Hey guys,
Been seeing a lot of questions about which WordPress themes to use, so I wanted to share my thoughts and breakdown for 2025. The "best" theme really depends on the project, but some are definitely a cut above the rest.
Here's how I see the current landscape:
These are for you if speed and Google's Core Web Vitals are your top priority. They work amazingly with the native WordPress block editor (Gutenberg) and are super clean.
These are the established giants, perfect for building complex layouts with a visual drag-and-drop interface. They come packed with features and demo sites.
I have to give Bricks Builder its own category. It's not just a theme, it's a theme and a builder in one package, but with a major focus on performance and clean output. It generates clean HTML/CSS and has some seriously powerful dynamic data features. It has a steeper learning curve but is incredibly rewarding.
Best for: Developers and advanced users who want the power of a builder with the performance of a custom-coded site.
A Few Final Tips:
Let's discuss!
Been seeing a lot of questions about which WordPress themes to use, so I wanted to share my thoughts and breakdown for 2025. The "best" theme really depends on the project, but some are definitely a cut above the rest.
Here's how I see the current landscape:
The Lightweight & Block-Focused Champions
These are for you if speed and Google's Core Web Vitals are your top priority. They work amazingly with the native WordPress block editor (Gutenberg) and are super clean.
- Kadence Theme: My personal favorite right now. The free version is incredibly generous, and the Pro version (which you can often find here on Babiato) unlocks amazing features like hooked elements and advanced headers. It's fast, intuitive, and the Kadence Blocks plugin is a game-changer.
- Blocksy: Another absolute powerhouse. Known for its deep customization options right in the WordPress Customizer. The free version feels premium. It's lightweight, fully responsive, and has great WooCommerce integration.
- GeneratePress: The original king of lightweight themes. It's built for performance and developers love it for its clean code and reliability. The premium version adds all the essential tools for building virtually anything without the bloat.
The All-in-One Page Builder Titans
These are the established giants, perfect for building complex layouts with a visual drag-and-drop interface. They come packed with features and demo sites.
- Astra: The most popular theme of all time for a reason. It's designed to work flawlessly with page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder. It's still very lightweight for what it offers, and its library of Starter Templates is massive.
- Divi by Elegant Themes: It's more than a theme; it's a complete design framework. The Divi Builder is integrated, offering true front-end visual editing. It's a fantastic choice for designers who want total control without touching code. The all-in-one Elegant Themes membership is great value.
- Avada: The "Swiss Army Knife" of themes. It's been on ThemeForest forever and can do literally anything. The downside? It can be heavy if you don't know how to optimize it. But for massive, feature-rich sites, its Fusion Builder and huge set of options are hard to beat.
The Rising Star: Bricks Builder
I have to give Bricks Builder its own category. It's not just a theme, it's a theme and a builder in one package, but with a major focus on performance and clean output. It generates clean HTML/CSS and has some seriously powerful dynamic data features. It has a steeper learning curve but is incredibly rewarding.
Best for: Developers and advanced users who want the power of a builder with the performance of a custom-coded site.
A Few Final Tips:
- Don't Be Fooled by the Demo: A demo looks perfect because it uses professional images and is perfectly configured. Focus on the theme's features and layout options, not just the pretty pictures.
- Check the Last Update: Avoid themes that haven't been updated in 6+ months. An outdated theme is a security risk.
- GPL is a Gift: Remember, the themes and plugins shared here are under the GPL license. The biggest thing you miss out on is direct support from the developer. But that's why we have this amazing Babiato community!
Let's discuss!