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Best Crypto Payment Gateways for Businesses in 2024

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Best Crypto Payment Gateways for Businesses in 2024

In 2023, the total transaction value of crypto gateway payments recorded worldwide was $1.62 billion. This is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17% from 2023 to 2030. Since most crypto transactions are through direct wallet-to-wallet transactions, the actual value of cryptocurrency transactions used for payment of goods may actually be significantly higher than this value.

Businesses looking to get a piece of that pie are exploring ways to start accepting cryptocurrencies beyond the usual wallet-to-wallet crypto transactions. A crypto payment gateway allows businesses to accept cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether as payments within a more secure payment flow. Crypto payment gateways may also allow merchants to keep the payments as cryptocurrencies, convert cryptocurrencies to fiat currencies, and accept cross-border payments.

RELATED: Top Cryptocurrency Predictions for 2024

Aside from the increased adoption of crypto payments, some other benefits of accepting cryptocurrency payments are lower transaction costs, no risk of chargebacks, enhanced security, and access to a unique customer base.

Top crypto payment gateways comparison

The best crypto payment gateways offer a combination of seamless integration, extensive cryptocurrency support, robust security features, and competitive pricing. The comparison table below illustrates the transaction fees, number of crypto and fiat currencies supported, and e-commerce plugins for each crypto payment gateway.

Our rating (out of 5) Transaction fee* Cryptocurrencies Fiat settlement currencies E-commerce plugins
NOWPayments 4.54 0.5% (if no currency exchange) 200+ 20+ 9
BitPay 4.30 1%–2% + 25 cents 15 9 6
Coinbase Commerce 4.25 1% 13 1 4
OpenNode 3.98 1% 1 8 6
Crypto.com 3.98 0 30+ 4 6
*Crypto transactions always incur a network or gas fee for executing operations on the blockchain. The transaction fee charged by the payment gateway is a separate fee.

NOWPayments: Best overall

Image: NOWPayments

Our rating: 4.54 out of 5

NOWPayments is a flexible cryptocurrency payment gateway that allows businesses to accept both crypto and fiat payments. It offers a range of integration options and settlement methods, giving merchants control over how they manage their funds.

Why I chose NOWPayments

NOWPayments’ biggest strength is the complete flexibility it provides to merchants when it comes to accepting payments. It allows merchants to receive both fiat and cryptocurrencies. Upon receiving the payment, the merchant has continued flexibility on what to do with it (keep it in the same currency or convert it to a different currency) and where to put it (keep the payment in custody or withdraw it to a crypto wallet or bank account).

Aside from the settlement flexibility, NOWPayments offers all the possible ways to accept crypto payments. Its Custody feature allows merchants to accept cryptocurrency payments without a crypto wallet and make currency exchanges without paying network fees. It also has a network fee optimization that can help minimize blockchain fees when converting or transferring cryptocurrencies.

NOWPayments offers a more comprehensive set of features than other crypto payment gateways on this list. This makes it an excellent fit for businesses seeking full control and flexibility in managing their crypto payments.

Pricing

  • Transaction fee: 0.5% for payments without exchange.
  • Conversion fee: 0.5%.

Features

  • Instant account registration.
  • Accepts over 100 cryptocurrencies as payments.
  • Settles in more than 20 fiat currencies.
  • Custody feature.
  • Ways to accept crypto payments:
    • API integration.
    • Invoices or payment links.
    • Ecommerce plugins: PrestaShop, Magento 2, OpenCart, Zen Cart, Shopware, WooCommerce, WHMCS, Ecwid, Shopify.
    • QR code.
    • Subscription.
    • Donation button.
  • Payment flow:
    • Accept crypto > keep in custody
    • Accept crypto > convert to other cryptocurrency > keep in custody
    • Accept fiat > convert to cryptocurrency > keep in custody
    • Accept crypto > withdraw to your crypto wallet
    • Accept crypto > convert to other cryptocurrency > withdraw to your crypto wallet
    • Accept crypto > convert to fiat > withdraw to your bank account
    • Custody balance > withdraw to your crypto wallet
    • Custody balance > convert to fiat > withdraw to your bank account/
  • Fixed-rate exchange option.
  • Crypto-to-fiat withdrawal: 1 business day.
  • Mass payouts.
  • Network fee optimization.
  • API to integrate with any mobile POS terminal.
  • Sandbox environment for testing.
  • 24/7 customer support.
The NOWPayments Dashboard.
The NOWPayments Dashboard. Source: CoinGate

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Settlement flexibility. Complex refund process.
Custody feature to save on network. fees for currency exchanges. Limited reporting tools.
Accepts both crypto and fiat payments. Minimum payment fluctuates.
API integration with any mobile POS terminal.

BitPay: Best for multi-user access

BitPay logo.
Image: BitPay

Our rating: 4.30 out of 5

BitPay is a cryptocurrency payment gateway known for its user-friendly interface and multi-user account capabilities. It offers tiered transaction fees that decrease with higher monthly volumes. However, it provides limited flexibility to merchants as payments are automatically converted and settled into the merchant’s bank account or cryptocurrency wallet.

