GeneratePress Vs Astra Which WordPress Theme do you want to choose for 2022?

May 18, 2022
GeneratePress vs Astra —

You're trying to decide the theme that you want to pick from GeneratePress and Astra as the basis to use for your WordPress theme?

In the end, there's no way to go wrong , however every theme comes with its own strong points which can push the user in one direction, or in another. For you to determine these distinct features we will compare GeneratePress Astra with GeneratePress Astra on a range of important areas, including:

  • User interface
  • Starter sites
  • Pricing
  • Modules
  • Premium vs free features
  • Layout and style customization
  • Performance
  • Integrations with Page Builder
  • Developer compatibility
  • Ecommerce integration
  • Other integrations
  • Support and documentation

Let's get started!

NoteWe want to remind to our readers that GeneratePress is a hosting client. However, we didn't give GeneratePress any particular preference during the test, and we ensured that our results were 100% objective.

GeneratePress Vs Astra -- Astra Short Introductions

Before we get into the discussion, we'll briefly introduce both concepts.

GeneratePress

GeneratePress is a multi-purpose, light theme created by Tom Usborne. Out of the box it has less than 10 KB and is known for its clean code.

At the time of writing, GeneratePress is active on more than 300,000 websites as per WordPress.org. GeneratePress boasts a 5 star review rating with over 1150 ratings.

Astra

Astra is a theme that has an exclusive characteristic of being the only non-default WordPress theme that has passed one million active installations at WordPress.org. Astra has also earned a flawless 5-star rating across more than 4800 user reviews.

GeneratePress Vs Astra -- User Interface

GeneratePress

The GeneratePress Customizer options
The possibilities for Customizing GeneratePress are offered.

In the Customizer settings for each user, GeneratePress keeps things a less flimsier that Astra. As the consequence, Astra is a little more intuitive in the personal Customizer setting.

For example, when you're choosing one of the preset header styles, all you have to choose is select one of the dropdowns for text:

Header settings in GeneratePress - GeneratePress vs Astra comparison
Header settings in GeneratePress

This is a different approach from Astra and we'll tell you the reason in just a moment.

In addition, you'll have other options to edit specific elements of content. This is something we'll cover in the future when we come to page builder compatibility.

Overall, GeneratePress' detailed use of the WordPress Customizer sticks with its simple, user-friendly approach.

Astra

As Astra has starter websites available in its free version, it comes with a little bit more than a well-organized introduction. You'll still spend most of your time using WordPress Customizer. WordPress Customizer when using Astra.

If you are the first to enable Astra when you first activate it, you will be presented with an the option of downloading the Starter Templates plug-in and let you make use of the various demo sites available for import.

Astra's prompt to install starter sites
Astra's prompts to Astra to include the first websites

Clicking "Get Start" will activate the demo site plugin, which we'll go over in the next section.

You'll then be able to finish everything else using WordPress' built-in WordPress Customizer exactly the same way as you do with GeneratePress:

The Astra Customizer options - GeneratePress vs Astra comparison
The Astra Flexible options for customization

Astra's settings for Customizer are more intuitive and user-friendly. When you select the header layout that is pre-made, it will show a visual image of the layout, rather than a simple text listing:

The Astra theme Customizer options - GeneratePress vs Astra comparison
The Astra theme has options for customizing the theme.

Do you think it's a significant difference? No, absolutely not. But most people will probably prefer the way that Astra has set things up in terms of beginner-friendliness.

Additionally, you'll have page-level control and we'll cover them in the compatibility section with page builders.

GeneratePress Vs Astra - Starter Sites

For exportable pre-built demo sites, Astra has a much greater selection. In addition, Astra still includes starter websites for the free edition However, these starter websites will only be available for purchase GeneratePress Premium.

In this respect, Astra can be a little better when it comes to imported start-up websites.

GeneratePress

Additionally, GeneratePress only offers starter websites when you purchase GeneratePress Premium. The starter sites are not available with the no-cost version. This is something to take into consideration if aren't looking to get started at the beginning.

In the Premium version, GeneratePress offers basic websites made with three content builders that are accessible:

  1. native WordPress editor (blocks) - 44 various sites.
  2. Elementor - 14 different sites.
  3. Beaver Builder Pro - 6 different sites.

Total, this gives you 64 websites pre-builtto select from.

