1. Astra
Astra is one of the fastest and most lightweight WordPress themes. It is fully customizable and compatible with popular page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder. The free version is packed with features, while the Pro version (starting at $59/year) adds advanced customization, header/footer builder, and premium support.
2. OceanWP
OceanWP is another highly flexible and free WordPress theme that offers deep integration with WooCommerce, making it a great choice for eCommerce websites. It has a variety of free extensions, but premium add-ons (starting at $35/year) unlock more layouts, WooCommerce enhancements, and additional site demos
3. GeneratePress
This lightweight theme is designed for speed and usability. The free version offers essential customization, while GeneratePress Premium ($59/year) provides more design control, typography options, and advanced elements
4. Neve
Neve is a modern, fast-loading theme optimized for mobile devices. It’s ideal for small businesses, blogs, and startups. The free version includes basic customizations, while the Pro version ($69/year) offers header boosters, custom layouts, and more
5. Sydney
Sydney is a powerful business theme that offers a sleek full-screen header, parallax backgrounds, and deep customization. The free version is great for small businesses, while Sydney Pro ($69/year) adds more widgets and customization options
6. Hestia
Hestia is a stylish one-page theme, perfect for startups and agencies. It works well with WooCommerce and supports drag-and-drop page builders. While the free version is feature-rich, Hestia Pro ($69/year) includes enhanced elements like a portfolio section and pricing tables
7. Storefront
Developed by WooCommerce’s core team, Storefront is the best free theme for an online store. It provides a clean, minimalist layout focused on conversions. While free, premium Storefront child themes and extensions start at $39
8. Vantage
Vantage is a flexible multipurpose theme that integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce and SiteOrigin’s page builder. It’s free with essential features, but upgrading to premium unlocks more layouts and customization options
9. Zakra
Zakra is a fast, lightweight theme designed for various website types. It comes with multiple pre-made templates and is fully compatible with WooCommerce. The premium version ($69/year) offers extra customization features and enhanced support
10. eStore
eStore is an elegant WooCommerce-compatible theme designed for online shops. It includes wishlist support and SEO-friendly features. The free version is sufficient for small stores, while premium options provide more layouts and features
These themes offer great functionality at no cost, though upgrading to their premium versions can unlock advanced features. Whether you’re building a blog, business site, or online store, these themes provide a solid foundation.
Here are examples of websites using each WordPress theme:
- Astra – Tuts+
Tuts+ is an online learning platform that offers tutorials on coding, design, and business. It uses Astra for its lightweight structure and fast performance. - OceanWP – Kinsta
Kinsta, a managed WordPress hosting provider, utilizes OceanWP due to its flexibility and deep customization options. - GeneratePress – Catch Themes Blog
Catch Themes’ blog is built with GeneratePress, leveraging its minimalist design and fast-loading pages. - Neve – WP Mayor
WP Mayor, a website specializing in WordPress tutorials and plugin reviews, uses Neve for its clean and performance-optimized design. - Kadence – Gillian Sarah
This creative website design studio uses Kadence to showcase portfolio work with elegant typography and layout customization. - Hello Elementor – Elementor Official Website
The Hello Elementor theme is used on Elementor’s official website, demonstrating its deep integration with the Elementor page builder. - Sydney – Blue Whale Media
A UK-based digital agency that takes advantage of Sydney’s modern, professional layout. - Hestia – CodeinWP
A WordPress tutorial and theme review website that showcases Hestia’s one-page design structure. - Blocksy – Karma Sushi
A Danish sushi restaurant website that benefits from Blocksy’s stylish and customizable theme. - Zakra – Tyche Softwares
An eCommerce-focused website utilizing Zakra’s WooCommerce-friendly features.
These examples show how each theme is implemented on real-world websites.
Some WordPress themes offer extensive customization options without requiring additional plugins. These themes come with built-in customizers that allow users to adjust layouts, colors, typography, and other design elements directly from the WordPress Customizer.
Best Customizable WordPress Themes Without Plugins
- Blocksy – This modern theme includes a built-in header and footer builder, typography controls, and multiple layout options without requiring additional plugins.
- Kadence – Comes with an advanced theme customizer, allowing users to modify layouts, colors, and typography directly. It also includes a drag-and-drop header/footer builder without needing a separate plugin.
- GeneratePress – While lightweight, GeneratePress has extensive customizer options for layout control, typography, and spacing without requiring Elementor or other page builders.
- Neve – Offers full customization using the WordPress Customizer, including layout adjustments, global colors, and responsive design settings.
- Twenty Twenty-Four – As an official WordPress theme, it uses Full Site Editing (FSE), allowing users to modify headers, footers, and templates directly in the block editor.
If you prefer total control without external plugins, themes that support Full Site Editing (FSE), like Twenty Twenty-Four, are the best choice. However, Blocksy, Kadence, and GeneratePress offer a balance between flexibility and ease of use without forcing additional plugins.