Why I chose BitPay

BitPay is the only crypto payment gateway on this list that allows multi-user access. This makes it a great choice for businesses that require multiple team members to manage payments. It also locks in exchange rates at the time of purchase, which helps protect merchants from crypto price fluctuations.

While its transaction fees may be higher than others on this list, BitPay is a reliable and well-known provider, and its mobile POS app makes it easy to accept crypto payments in-store.

Pricing

  • Transaction fee (based on monthly volume):
    • $500,000–$999,999: 1.5% + 25 cents
    • $1,000,000 and above: 1% + 25 cents
  • Application fee: $75
  • Minimum withdrawal amount: depends on currency; $20 for USD

Features

  • Instant account registration.
  • Accepts 15 cryptocurrencies as payments.
  • Settles in 9 fiat currencies.
  • Automatic volume discounts.
  • Daily settlement.
  • Ways to accept crypto payments:
    • API integration.
    • Invoices or payment links.
    • Subscription.
    • E-commerce plugins: Magento 2, Shopify, WHMCS, Wix, WooCommerce, BigCommerce.
    • Easy to embed payment button.
    • Donation button.
    • Mobile POS app.
  • Payment flow:
    • Accept crypto > converted to your chosen currency > daily settlement to your chosen bank account or cryptocurrency wallet.
  • Multi-user login access.
  • Locks in rate at the time of purchase.
  • Lightning network support.
  • Customer support via email within 1 business day.
The BitPay dashboard.
The BitPay dashboard. Source: BitPay

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Multi-user capability. Fewer e-commerce plugins.
Mobile POS app for accepting payments in-store. Application fee.
Locks in rate at time of purchase. Higher transaction fees, even with the automatic volume discounts.
Low minimum withdrawal amount.

Coinbase Commerce: Best for instant settlement

Coinbase Commerce logo.
Image: Coinbase Commerce

Our rating: 4.25 out of 5

Coinbase Commerce is a cryptocurrency payment gateway that makes it simple and straightforward for businesses to accept cryptocurrency payments. It automatically converts incoming crypto payments into USD or USDC and offers instant settlement to the deposit address provided by the merchant.

Why I chose Coinbase Commerce

Businesses that are just exploring crypto payments and would like to start small will find Coinbase Commerce simple and easy to use. Unlike other gateways on this list, Coinbase Commerce does not provide the option to keep other currencies except USD and USDC. Instead, it locks in exchange rates at the time of purchase and transfers funds directly to the merchant’s chosen deposit address.

While it lacks currency exchange options and is limited to website payments, its ease of use and support for popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce make it an ideal choice for businesses prioritizing straightforward, hassle-free transactions.

Pricing

Features

  • Accepts 13 cryptocurrencies as payments.
  • Settles in 1 fiat currency only.
  • Daily settlement.
  • Ways to accept crypto payments:
    • API integration.
    • E-commerce plugins: Jumpseller, Primer, Shopify, WooCommerce.
  • Payment flow: Instant settlement to deposit address indicated.
  • Locks in rate at the time of purchase.
  • Lightning network support.
  • Customer support via account dashboard only.
The Coinbase Commerce dashboard.
The Coinbase Commerce dashboard. Source: Coinbase Commerce

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Simple and straightforward. No currency exchange.
Instant settlement eliminates rate volatility. No sandbox environment for testing.
All incoming payments are converted to USD or USDC.
Only for accepting payments on a website.

OpenNode: Best for Bitcoin-only payments

OpenNode logo.
Image: OpenNode

Our rating: 3.98 out of 5

A cryptocurrency payment gateway focused exclusively on Bitcoin, OpenNode offers features such as split settlement and scheduled payouts. Its Lightning network support makes it highly efficient for Bitcoin transactions.

Why I chose OpenNode

OpenNode stands out as the best option for businesses that want to accept Bitcoin and nothing else. Its features, like custom automatic settlement schedules, multiple ways to accept crypto payments, and limited settlement currencies, make it an ideal option for businesses that want to limit their crypto payment acceptance but would like to accept it in various payment channels.

Although limited to Bitcoin, OpenNode’s simplicity, combined with strong e-commerce integrations, makes it a great fit for businesses focused on Bitcoin payments.

Pricing

  • Transaction fee: 1%.
  • Withdrawal fee: 1% for on-demand bitcoin payout.

Features

  • Accepts 1 cryptocurrency only (Bitcoin).
  • Settles in 8 fiat currencies.
  • Ways to accept crypto payments:
    • API integration.
    • Payment button.
    • Invoices or payment links.
    • E-commerce plugins: Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, Prestashop, WooCommerce, OpenCart.
    • QR code.
  • Payment flow: Accept bitcoin > keep as bitcoin or convert to local currency > transfer to bank account or bitcoin wallet.
  • Merchant may choose to initiate payouts or to set them on a schedule.
  • Split settlement.
  • Lightning network.
  • KYC compliant.
  • 24/7 customer support.
The OpenNode dashboard.
The OpenNode dashboard. Source: OpenNode

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Merchants may set a custom automatic settlement schedule. Bitcoin only.
Lightning network support. Withdrawal fee for on-demand bitcoin payout.
Split settlement.

