Are you looking for a WordPress theme that loads fast, has numerous features, and is multipurpose? If yes, then you are on the right page.
In this Astra WordPress Theme Review article, we will discuss the Astra WordPress Theme and provide a comprehensive review, enabling you to determine whether it is right for you easily.
Astra is considered one of the Best WordPress Themes. It boasts excellent speed and numerous features essential for any WordPress site to appear professional.
The WPAstra theme has two versions. One is the Astra free version, and the other is the Astra Pro version.
Astra’s free version is fast, lightweight, and includes all essential features. However, if you require advanced features, the Pro version is the solution.
Astra free theme is used on over 1 million websites and has an almost 5-star rating. That shows the popularity of this theme.
Table of Contents
Astra Theme Overview
The Astra theme was developed by Brainstorm Force, the same team that created plugins such as Convert Pro and Schema Pro.
Founded in 2009 as a web development agency, Brainstorm Force has since expanded into theme development, boasting a wide range of WordPress themes and plugin portfolios.
The Astra theme is minimalistic. That means you may not have access to all the features of a mainstream theme. Astra is more of a theme framework rather than a full-fledged theme.
The Astra theme free version is excellent to start with. It is sufficient to fulfill most requirements. However, the Astra Pro version has a wide range of features that you may not want to miss.
Astra Theme
Astra is the fastest, most flexible WordPress theme trusted by millions to build beautiful, responsive websites with ease
Why Astra?
Over a million users are using Astra. So obviously, Astra has something special in it. Here are the top five features that made Astra one of the best and most reputable WordPress themes.
- Fast & Lightweight: Astra is feather-light and loads in less than half a second. Other themes struggle to load even in three seconds.
- Modular Design: Astra is unlike other themes, where all features are not dumped, and you have the option to turn off any features you don’t want. In Astra, you can turn any features on and off. Therefore, the page will be both lightweight and fast.
- Page Builder Support: Astra supports nearly all popular page builders, including Elementor, Thrive Architect, Beaver Builder, and more. That makes it an easy choice for bloggers.
- White Label Theme: If you run a website design agency, this theme is the best as it’s white-label. That means you can remove all Astra branding if you design a website in Astra for your client. Clients will never know which theme you have used.
- Developer Friendly: Astra offers unlimited design possibilities with Custom layouts, hooks, and filters. For developers, it’s a blessing. You can design any website with Astra if you are familiar with CSS and PHP. That’s the beauty of Astra.
Astra Theme Features
The Astra theme boasts an impressive list of features in both its free and pro versions. The best thing about the Astra theme is that you can toggle every feature.
That means you can turn off features if you don’t need them. That is why the Astra theme is speedy and lightweight.
Below are the key features of the Astra theme.
- Performance Features
- Design Features
- Site Layout Features
- Blog Layout Features
- Woocommerce Features
- Integration Features
- Custom Layout features
- Starter Sites
- Easy Customization
- Free Plugins
Performance Features
The following are a few of the performance features that are bundled with the Astra Theme.
- Loads in less than half a second
- Page size is about 50 KB
- No jQuery
- Optimized code
Astra Is Fast ( Loads in less than 0.5 seconds)
47% of users expect a site to load in 2 seconds or less. With Astra, it is possible. Websites built with Astra load in under half a second when appropriately optimized.
Lightweight ( Only 50KB)
As for size, Astra is just 50 KB with a fresh install. It is significantly smaller than many other popular themes, for which file sizes vary from 100 KB to 200 KB.
Optimized Code
The Brainstorm Force team has adhered to the best coding practices to design the Astra theme. That is why you won’t see much difference between the raw and minified codes, as the Astra theme codes are already minified.
No jQuery
Astra uses vanilla JavaScript instead of jQuery, which is render-blocking. That is why you will notice a good speed when you install Astra.
Design Features
Although the Astra theme features numerous design elements, the following are essential for basic web design.
- Header and footer builder
- Sticky header
- Layouts
- Page headers
Header And Footer Builder
Starting with Astra 3.0, you will have access to a drag-and-drop header and footer builder. You can add rows, columns, and widgets in the header and footer. Building the header and footer with the Astra theme was never easy.
