't just a memorable name – no, this stylish WordPress theme will help your brand rank higher on Google.
Zakra is optimized for the largest search engines, loads quickly and supports almost all major SEO plugins.
A particularly impressive feature are the around 50 demos that are prefabricated and ready for the topic.
These demos cover several scenarios you might need and can be set up quickly with a one-click demo importer. From there, you can customize the demo to your liking.
A big advantage is the speed at which you can do this. Hence, this is an excellent option for those short on time.
The Zakra theme also provides:
- Easy DesignWooCommerce integration
- Suitable for multiple devices
- Compatible with major page builders
- Translatable topic
- Text direction languages from right to left
- Dynamic, customizable areas
- Menu styling option
Zakra is free to use. Note, however, that several functions are blocked. As soon as you are happy with the theme, you can upgrade to one of the premium packages.
There are four price levels, all of which come with the Zakra Pro extras. The following prices are for lifetime access:
- Personal: $ 112 for 1 site license
- Personal Plus: $ 139 for 3 site licenses plus 30+ premium starter demos and Elementor companions
- Professional: $ 259 for 10 site licenses plus 30+ premium starter demos and Elementor companions
- Developer: $ 359 for unlimited site licenses plus 30+ premium starter demos, Elementor companions, and future plugins
You can also pay via an annual fee. I think the Personal Plus plan with a lifetime subscription would be a great option for most.
# 6 – Tusant – The best WordPress theme for podcast creators
Tusant by Second Line is a top-notch topic best for podcast creators, musicians, speakers, and streaming music.
While many themes can offer eye-catching designs, Tusant is also handy, allowing you to embed audio and video from multiple sources.
For example, a podcast creator could easily embed an entire ongoing series while musicians could show off their latest work. The developers say that Tusant can present an unlimited number of entries.
In addition, Tusant supports all major podcasting plugins such as PowerPress, Seriously Simple Podcasting and PodLove. You can also host MP3 files locally so that little gets in the way of your creativity.
Tusant also offers:
- Over 900 Google fonts are supported
- One-click theme installation
- Dedicated support
- Responsive mobile design
- Customizer integrated in WordPress
- Complete documentation for each section
- Translation done
- Support for the page builder included
There are three different levels of pricing from the Tusant creators:
- Single Podcast Theme: $ 69 for a Second Line Podcast WordPress Theme of your choice + 12 months of updates and support
- Podcast Theme Bundle: $ 139 for access to all Second Lines podcast WordPress themes + 12 months of updates and support
- Lifetime Access: $ 389 for unlimited lifetime access to all Second Lines Podcast WordPress themes + lifetime updates and support
Second Line currently has five different podcast WordPress themes. Tusant offers multiple layouts, beautiful displays for playlists, and supports over 20 podcast hosting providers. If you're a podcaster, you can't go wrong with Tusant.
# 7 – Travel Way – The best WordPress theme for travel bloggers
Travel Way is perfect for travel bloggers and photographers who want to show off the true beauty of their locations. Travel Way is also great for travel agencies and portfolios.
With call-to-action buttons, multiple sections, and handy social icons, it's a theme for the modern traveler.
The free version of Travel Way is flexible and highly customizable, with the ability to set up galleries, booking forms, services and portfolios. There is a lot you can do with this topic.
Even better, it works well with all major browsers, is very responsive, and has unlimited pages for every section of your website.
Other attractive features of Travel Way are:
- Selected sections
- More than nine custom widgets
- credentials
- Tour packages
- Custom sidebar areas
- Full layout control
- Page builder compatible
- Extensive slider options
The Pro version offers advanced custom widgets, multiple options for comment areas, more menu and logo positions, and much more.
It costs just $ 55 for personal use and $ 99 for developers. So if you're interested in the topic, I would always upgrade the rest of the features.
Summary
There are tons of beautiful WordPress themes out there, and my list has just given you an overview of everything you can do on the platform. However, many topics are better suited to specific purposes.
The choices on the list feature some of the best topics available in their respective fields:
- Astra – The best WordPress theme for beginners
- Sydney – The Best Freelance WordPress Theme
- Foodie Pro – The best WordPress theme for food bloggers
- Jayla – The best WordPress theme for online stores
- Zakra – The best WordPress theme for SEO
- Tusant – The best WordPress theme for podcast creators
- Travel Way – The best WordPress theme for travel bloggers
Whether you are a freelancer, travel blogger, podcaster or want to open an online shop, WordPress has everything you need.
The best part is how much you can do on a single topic. So dive in and get started.
The sky really is the limit.