Features

  • Instant account registration.
  • Accepts over 30 cryptocurrencies as payments.
  • Settles in 4 fiat currencies.
  • Ways to accept crypto payments:
    • API integration.
    • Invoices or payment links.
    • Ecommerce plugins: Shopify, WooCommerce, OpenCart, Ecwid, NopCommerce, PrestaShop.
    • Subscription.
  • Payment flow:
    • Accept crypto > convert to your chosen currency.
    • Account balance > withdraw to bank account or cryptocurrency wallet.
  • Any conversion and transfer fees are charged to the customer.
  • Customer can pay using a QR code or by linking to Crypto.com, Metamask, WalletConnect, or other cryptocurrency wallets.
  • The merchant receives the exact pricing amount.
  • Lightning network support.
  • 24/7 customer support.
The Crypto.com Pay dashboard.
The Crypto.com Pay dashboard. Source: Crypto.com

Pros and cons

Pros Cons
Merchants receive the exact price of the goods/services. Limited fiat and cryptocurrencies for settlement.
Allows merchants to choose pricing currency in fiat or crypto. No POS option for in-person payments.
Merchant is not subjected to exchange rate volatility. No advanced reporting tools.

Benefits of using a crypto payment gateway

Using a crypto payment gateway offers some advantages for businesses, including:

  • Lower transaction fees compared to traditional payment processors.
  • Instant payments and quicker settlements.
  • Global reach.
  • No chargebacks or payment reversals.
  • Enhanced security with the blockchain technology.
  • For some gateways, flexibility to convert crypto into fiat or keep as digital currency.

How do I choose the best crypto payment gateway for my business?

When choosing a cryptocurrency payment gateway for your business, consider these key factors:

  • Transaction fees: To maximize your profits, look for a gateway with low fees, especially if you process a high volume of transactions.
  • Supported cryptocurrencies: Make sure the platform supports popular cryptocurrencies or those most relevant to your customer base.
  • Fiat conversion options: If you don’t want to hold crypto, choose a gateway that offers easy conversion to fiat currencies.
  • Ease of integration: Ensure the platform integrates smoothly with your website, POS, or e-commerce platforms.
  • Settlement times: Consider how fast the gateway settles payments into your bank or crypto wallet to maintain your cash flow.

Methodology

For this list of the best crypto payment gateways, I focused on solutions that offer flexibility, security, and ease of use for businesses looking to accept cryptocurrency payments. I evaluated each gateway based on specific criteria: integration, developer tools, and user experience (25%); supported cryptocurrencies and payment options (25%); security, compliance, and privacy (20%); pricing and transaction fees (15%); and customer support and resources (15%).

My research included a thorough review of product documentation, pricing pages, customer feedback, and hands-on testing or demo environments where available. The goal was to recommend gateways that offer a strong balance of features, ease of use, and security for businesses across different industries.

This article and methodology were reviewed by our retail expert, Meaghan Brophy

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Automattic sends WP Engine its own cease-and-desist over WordPress trademark infringement

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Automattic sends WP Engine its own cease-and-desist over WordPress trademark infringement

The brouhaha in the WordPress community looks likely to escalate into a legal battle around trademarks.

Just a day after WordPress hosting service WP Engine sent a cease-and-desist notice to Automattic asking its CEO to stop publicly trashing WP Engine, now Automattic has sent its own cease-and-desist letter to WP Engine, saying the latter has infringed several trademarks like WordPress and WooCommerce.

This comes after Matt Mullenweg, the CEO of Automattic and co-creator of WordPress, last week criticized WP Engine for profiteering off the open source WordPress project, calling it a “cancer to WordPress,” and accused the company of contributing very little to the community.

In its letter dated Monday, Automattic alleged that WP Engine has built a business of over $400 million in revenue based on unauthorized use of its WordPress trademark, which Automattic claims it has the exclusive commercial rights for from the WordPress Foundation. Automattic also said WP Engine has misled consumers into believing that there is a direct affiliation between the two companies.

“Your unauthorized use of our Client’s trademarks infringes on their rights and dilutes their famous and well-known marks. Negative reviews and comments regarding WP Engine and its offerings are imputed to our Client, thereby tarnishing our Client’s brands, harming their reputation, and damaging the goodwill our Client has established in its marks,” the letter read.

“Your unauthorized use of our Client’s intellectual property has enabled WP Engine to compete with our Client unfairly, and has led to unjust enrichment and undue profits,” it added.

Automattic is also demanding compensation for the profits made by WP Engine by using its trademarks and said that if WP Engine doesn’t amicably resolve the matter, the company has the right to file a civil injunction case.

For context, here’s a good summary of the WordPress community by my colleague Paul Sawers:

WordPress powers more than 40% of the web, and while any individual or company is free to take the open source project and run a website themselves, a number of businesses have sprung up to sell hosting services and technical expertise off the back of it. These include Automattic, which Mullenweg set up in 2005 to monetize the project he’d created two years earlier; and WP Engine, a managed WordPress hosting provider that has raised nearly $300 million in funding over its 14-year history, the bulk of which came via a $250 million investment from private equity firm Silver Lake in 2018.