With Astra, you don’t need to write any code. It ensures that building any headers and footers is done efficiently and effectively.
The Astra Drag and Drop Header builder allows you to add the following widgets.
- Logo
- Primary menu
- Secondary menu
- Sample Item
- HTML code
- Social icons
On the other hand, the Footer builder offers the following widgets.
- Footer menu
- Widgets
- Social icons
Sticky Header
Astra also has a sticky header option. That means the header remains in the same position when you scroll the page. You can even change the header logo in the sticky header.
Layouts
The Astra theme has dedicated layouts for single posts, blogs, and archive pages. You can even customize those as per your requirements.
Page Headers
You will get dedicated page headers for posts and pages in the Astra theme.
Site Layout Features
The following are the site layout features available in the Astra theme.
- Boxed site layout
- Full-width layout
- Padded layout
- Fluid Layout
- Spacing control
- Default Container
Blog Layout Features
The following are the blog layout features available in the Astra theme.
- Grid Layout
- List Layout
- Masonry Layout
- Highlight First Post
- Date box
- Post Pagination
- Infinite Scrolling
WooCommerce Features
Do you know that the Astra theme can be easily integrated with the WooCommerce plugin? You can create conversion-friendly online stores with WooCommerce and the Astra theme.
The following are a few of the WooCommerce features that are built into the Astra theme.
- Product as a grid
- Off-Canvas sidebar
- Gallery Options
- Sales bubble
- Quick view
- Dropdown cart
Integration Features
No theme is perfect if it does not offer extensive integration features. Nowadays, people love to install page builders and plugins to extend the capabilities of WordPress.
Astra themes support the integration of numerous plugins and tools. Here are a few of those features.
- SEO Optimized
- Schema Optimized
- Pagebuilder Friendly
- LearnDash support
- LifterLMS support
SEO Optimized
Gone are those days when your blog can easily rank without doing SEO. Now, SEO is a must to outrank competitors. Without SEO, you can not expect traffic to your blog.
Astra is optimized for SEO. The coding followed the best SEO practices. Astra also supports Yoast SEO and Rank Math SEO plugins.
Below are some of the SEO features of the Astra theme.
- Support meta tags for posts and pages
- Breadcrumb function
- Automatic HTML markups
- Custom 404 page
- Supports SEO Plugins
Schema Optimized
Schema.org (often called Schema) is a semantic vocabulary of tags (or microdata) that you can add to your HTML to improve how search engines read and represent your page in SERPs.
Schema markup enables search engines to understand a website’s content better and deliver more accurate search results. Websites with proper schema markups rank better on the search engine result pages.
The Astra theme includes basic schema markup. If you want to implement advanced schema markups, you must buy Schema Pro, which was developed by the same team.
Page Builder Friendly
Page builders are used to create intuitive pages and blog posts. Page builders enhance WordPress’s capabilities beyond the theme.
Most bloggers nowadays use page builders like Elementor and Thrive Architect.
Astra supports almost all page builders. Additionally, Astra offers numerous Astra Starter Sites, which are created using page builders. You can copy and edit those demo sites as per your requirements.
LearnLMS Support
If you intend to create online training/coaching websites, LifterLMS is the best software.
Astra is one of the very few themes that support LifterLMS integration. Astra offers several design options and features that focus on enhancing the learning experience.
Custom Layout
One of the main complaints Astra users have always had is that Astra does not offer more customization options.
You will see many themes come with a ton of post templates. The problem with those themes is that, due to the numerous post templates, they can become heavy, making your site slow.
Astra did a smart thing here. They have a module called Custom Layout, which you can activate.
You can easily design any post or page with a custom layout. The custom layout features various hooks and positions for inserting custom blocks or widgets.
Currently, Astra supports customizing headers, footers, 404 pages, page contents, and hooks using the custom layout option.
Hooks and layouts allow designers to add new functionalities to the Astra theme without touching a single line of code.
