Build WordPress themes smarter: 14 theme frameworks compared
WordPress theme frameworks remain a cornerstone of efficient development in 2025. There’s no debate, using a framework is still the smartest way to build with WordPress, offering speed, flexibility, and scalability. The real question remains: which framework should you choose?
If you haven’t built your own custom framework, you’ll be relying on one created by another developer. Today’s options range from free, open-source solutions to premium frameworks with advanced features and dedicated support. With so many choices varying in complexity, functionality, and cost, how do you decide?
We’ve analyzed the leading WordPress theme frameworks of 2025, offering insights into their features, histories, and a comparison table to help you pick the best fit for your next project.
The Anatomy of a WordPress Theme Framework
A WordPress theme framework provides a foundation of PHP, CSS, and JavaScript files optimized for common theme-building tasks. These frameworks aim to streamline development by offering reusable code and structure tailored to a wide range of projects. While their complexity varies, their goal is consistent: deliver the right balance of flexibility and efficiency, but at their heart they all seek to reach the ideal number of files, that will work the greatest number of projects.
One major distinction between WordPress theme frameworks is whether they are options-based frameworks or starter theme frameworks:
- Options-Based Frameworks: These prioritize customization through user-friendly interfaces, allowing developers and end-users to tweak designs and functionality without coding. They support code modifications via child themes or custom files, but the focus is on no-code options like theme panels and settings.
- Starter Theme Frameworks: These provide lean, well-documented templates meant to serve as a foundation for custom builds. They rarely include extensive options, leaving most customization to the developer’s hands.
WordPress Theme Framework Comparison Table
Below is a comparison of today’s top frameworks, including their type, support, documentation, and cost. Prices reflect the full-featured, fully supported, unlimited-use versions as of April 2025.
| Framework | Type | Support | Documentation | Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astra Pro | Options | Full support | Extensive docs | $59 / year |
| Blocksy | Options | Forum + email | Online guides | $49 / year |
| Divi | Options | Full support | Video + docs | $89 / year |
| Elementor Pro | Options | Full support | Tutorials + docs | $59 / year |
| GeneratePress One | Options | Forum + email | Detailed docs | $59 / year |
| Kadence | Options | Full support | Video + docs | $79 / year |
| Neve Pro | Options | Priority support | Online guides | $69 / year |
| OceanWP | Options | Email + forums | Extensive docs | $54 / year |
| SeedProd | Options | Full support | Tutorials + docs | $79 / year |
| Sydney Pro | Options | Priority support | Online guides | $69 / year |
| Understrap | Starter | Community forums | GitHub + docs | Free |
| _Underscores | Starter | Community forums | Online guide | Free |
| Hello Elementor | Starter | Community support | Basic docs | Free |
| Timber | Starter | Community forums | Developer docs | Free |
Note*: Costs are based on annual subscriptions unless stated otherwise, reflecting 2025 pricing trends.
About Astra Pro
Astra Pro, developed by Brainstorm Force, is a lightweight, performance-focused framework that integrates seamlessly with modern page builders like Elementor and Gutenberg. It’s known for its extensive customization options and speed. The team describes it as:
“Astra is built for speed and flexibility, giving you endless possibilities to craft stunning websites without compromising performance.”
Download Astra Pro here.
About Blocksy
Blocksy, a newer player, has gained traction for its Gutenberg-first approach and sleek design options. Its developers say:
“Blocksy is a fast, lightweight, and insanely customizable WordPress theme built for the block editor, with deep integrations for eCommerce and more.”
Download Blocksy here.
About Divi
Divi, from Elegant Themes, remains a powerhouse with its drag-and-drop builder baked into the framework. They describe it as:
“Divi isn’t just a theme, it’s a complete design framework that lets you create anything visually, no coding required.”
Download Divi here.
About Elementor Pro
Elementor Pro blends framework functionality with its industry-leading page builder. The team says:
“Elementor Pro empowers you to design every aspect of your site: headers, footers, and everything in between—without limits.”
Download Elementor Pro here.
About GeneratePress Premium
GeneratePress Premium, led by Tom Usborne, is a minimalist yet powerful framework emphasizing speed and compatibility. They note:
“GeneratePress is a lightweight foundation for your next project, offering unmatched performance and flexibility.”
Download GeneratePress here.
About Kadence
Kadence, from Kadence WP, blends options-based design with performance. Its creators say:
“Kadence gives you the tools to build beautiful, fast-loading sites with ease, from headers to footers and beyond.”
Download Kadence here.
About Neve Pro
Neve Pro, by ThemeIsle, focuses on mobile-first design and compatibility with modern workflows. They describe it as:
“Neve is a super-fast, multipurpose theme built to work with any page builder and deliver stunning results.”
Download Neve Pro here.
About OceanWP
OceanWP remains a versatile, free-to-start framework with premium extensions. Its team says:
“OceanWP is your go-to for creating any type of website, with powerful features and seamless integrations.”
Download OceanWP here.
About SeedProd
SeedProd has evolved from a landing page builder into a full-fledged theme framework. They explain:
“SeedProd lets you craft custom WordPress sites with drag-and-drop ease, from scratch to launch.”
Download SeedProd here.
About Sydney Pro
Sydney Pro, from aThemes, targets freelancers and agencies with its polished options. They say:
“Sydney Pro is built for professionals who need a stylish, customizable site fast.”
Download Sydney Pro here.
About Understrap
Understrap combines WordPress with Bootstrap for a developer-friendly starter. Its creators note:
“Understrap is the ultimate Bootstrap-WordPress hybrid for devs who want control and speed.”
Download Understrap here.
About _Underscores
_Underscores, from Automattic, remains the gold standard for starter themes. They describe it as:
“A bare-bones starter theme for developers to build exactly what they envision.”
Download _Underscores here.
About Hello Elementor
Hello Elementor, paired with Elementor Pro, is a minimalist starter. They say:
“Hello Elementor is a blank canvas designed to unlock the full power of Elementor.”
Download Hello Elementor here.
About Timber
Timber brings a modern, developer-centric approach with Twig templating. Its team explains:
“Timber separates logic from presentation, making WordPress development cleaner and faster.”
Download Timber here.
Social Proof is Important
In 2025, the WordPress ecosystem thrives on community feedback. Check forums, X posts, and reviews to see which frameworks developers and users rave about, social proof can guide you to the perfect choice. One of the best ways to choose which WordPress theme framework to use is to use what others have used. So let’s let the social proof weigh in. Vote in the poll below, based on which theme frameworks you have used. Choose all of the frameworks you have used in the past. Then, drop in the comments to tell us which one was your favorite, why you chose it, and what you recommend for others.
What are we missing?
We would love for this to be considered one solid resource for those considering WordPress theme frameworks. We want to include every single one that’s out there and worth mentioning. If we’ve left something out, or are missing something vital to the theme framework choosing process, please let us know in the comments.
Poll