In the cease-and-desist letter WP Engine sent to Automattic on Monday, the company defended its right to use the “WordPress” trademark under fair use laws. The company added that Automattic has “a profound misunderstanding of both trademark law and WordPress Foundation’s trademark policy.”

It also said Mullenweg demanded WP Engine pay Automattic “a significant percentage of its gross revenues — tens of millions of dollars in fact — on an ongoing basis” for a license to use trademarks like “WordPress.”

“When his outrageous financial demands were not met, Mr. Mullenweg carried out his threats by making repeated false claims disparaging WP Engine to its employees, its customers, and the world,” WP Engine’s letter said.

Notably, Automattic’s letter doesn’t mention Mullenweg’s remarks about WP Engine.

In the last week, Mullenweg has accused WP Engine of not contributing enough to the community and offering “a cheap knock-off” version of WordPress. WP Engine pushed back against this characterization and called out Mullenweg for launching a smear campaign against the company, saying it has already affected some of its business.

This might be the start of a long legal tussle between the two entities. A lot of folks also pointed out that this battle might be harmful for providers offering specialized WordPress hosting.

Earlier today, WordPress Foundation changed its Trademark Policy page, and it now calls out WP Engine, alleging the hosting service has confused users.

“The abbreviation ‘WP’ is not covered by the WordPress trademarks, but please don’t use it in a way that confuses people. For example, many people think WP Engine is “WordPress Engine” and officially associated with WordPress, which it’s not. They have never once even donated to the WordPress Foundation, despite making billions of revenue on top of WordPress,” the updated page reads.

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New WordPress.com Themes for September 2024 – WordPress.com News

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New WordPress.com Themes for September 2024 – WordPress.com News

Four of our favorite new themes.

The WordPress.com team is always working on new design ideas to bring your website to life. Check out the latest themes in our library, including great options for brats, foodies, and beauty bloggers. Take a look below.


Tap into your brat summer vibes all year round with our brand new Partygurl theme. Inspired by the now-iconic bright green and simple typography from Charli XCX’s Brat album, this styling will immediately identify you as someone who’s done with the “clean and polished” aesthetic of sameness that you see across the web.

Click here to view a demo of this theme.


RecipeBook WordPress.com theme homepage and blog post page.

RecipeBook is a warm, vibrant theme made for foodie content creators who want their recipes to shine. Inspired by the charm of old-school cookbooks, RecipeBook pairs eye-catching colors with bold typography. The homepage invites discovery with a handy category list and flexible Query Loop block, making it easy to showcase your culinary creations. Whether you’re sharing recipes or creating food collections, RecipeBook offers a playful yet functional design to help you dish out your passion for cooking.

Click here to view a demo of this theme.


Goodskin WordPress.com theme homepage.

Goodskin is a great theme for beauty bloggers and skincare enthusiasts. With its light, calming aesthetic and clean layout, Goodskin provides an elegant space for sharing your routines, product reviews, and more. The theme includes thoughtful features like a sidebar for easy navigation and a product rating pattern to highlight your favorite finds. Available in three soothing color variations—Jojoba, Blush, and Eyeshadow—Goodskin offers a serene, sophisticated platform that allows your content to glow.

Click here to view a demo of this theme.


Luxus WordPress.com theme homepage, in three style variations.

Luxus is the perfect look for beauty salons wanting to make a sleek, no-fuss impression. Designed with simplicity in mind, Luxus gives the essentials—services, location, hours, and contact information—right away on the homepage, making it easy for clients to find what they need.

Optimized for mobile right out of the box with a clean, single-column layout, Luxus offers a seamless experience for your busy, on-the-go clientele. With the luxurious Ojuju font for headings and the classic Hanken Grotesk for body text, this theme exudes elegance while keeping the focus on what matters most.

Click here to view a demo of this theme.


To install any of the above themes, click the name of the theme you like, which brings you right to the installation page. Then click the “Activate this design” button. You can also click “Open live demo,” which brings up a clickable, scrollable version of the theme for you to preview.

Premium themes are available to use at no extra charge for customers on the Personal plan or above. Partner themes are third-party products that can be purchased for $99/year each on the Business plan and above.

You can explore all of our themes by navigating to the “Themes” page, which is found under “Appearance” in the left-side menu of your WordPress.com dashboard. Or you can click below:


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9 Best Astra Theme Alternatives for Faster Loading (2024)

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Astra Theme Alternatives

Finding the perfect theme for your WordPress website is crucial.

While Astra has long been a favorite among users, it has some limitations. Hence, you must explore alternatives that best fit your needs.

Tip

Based on my extensive experience over the past years, Kadence WP is the best WordPress theme. I’ve been with Kadence for the past three years, and it is for all my sites due to its smooth WP blocks, superior performance, ease of use, and advanced customization features.

Its lightweight structure ensures fast load times, while its robust design tools offer unparalleled flexibility, making it an ideal choice for many website projects.

I discuss the top Astra theme alternatives in this article, each offering unique strengths and capabilities.

Join me as I explore Kadence WP and other notable themes, such as GeneratePress, OceanWP, and Elementor Hello, to help you make an informed decision about your next website build.