Using different hooks and layouts, you can also integrate page builder functions with the Astra theme.
If you are a newbie and want a visual reference of hooks while adding them in a custom layout, you can install this plugin from the WordPress repository.
Here is a dedicated article on Custom Layout that you can refer to for a better understanding of how the custom layout works.
Astra Starter Sites
To make your life easier, Astra comes with over 240 pre-built demos that you can download. Those demos are categorized based on page builders such as Elementor, Beaver Builder, and Gutenberg, among others.
To download those starter sites, you must first download the Astra Starter Sites plugin from the WordPress repository.
You can either download the whole site or only the home page. Once downloaded, you can modify it to meet your needs.
Easy Customization Options
Customizing sites is no longer a big deal if you have the Astra theme. You can customize almost everything on your website using the Astra theme.
With easy-to-use options and an intuitive interface, customizing sites with the Astra theme is fun.
The free version offers limited customization options. However, if you purchase the Astra Pro add-on, you can enjoy numerous customization options seamlessly.
The best part of the Astra theme is that you can disable features you don’t want. As you can see from the image below, many features have been deactivated because I don’t need them.
As a result, your site will become significantly faster, as unnecessary code loading on the backend will be eliminated.
Free Plugins To Extend Astra Theme Capabilities
You can download a few free plugins to enhance the capabilities of the Astra theme. All those free plugins are developed by the BrainstormForce team.
Spectra
Spectra is a Gutenberg block plugin with numerous blocks to enhance your site’s design.
Installing this plugin means you no longer need other page builders, such as Elementor.
A few blocks, such as the table of contents, review block, FAQ block, and styled list block, are beneficial for enhancing website design and SEO. Additionally, Astra offers complimentary support for this plugin.
Spectra also offers a pro version, available for free with the Business bundle.
How To Install The Astra Theme?
Installation of the Astra Theme is similar to installing any other theme and can be easily done by even a novice.
1. Log in To WordPress Dashboard
First, you will need to log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Install New Theme
To install a new theme, you can Go To Appearance-> Themes-> Add New and add the new theme.
3. Search For The Astra Theme
After clicking the “Add New” Button, search for “Astra” and install the theme. Please note that even if you purchase the Astra Pro version, you must first install the free version.
4. Buy The Astra Pro Theme And Install The Pro Plugin
You will get the Astra Pro plugin when you purchase the Pro version. Install and activate the plugin. That will activate all the pro features of the Astra theme.
That’s it. You can now customize the Astra theme the way you want. Please ensure that you use the Astra Child Theme for customization, so you don’t lose changes when an update becomes available.
If you’re unsure about using or customizing the Astra theme, the following video will be of great help.
How Fast Is The Astra Theme?
Speed is essential, and Astra is known for that. We have tested a demo site to check its speed, and it performed well, as shown in the test results.
Astra Free Vs Astra Pro
Astra Free offers all the essential features you need to create a website. However, if you require more advanced features or want to expand the theme’s capabilities, consider upgrading to the pro version.
The Pro version of the Astra theme includes the following modules, as illustrated in the image below.
Please note that you can enable or disable any of the features.
Do we really need the Astra Pro version?
Yes, if you need to create a professional-looking blog and want to utilize most of the trending features, then you’ll need the pro version. Otherwise, the free version is more than enough.
Do you know that you can install the Astra WP theme on unlimited sites?
So, if you plan to install the Astra theme on multiple websites, then a one-time investment in the Astra theme makes more sense.
If you want to know more about how the Astra Pro theme stands against the Astra Free theme, then you can refer to this article.
Astra Pro Plans and Pricing: Astra Pro Theme
As I said earlier, the Astra free version is free and great for beginners. However, to unlock Astra’s limitless possibilities, you need to invest in Astra Pro.
Astra offers yearly plans and lifetime plans. Lifetime plans are ideal because you pay once and can use them on unlimited websites. A lifetime plan is an excellent deal if you are running an agency.
Below are the details of the plan for the Astra Theme.