In order to import GeneratePress"starter sites," you'll need to activate your Site Library module in GeneratePress Premium. Once you've activated it you'll be able look through the demo websites within your WordPress dashboard and import these websites in just a matter of a few steps.

If you want to import an existing website You have the option of doing an entire or partial import. Import options are:

  • Just go to the WordPress Customizer settings.
  • The Customizer settings, as well as the content from demonstration.
How to import a starter site with GeneratePress
What can I do to connect a brand new website using GeneratePress

Astra

Astra provides a wide range of no-cost starter websites and several starter sites that are compatible with the Astra Premium Agency Version.

Astra offers starter sites featuring four different editors for web content.

  • native WordPress editor (blocks) - 52 diverse sites. 52 of them are free and zero premium websites.
  • Elementor It contains 133 websites, which includes 60 free sites as well as 73 premium websites.
  • Beaver Builder - more than 106 sites, including 38 sites for free as well as 68 premium websites.
  • Brizy - 40 different sites 17 free sites and 23 premium sites.

In contrast to GeneratePress There are some similarities to starter websites of the various content editors. It is possible to, for example you can get the same starter website built with Block Editor as well as Elementor.

It is the reason you can't just count templates' totals. In general, it's clear that Astra has a wider selection that GeneratePress. If you only look at the Elementor demo sites Astra has a two times the content.

To install Astra's starter site , it's essential to install the Starter Sites plugin from WordPress.org (or an equivalent version that is premium which gives access to free demonstration websites).

Once you've done that you'll have the ability to explore all the websites that are available on and the WordPress dashboard. After you've imported your existing site, you'll have the option of a complete as well as a partial import. There are several options for imports:

  • Individual pieces of content from the demonstration site.
  • Only the settings for WordPress Customizer (no content)
  • The content is all that matters.
Choosing what content to import with Astra - GeneratePress vs Astra comparison
Selecting the content you want to import with Astra

GeneratePress compares to Astra Pricing

Both GeneratePress as well as Astra offer free versions at WordPress.org and premium versions with additional functions.

Premium versions provide the same prices. There is one difference: Astra requires a higher payment to access Premium Agency template.

GeneratePress

GeneratePress provides two options for paymentoptions:

  • For a year, you pay $59 and get updates and help. You can renew for 40% less when you reach the end of the initial year.
  • $49 to get lifetime updates and support, as well as support for the entire time.

Both plans allow use on the unlimited number of websites.

Astra

The premium theme Astra provides three price options:

  • Astra Pro Cost: $49 for 1 year of updates and support.
  • Essential Bundle: $169/year
  • Growth Bundle Annual Cost: $249

The two plans let you access to the unlimited number of websites. Additionally, you have the option of selecting an option to buy the "lifetime" pricing plan.

GeneratePress Vs Astra - Modules

Both GeneratePress and Astra utilize a modular design for their premium versions which lets you turn on or off features you'd like to use.

In this section this section, we'll tell you which themes come with which modules. In general, Astra is the most extensive in its number of modules, which is reasonable because Astra is generally more advanced in comparison to GeneratePress.

GeneratePress

The full GeneratePress module list
The entire GeneratePress module listing

Astra

The full Astra module list
The entire Astra module list

GeneratePress Vs Astra Free and Premium Features

We've mentioned before that each theme comes with the most popular versions for free at WordPress.org as well as premium ones with additional options. The premium theme is an additional plugin to the main theme. It will use exactly the same theme, regardless of whether you're using the complimentary version (just the theme) or the Pro version (the theme plus Premium plugin).

It is recommended to upgrade your version to access all of the modules that we showed you in the earlier section.

At the end of the day, Astra is a little less expansive in its features for free and more flexible as a no-cost theme. It's the reason Astra is likely to be the better choice for those who want to stay to a single version.

GeneratePress vs Astra Layout and Style Customization

This topic was briefly discussed during the time we reviewed the free and premium options and now we'll go into detail about the layout and style the options to customize the themes of both.

Are you interested in knowing how we increased our volume by more than 1000 percent?

Join over 20,000 people to receive our newsletter every week, with exclusive WordPress guidance!

At the end of the day, Astra and GeneratePress each offer a ton of customizable options. That's one of the reasons they're both well-known.