9 Best Astra Theme Alternatives

Best Astra Theme Alternatives

1. Kadence WP Theme (Overall Best Alternative)

If you are looking for an Astra Theme alternative that offers a great user experience, Kadence WP Theme is an excellent choice. It is a multipurpose WordPress theme that is perfect for creating any website.

Kadence WP Theme is known for its flexibility, customization options, and user-friendly interface.

Kadence WP Theme Key Features

  • Lightweight and Fast: The Kadence WP Theme is lightweight and loads quickly, making it perfect for creating fast-loading websites.
  • Page Builder Compatibility: Kadence WP Theme is compatible with popular page builders like Elementor, Beaver Builder, and Gutenberg.
  • Customizable Header and Footer: Kadence WP Theme allows you to easily customize your website’s header and footer.
  • Advanced Typography: Kadence WP Theme offers advanced typography options, allowing you to choose from over 800 Google fonts.
  • WooCommerce Integration: Kadence WP Theme integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce, making it perfect for creating online stores.
  • Starter Templates: Kadence WP Theme comes with various starter templates that you can use to create your website quickly.

Kadence WP Theme Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of using the Kadence WP Theme:

Pros:

  • Lightweight and fast-loading.
  • Easy to use and customize.
  • Compatible with popular page builders.
  • Offers advanced typography options.
  • Comes with a variety of starter templates.
  • Integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce.

Cons:

  • The free version of the Kadence WP Theme has limited features.
  • The pricing plans are a bit expensive compared to other themes.

Kadence WP Theme Pricing

  • Free Plan: This plan is free and excellent for website creators wanting to start.
  • Essentials Plan: This plan costs $149/year and gives you all the essentials, like the pro versions of the Kadence theme and starter templates.
  • Full Plan: This plan costs $219/year and gives you full access to all the tools to help you sell.
  • Lifetime Plan: With this plan, you get every product in its complete bundle, lifetime support, updates, and all future products for a one-time payment of $799/lifetime.

2. GeneratePress

GeneratePress

If you’re looking for a lightweight and flexible WordPress theme that can be easily customized, GeneratePress is an excellent alternative to Astra. It is a popular theme among developers and users known for its speed, security, and ease of use.

GeneratePress Theme Key Features

  • Lightweight and Fast: GeneratePress is one of the most lightweight themes available, which means it loads faster than most other themes. This is great for improving your website’s speed and overall user experience.
  • Customizable: GeneratePress offers many customization options, including typography, colors, layouts, and more. You can easily customize your website’s appearance without any coding skills.
  • Accessibility Ready: GeneratePress is designed to be accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. It meets the WCAG 2.0 standards, so your website will be accessible to a broader audience.
  • SEO Friendly: GeneratePress is built with clean and optimized code, which makes it SEO-friendly. Your website will rank higher in search engines and get more organic traffic.
  • Developer Friendly: GeneratePress is designed to be developer-friendly, making it easy to customize and extend. It’s built with clean code and follows WordPress coding standards.
  • Great Support: GeneratePress has an excellent support team that is always ready to help you with any issues or questions.

GeneratePress Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of GeneratePress to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you:

Pros:

  • GeneratePress is one of the fastest-loading WordPress themes available.
  • GeneratePress offers various customization options, including color schemes, typography, layout, and more.
  • GeneratePress is optimized for search engines, which can help improve your website’s visibility and rankings.
  • GeneratePress is designed with accessibility in mind, which means it meets the highest standards for web accessibility.
  • GeneratePress is fully compatible with WooCommerce, making creating an online store and selling products easy.

Cons:

  • Limited free version
  • Not as many pre-built templates

GeneratePress Pricing

  • Free Plan: This plan is forever free to use.
  • Yearly Plan: This plan costs $59/year and grants one year of access to the site library, all features, and one year of updates.
  • Lifetime Plan: This plan costs a one-time fee of $249. It grants lifetime access to the site library, updates, and all features.

3. OceanWP Theme

OceanWP Theme

If you are looking for a powerful and flexible alternative to the Astra Theme, the OceanWP Theme is the perfect solution. It is a lightweight and highly customizable WordPress theme that offers a wide range of features and functionalities to help you easily create stunning websites.

OceanWP Theme Key Features

Here are some of the features of OceanWP Theme that make it stand out from other WordPress themes:

  • Multiple Demos: OceanWP Theme has over 130 pre-built demos you can import with just one click. These demos cover many niches, including business, portfolio, eCommerce, and more.
  • Fast Loading: OceanWP Theme is optimized for speed and performance, ensuring your website loads quickly and smoothly.
  • WooCommerce Ready: It is fully compatible with WooCommerce and has many eCommerce-specific features.
  • SEO Friendly: OceanWP Theme is designed with SEO in mind, ensuring your website ranks well in search engine results pages.
  • Translation Ready: If you want to create a multilingual website, OceanWP Theme is your solution. It is fully compatible with translation plugins like WPML and Polylang.
  • Elementor Integration: OceanWP Theme is fully compatible with the Elementor page builder, allowing you to quickly create custom layouts and designs.