- Astra Pro (Yearly): $69
- Essential Toolkit (Yearly): $108
- Business Toolkit (Yearly): $209
- Astra Pro (Lifetime): $319
- Essential Toolkit (Lifetime): $599
- Business Toolkit (Lifetime): $699
Astra WordPress Theme Positives And Negatives
👍 Pros
- Fast and lightweight
- 100% accessibility-ready
- Child theme supported
- SEO & Schema optimized
- Numerous customizing options
- 240+ Demo sites
- Developer friendly
- Excellent documentation
- Ability to create custom blocks
- Complete layout control
👎 Cons
- Only email support
- Costly lifetime plan
Astra Pro Support
Astra ensures great support to its users. If you are using Astra’s free version and need support, you can utilize the WordPress support forums to find answers to your queries.
You will get free access to one-on-one email support if you purchase the Astra Pro version. Additionally, premium users gain access to exclusive training.
In addition to that, Astra also has a YouTube channel, through which you can find ideas about various Astra features and customization tutorials.
Conclusion: Astra Theme Review
Astra is undoubtedly one of the best, simplest, easiest-to-use, and most versatile WordPress themes. It is known for its speed, SEO features, and excellent customer support.
From importing dozens of sites to performing flawlessly with a platform like WooCommerce, it demonstrates the theme’s suitability for you.
Although the Free version is good, I believe the Pro Theme version is something to consider for people who love using Astra.
Another major highlight of Astra is that it comes with lots of free templates. If you are a beginner and have just started, using the free version is a good option before switching to the premium version.
FAQ | Astra WordPress Theme Review
Can I use Elementor or Thrive Architect with Astra?
Yes, Astra supports both Elementor and Thrive Architect. The Astra custom layout feature can blend the page builder with the Astra theme.
Does Astra Come With Pre-Built Demo Websites?
Yes, Astra comes with 240+ pre-built demo websites. The number varies depending on the plan you choose.
Does Astra Offer A White Labelling Feature?
Yes, Astra offers a white-label feature. You can remove Astra branding when building a site for your client.
How Is Astra In Terms Of Speed?
Astra is an excellent theme in terms of speed. A blank website with the Astra theme loads in under half a second, and the page size is approximately 50 KB.
Does Astra Have A Lifetime Plan?
Yes, Astra has a lifetime plan, but the cost is a little high
Can I Use Astra Theme On Unlimited Websites?
Yes, you can install the Astra theme on unlimited websites and receive support for all of them.
Is Astra The Best WordPress Theme?
Yes, Astra is one of the best WordPress themes available due to its speed, SEO features, and easy-to-use functionalities.
Is Astra A Good WordPress Theme?
Yes, Astra uses fair coding practices. The original Astra code and the minified code are almost identical. That demonstrates Astra’s commitment to your website’s speed.
Astra utilizes the most advanced SEO features to help your site rank easily. Uses Vanilla JavaScript to avoid rendering delay.
Astra adopts a modular theme design approach, allowing you to disable features you don’t want to reduce bloat.
Is There A Better Theme Than Astra?
Not better, but GeneratePress can compete with the Astra theme on par. Both are excellent themes regarding speed and offer almost the same set of features. The pricing is also similar.
Is Astra Faster Than Divi?
Yes, Astra is much faster than Divi. Thanks to Vanilla JavaScript and a modular theme design approach, Astra is one of the fastest WordPress themes ever developed.
Why Astra Is So Popular?
Astra is a minimalistic theme with unlimited customization options. You can use it for any blog, website, or online store.
Additionally, Astra Starter Sites makes your life easier by allowing you to create a brand-new website in just a matter of minutes.
Astra’s focus on SEO, speed, and integration makes it an ideal choice for developers to choose Astra over any other theme for any website.
Astra Theme
Astra is one of the fastest, lightweight, SEO-friendly, and most versatile WordPress themes ever developed. You can literally design any kind of website using the Astra themes. Extensive trending features coupled with world-class support is something that is there in the DNA of Astra Theme.
Price: 4.99
Price Currency: $
Application Category: WordPress Theme
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