It's also a complex area to judge as there are many options to choose from (especially when you're on the premium version). In order to cover every detail is a huge task!

There is a general consensus that Astra is slightly ahead in terms of the sheer number of features. In the vast majority of cases, every theme offers all of the features you'll need. Most users will only notice a distinction in certain features that are particular to.

They're also very flexible with regard to "core" subjects like:

  • Layouts

Furthermore, Astra is not ahead in all aspects, and GeneratePress has more flexibility in some areas. Particularly, GeneratePress has more preset header layouts. However, the layouts will alter as Astra unveils its latest footer and header builder (currently it's in beta mode as we're conducting this analysis).

GeneratePress Astra Astra -- Performance

GeneratePress

Performance of the GeneratePress theme on a fresh install - GeneratePress vs Astra comparison
The performance of the GeneratePress theme using a brand new installation

Astra

Performance of the Astra theme on a fresh install - GeneratePress vs Astra comparison
The show is based on the Astra theme is enhanced by a brand new install

Comparison

To make the process more simple for your needs, here's the details from the GeneratePress vs Astra comparison on a fresh installed version:

GeneratePress Astra
HTTP Requests 7 9
Page Size 26 KB 42 KB

GeneratePress against Astra - Page Builder Compatibility

GeneratePress

When working on an individual article GeneratePress lets you adjust the layout and also disable certain elements.

These elements are able to be changed:

  • Layouts for Sidebars Pick any layout for the sidebar (disable the sidebar, change sides or even add an additional sidebar).
  • Footer Widgetscan be changed to change the number of footer widgets, ranging from 0-5.
  • Content ContainerChoose between default, full-width, or contained.

You can also disable these components with a click:

  • Top bar
  • Header
  • Primary navigation
  • Secondary navigation
  • The featured image/page header
  • Content title
  • Footer
The GeneratePress page-level controls
GeneratePress Page-level controls. GeneratePress Page-level controls

Astra

Astra gives you a wide range of control options for your page, such as additional options to control the behavior of headers. In this case, for instance it is possible to create a transparent or sticky header for every page on a per page basis.

It is possible to adjust the following settings:

  • Sidebar left, right or disabled.
  • Content LayoutBoxed, Content boxed, fully-width enclosed and stretched to full wide.
  • Transparent Headereither disabled or enabled.
  • Page HeaderCreate a unique header for your page (more on this feature in the following section).
  • Sticky Header- disabled or enabled.

You may also turn off the following components when you check a box:

  • Primary header
  • Title
  • Breadcrumb
  • The featured image
  • Bar for footer
"The

GeneratePress vs Astra -- Developer-Friendliness

In the end, GeneratePress might have a slight edge due to its common approach to customizing nevertheless both of them are solid and provide a lot of possibilities.

GeneratePress

When you've mastered the art that it's beneficial to keep all of your information in one spot. If you're looking to create the element of your choice, it's possible to choose from four different types of elements.

  • Block
  • Header
  • Hook
  • Layout

As an example, suppose you'd like to add hooks in one of GeneratePress numerous hook positions ( visual guide here). There is a way to make a new type of hook. After that, you'll be able to add the code you'd like to run and select the hook's location.

The GeneratePress Elements creator
The GeneratePress Elements creator

You can also make specific posts appear in a range of diverse ways like posts tags, categories, customized taxonomies, author, and more.

Using display rules with GeneratePress Elements
Display rules can be used by GeneratePress Elements

Overall, GeneratePress Elements is very well planned and is an excellent tool for developers.

Astra

Astra also includes plenty of developers' tools.

To begin, if planning to make use of Hooks from Astra ( visual guide here) You're able to download the official Astra Hooks Extension in order to add hooks directly into the WordPress Customizer. One benefit of this technique is the fact that it's completely free.

The Astra hook implementation does not come with the straightforward display rules functionality that GeneratePress has, so you'll need to include those rules directly into your code. GzaIriTYCwHSvGBDsCsr This for Astra Hooks is free of charge.

If you're using Astra Pro, you get access to custom layouts along with headers for pages (which could be wrapped with Elements according to the version you're using GeneratePress).

To manage these parts, Astra does give you certain display rules that are as similar to GeneratePress. There is the option of adding hooks using the feature of custom layout that gives you access to GeneratePress's display policies.

"The

Astra is also equipped with a white-label feature, which GeneratePress is currently unable to provide (though there are some alternatives).