OceanWP Theme Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of using OceanWP Theme:

Pros:

  • Lightweight and fast-loading
  • Highly customizable with a wide range of options
  • It comes with over 130 pre-built demos.
  • Fully compatible with WooCommerce and other popular plugins
  • SEO-friendly design
  • Translation ready

Cons:

  • Some features are only available in the paid version
  • Some users may find the interface a bit overwhelming

OceanWP Pricing

OceanWP offers both a free and a paid version of the theme. The free version has basic features and limited support, while the paid version unlocks additional features and premium support.

Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for OceanWP:

  • Free version: This is free to use
  • Starter Plan: This plan costs $35 per year and has a lifetime subscription of $141. It can be used for one website.
  • Personal plan: It costs $43 per year to use for three websites. A lifetime subscription is available for a one-time payment of $178.
  • Business plan costs $71 per year for up to ten websites. A lifetime subscription is available for a one-time payment of $285.
  • Agency plan: This plan costs $127 per year and can be used on up to 300 websites. A lifetime subscription is also available for a one-time payment of $509.

4. Divi Theme

Divi Theme

Divi Theme is a popular option if you’re looking for an Astra Theme competitor. It is a multipurpose WordPress theme with a powerful page builder that makes it easy to create custom designs without any coding knowledge.

Divi Theme Key Features

  • Visual Page Builder: Divi’s drag-and-drop page builder is one of its most popular features. It allows users to create custom layouts and design elements without coding knowledge.
  • Responsive Design: Divi works on all devices, so your website will look great on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
  • Customization Options: With Divi, you can customize your website’s colors, fonts, and layout. You can also use pre-made templates to get started.
  • Marketing Integrations: Divi integrates with popular marketing tools like Mailchimp, Aweber, and Google Analytics.
  • WooCommerce Support: Divi has built-in support for WooCommerce if you’re selling products online.
  • Support and Updates: Divi comes with a lifetime license, which means you’ll get access to updates and support if you use the theme.

Divi Theme Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of Divi Theme:

Pros:

  • Divi’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create custom designs without coding knowledge.
  • Divi offers a wide range of customization options to create a unique website.
  • Divi integrates with popular marketing tools to quickly add email opt-ins and track your website’s performance.
  • Divi has built-in support for WooCommerce, making it easy to sell products online.

Cons:

  • While Divi is easy to use, learning its features takes time.
  • Some users have reported that Divi’s code can be bloated, slowing website performance.
  • While Divi offers a wide range of customization options, some users may find the design options limited compared to other themes.

Divi Pricing

Divi is a premium WordPress theme, so you must pay for it. Here are the pricing options for Divi:

  • Divi: This costs $89 per year and has a lifetime subscription of $249. It includes access to all of Elegant Themes’ themes and plugins, updates, and support.
  • Divi Pro: This plan costs $277 yearly and has a lifetime subscription of $297. It includes access to everything in the Divi plan plus Divi AI, Divi Cloud, and Divi Teams.

5. Blocksy

Blocksy

If you are looking for a substitute for the Astra Theme, Blocksy is an excellent option. It is a lightweight and fast WordPress theme that offers a range of customization options, making it a popular choice for beginners and advanced users.

Blocksy Key Features

  • Fast Loading: Blocksy is optimized for speed, so your website will load quickly and provide a better user experience.
  • Customizable Header and Footer: Blocksy offers a range of customization options for your header and footer, allowing you to create a unique look for your website.
  • WooCommerce Integration: Blocksy seamlessly integrates with WooCommerce, making it an excellent choice for creating an online store.
  • Gutenberg Compatible: Blocksy is fully compatible with the Gutenberg editor, making creating custom layouts and designs accessible.
  • Responsive Design: Blocksy is designed to be fully responsive, ensuring your website looks great on all devices.
  • SEO Friendly: Blocksy is optimized for search engines, helping your website rank higher in search results.

Blocksy Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of using Blocksy:

Pros:

  • Easy to use and customize
  • Fast loading speed
  • WooCommerce integration
  • Responsive design
  • SEO friendly

Cons:

  • Limited free version features
  • No pre-built templates
  • No drag-and-drop page builder
  • Limited third-party plugin integration

Blocksy Pricing

Blocksy offers both a free version and a premium version of the theme. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:

  • Blocksy Free: The free version of Blocksy includes basic features and customization options. It’s a good choice for users who are just starting and don’t need advanced functionality.
  • Blocksy Premium: Blocksy Premium is available in three pricing tiers:
    • Personal: This plan is priced at $69 per year and includes a lifetime subscription of $199. It provides access to all premium features on one website.
    • Professional: Priced at $99/year and a lifetime subscription of $299. This plan is ideal for online businesses and can be used on ten websites.
    • Agency: Priced at $149 per year and a lifetime subscription of $499. The Agency plan includes access to all premium features for unlimited websites, making it a cost-effective choice for developers and agencies.

6. Neve Theme

Neve Themes

If you are looking for a lightweight, fast, and easily customizable theme, Neve Theme is a great option. It was developed by Themeisle, a popular WordPress theme and plugin development company. Neve Theme is known for its simplicity, speed, and flexibility.

Neve Theme Key Features

  • Lightweight and Fast-Loading Design: Neve is designed to be lightweight, ensuring quick load times and efficient performance, which improves user experience and can boost SEO.
  • Fully Customizable with a Drag-and-Drop Page Builder: Neve is compatible with popular page builders like Elementor, Beaver Builder, and Gutenberg, allowing you to easily customize your site’s layout and design using drag-and-drop functionality.
  • Optimized for SEO and Mobile Devices: The theme follows best SEO practices, helping your site rank better in search engine results. Neve is fully responsive, ensuring your site looks great and functions well on all devices.
  • Compatible with Popular WordPress Plugins: Neve works seamlessly with a wide range of popular WordPress plugins, such as WooCommerce, Yoast SEO, and Contact Form 7, allowing you to extend your site’s functionality easily.
  • Ready-to-Import Starter Sites for Various Niches: This lets you quickly set up a professional-looking website by importing a pre-built template and customizing it to fit your needs.
  • Built-in WooCommerce Integration: Neve includes built-in support for WooCommerce, making it easy to create and customize an online store with features like product pages, shopping carts, and checkout pages seamlessly integrated into your site’s design.

Neve Theme Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Easy to customize
  • Compatible with popular page builders
  • SEO optimized
  • WooCommerce ready

Cons:

  • Limited free version features
  • Some features require paid add-ons
  • Limited design options

Neve Theme Pricing

  • Free: This is free to use.
  • Personal: This costs $69/year. This plan is great for users just getting started with their websites.
  • Business: This plan costs $149/year and is best for online shops.
  • Agency: This plan is excellent for freelancers and agencies, costing $259/per year.

7. Elementor Hello Theme

Elementor

The Elementor Hello Theme is a great substitute for the Astra Theme. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for a lightweight, fast, and highly customizable theme that works seamlessly with the Elementor page builder.

Elementor Hello Theme Key Features

  • Drag and Drop Page Builder: This allows you to create and customize website pages by simply dragging and dropping elements into place, providing a highly intuitive design experience without needing coding knowledge.
  • Customizable Templates and Widgets: These pre-designed elements can be easily tailored to fit your website’s specific needs, making it quick and easy to build professional-looking pages.
  • Mobile Responsive Design: This means your site will look great and function well on desktops, tablets, and smartphones, providing an optimal user experience across all platforms.
  • WooCommerce Compatibility: The Hello Theme is fully compatible with WooCommerce. You can use Elementor’s design capabilities to build product pages, shopping carts, and checkout pages, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing e-commerce site.
  • SEO Optimization: The Hello Theme is lightweight and optimized for speed, which is crucial for SEO. Faster load times improve user experience and can lead to better search engine rankings. Additionally, the theme works well with popular SEO plugins like Yoast SEO, enabling further optimization of your site’s content and structure.
  • Multi-language Support: It is compatible with translation plugins like WPML and Polylang, allowing you to offer your content in multiple languages and reach a wider audience.

Elementor Hello Theme Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of using the Elementor Hello Theme:

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Flexible and customizable
  • Mobile responsive design
  • WooCommerce compatibility
  • Free to use

Cons:

  • Some features require additional plugins
  • It can be slow on some hosting providers

Elementor Hello Theme Pricing

Elementor Hello Theme is forever free to use.

8. Avada Theme

Avada Theme

If you’re looking for a versatile and feature-rich WordPress theme, Avada Theme is a great option. It has been around since 2012 and is continuously updated to keep up with the latest design trends and technology.

Avada Theme Key Features

  • Easy-to-use: A drag-and-drop page builder that makes it easy to create custom layouts
  • Pre-built Templates: There are over 70 pre-built website designs to choose from
  • Compatibility: Compatibility with popular WordPress plugins like WooCommerce and Gravity Forms
  • Responsive Design: A responsive design that looks great on all devices
  • Highly Customizable: Customizable headers and footers
  • SEO Options: Avada has built-in SEO optimization tools to ensure your pages are search engine optimized.

Avada Theme Pros and Cons

Like any WordPress theme, Avada Theme has its pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Avada Theme:

Pros:

  • A wide range of features and customization options
  • A powerful page builder that makes it easy to create custom layouts
  • Built-in support for WooCommerce and other popular plugins
  • Regularly updated to keep up with the latest WordPress trends and technology
  • Excellent documentation and support

Cons:

  • It can be overwhelming for beginners due to the wide range of options and features.
  • The page builder can be slow to load on some sites
  • Some users have reported issues with compatibility with specific plugins.

Avada Pricing

Avada is a premium WordPress theme, which means it has a price tag. A regular license costs $69, which includes lifetime updates and six months of support. You can purchase an extended support package for an additional fee if you need more support.

9. Genesis Framework

Genesis Framework

Genesis Framework is a popular WordPress theme framework that offers a wide range of features and customization options. It is a great alternative to the Astra theme.

Genesis Framework Key Features

  • SEO optimized: Genesis Framework is designed with SEO in mind, making optimizing your website for search engines easy.
  • Mobile responsive: The theme is mobile responsive, ensuring your website looks great on all devices.
  • Customizable: Genesis Framework offers customization options, including custom widgets, page templates, and theme options.
  • Fast loading: The theme is optimized for speed, ensuring your website loads quickly.
  • Secure: Genesis Framework is built with security in mind, making it a safe and secure option for your website.
  • Developer-friendly: The theme is designed to be developer-friendly, with a wide range of hooks and filters for customization.