GeneratePress stands out against Astra --- Ecommerce Integration

In general, however, Astra offers a more robust WooCommerce integration and has greater WooCommerce-specific capabilities. That's why Astra may be the best alternative in the case of WooCommerce stores, however GeneratePress can still be used in most situations.

For instance, Astra has:

  • Drop-down shopping cart
  • Off-canvas WooCommerce sidebar
  • Built-in product quick view
  • The most eye-catching signpost for selling items
  • Many settings that can be customized that can be used to control your own catalog and products

GeneratePress can match some of those functions like the stress-free payments. But in general, Astra is definitely ahead in the integration of WooCommerce.

Other Integrations are not available.

GeneratePress isn't a great choice for noteworthy integrations, aside from it's WooCommerce integration, but Astra isn't without additional techniques to its sleeve.

Astra isn't only WooCommerce's partner, Astra also offers dedicated modules that can support:

  • Simple Digital Downloads

GeneratePress Astra Astra -- Support and Documentation

If you purchase Astra's premium edition Both GeneratePress as well as Astra offer premium services. Both themes come with detailed data bases that you could utilize to help you.

However, overall, GeneratePress has a slight edge for support for some of the reasons we'll talk in the next section.

GeneratePress

In the beginning, GeneratePress provides a thorough outline on all the features of the theme. It is a great starting point if you happen to encounter any difficulties.

If you need assistance from a person in addition to that then you can benefit from the forum for support to public members. Anyone can view the forum, however it is required to sign up as a registered user to create subjects. The forums for support are sometimes criticized, but GeneratePress does it really well and responds swiftly to issues that are fresh.

There's even Tom Usborne, the developer who's still around to assist customers in times of need (though GeneratePress has grown to such a degree that the bulk of inquiries are addressed by dedicated support personnel for customers).

In addition, as the forum for support is open, it's possible to get the answer to your question through a simple search on Google for an already-existing support topic.

For community support You can join the GeneratePress official GeneratePress Facebook community, that has more than 6,700 people.

Astra

As with GeneratePress, Astra has an extensive knowledge base with hundreds of articles.

If you require help that is further than this, you can send us a support ticket. Since Astra has ticketing support, there isn't an index that can be searched like the one you'd receive when using forums support.

For community support, Astra also has the largest official Facebook group that has more than 16900 users.

Summary

GeneratePress as well as Astra are popular for an excellent reason. They're both excellent WordPress themes. You won't be disappointed with either.

In general, Astra offers slightly "more" than GeneratePress. There are better integrations, more starter sites and more choices for customizing and more. Would you say that it's more effective? But it's not always true. If GeneratePress comes with a starter website that you love and love, you shouldn't be an issue that Astra has more starter sites because you'll just need the one template.

If you're not employing WooCommerce then it really doesn't have any bearing on the fact Astra is the best choice. Astra has a better WooCommerce integration.

But, GeneratePress has a slight advantage when it comes to speed, which is a crucial aspect to consider. Additionally, Astra is also quite impressive when it comes to speed, but it's just that GeneratePress is a bit better.

In terms of prices, premium and standard versions are similar, meaning there's no distinction in pricing. However, there are two things to note in relation to price:

  • The Astra free version Astra is much easier to use than GeneratePress's paid version. GeneratePress. So if you're planning to use GeneratePress its free version or theme, you'll enjoy Astra. Astra.
  • It is recommended to purchase an agency bundle offered by Astra for access to high-quality templates.

You'll also need to take into consideration the kind of site you're creating. If you're building a website for a blog, GeneratePress might be the best option for a brochure or blog, while Astra will probably be the best choice if you're creating a WooCommerce store or an online course.

In the end, you can't be disappointed with either of the themes, so you definitely don't intend to take a shaky choice. It's more about choosing which one is the most effective in highlighting and promoting what you're trying to achieve.

Are you concerned about GeneratePress as well as Astra? Contact us via the comments section!

Cut down on time, costs and improve website performance

  • 24/7 help and support from WordPress Hosting experts 24/7 support and assistance from WordPress hosting specialists.
  • Cloudflare Enterprise integration.
  • The impact of this audience is enhanced by 32 data centers around the globe.
  • Optimization with our built-in Application to track efficiency.

This post was posted on here