Genesis Framework Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Wide range of customization options
  • SEO optimized
  • Mobile responsive
  • Fast loading
  • Secure
  • Developer-friendly

Cons:

  • Limited free child themes
  • The steep learning curve for beginners

Genesis Framework Pricing

Genesis Framework is free when you host on WP Engine or Flywheel. You can subscribe to Genesis Pro for more advanced features, which costs $360 yearly.

Why Should You Consider an Alternative to Astra Theme?

Astra is a popular theme that offers various customization options and is known for its speed and performance.

While the Astra theme is highly regarded for its flexibility, speed, and extensive customization options, it does have some limitations.

Firstly, Astra’s advanced features and customization options are only available through the Astra Pro plugin or additional add-ons. While Astra is compatible with many popular plugins, achieving certain functionalities may require third-party plugins.

Although Astra offers customization options for headers and footers, it lacks the advanced drag-and-drop builder in themes like Kadence WP. Users looking for highly intricate header and footer designs might find Astra’s capabilities somewhat restrictive.

While extensive, Astra’s pre-built templates and design options can sometimes feel limiting if you want to create a unique or unconventional website design.

Although Astra is user-friendly, beginners might find the extensive customization options overwhelming.

Some users might find that feature updates and new additions are slower than those of other rapidly evolving themes. While Astra is regularly updated for compatibility and security, significant new features might not be introduced as frequently.

Another limitation of Astra is that it might not suit everyone’s needs. Astra is a lightweight theme designed to work well with page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder. If you are not using a page builder, you might not be able to take advantage of Astra’s features.

Choosing the Right Platform

Several factors must be considered when choosing the right platform for your website.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Your Website Goals

Before you choose a platform, it’s crucial to determine your website goals. Are you looking to create a blog, an online store, a portfolio, or a corporate website?

Different platforms offer different features and functionality, so choosing a platform that aligns with your goals is essential.

2. Ease of Use

Another essential factor to consider is ease of use. If you’re new to website building, you’ll want a platform that is easy to navigate and use. Look for platforms with intuitive interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality.

3. Customization Options

Customization options are also important. You’ll want a platform to customize your website to suit your brand and aesthetic. Look for platforms with various themes and templates and customization options for fonts, colors, and layouts.

4. SEO Friendliness

Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for driving traffic to your website. Look for SEO-friendly platforms with features such as customizable meta tags, clean code, and fast load times.

5. Support and Community

Finally, consider the support and community offered by the platform. Look for platforms with active communities, support forums, and responsive customer support. This can be especially important if you run into technical issues or have questions about using the platform.

Final Thoughts on Astra Theme Alternatives

While the Astra theme remains popular for many WordPress users, exploring its alternatives can provide unique advantages depending on your specific requirements.

Kadence WP is the best alternative due to its advanced header and footer builder, dynamic content options, and built-in performance enhancements. It is an excellent choice for those seeking flexibility and speed.

Developed by Elegant Themes, Divi Theme is a highly versatile and popular WordPress theme that caters to a wide range of website needs. Known for its powerful drag-and-drop page builder and extensive customization options, Divi makes it easy for users of all skill levels to create stunning and functional websites without needing any coding knowledge.

Finally, the Elementor Hello Theme offers a minimalist, blank canvas that pairs perfectly with the Elementor page builder, giving users unparalleled design freedom and performance optimization.

By considering these alternatives, you can find a theme that aligns with your vision and enhances your WordPress experience, ensuring you build a website that meets your goals efficiently and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions on Astra Theme Alternatives

What are some free alternatives to the Astra WordPress theme?

Some popular free themes are Kadence WP, Elementor Hello Theme, GeneratePress, and OceanWP. These themes offer a range of features and customization options that can help you create a professional-looking website without spending a dime.

Which WordPress themes are considered the best competitors to Astra?

These themes include the Kadence WP Theme, Elementor Hello Theme, GeneratePress, and OceanWP. These themes offer similar features and customization options and are known for their high performance and ease of use.

How does the Kadence WP theme compare to Astra in terms of features and performance?

Both Kadence WP and Astra excel in features and performance, making them top choices for WordPress users. But Kadence WP stands out with its advanced header and footer builder, dynamic content options, and built-in performance enhancements.

Can GeneratePress be a suitable replacement for the Astra theme for professional websites?

GeneratePress is a lightweight WordPress theme often considered a suitable replacement for the Astra theme. It offers a range of customization options and is known for its fast loading times and optimized code. It also has a built-in page builder and supports WooCommerce integration, making it an excellent choice for professional websites.

In terms of customization and ease of use, how does the Neve theme stand up against Astra?

Neve is a lightweight WordPress theme known for its ease of use. It has a built-in page builder and supports WooCommerce integration. It also has a range of pre-built demos and templates to help you get started quickly. Regarding customization, Neve offers a range of easy-to-use options, making it an excellent option for beginners.



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