Astra vs Be-Theme theme-comparison [2024] 💥

Updated: April 8, 2024 | by: Martijn Assie, creating websites & shops since 20 years, also Linux-, Wordpress-,
Photoshop- and SEO expert. | NL DE

ASTRA THEME (Be-Theme vs Astra)

WP-Astra is the fastest Wordpress theme ever made...

In this comprehensive Astra Theme review for [2024], consider this impressive statistic: over 2,369,964 users have chosen Astra for their websites. The reason behind this widespread preference? Astra is not just developed, but meticulously crafted, akin to a custom sports car. It's engineered for creating visually stunning and highly responsive online shops, with loading speeds comparable to the swiftness of a cheetah.

The team behind Astra didn't just release a theme; they introduced a formidable force in web design, quickly rising in popularity akin to a hit record. In terms of performance, particularly speed, the only theme that approaches Astra's capabilities is Generatepress. However, when considering the overall excellence and features of themes, Astra stands out remarkably, much like a compelling, enigmatic protagonist in a blockbuster film.

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Understanding the importance of website speed is key: swifter websites tend to rank higher in Google's search results, likened to ascending a digital Mount Everest. Speed enhances user engagement, encouraging visitors to stay longer on your site, much like a magnet attracting and retaining attention. In today's digital landscape, website speed holds significant value, comparable to a coveted golden ticket in the realm of online success.

Choosing Astra means entrusting your website to experts in optimizing web speed. Picture your online store as a race car: the faster it performs, the more efficiently it guides customers through the checkout process. Astra is designed not just for aesthetic appeal, but also for exceptional speed, ensuring a swift and smooth user experience. It's akin to adding a powerful boost to your website, significantly enhancing its performance.

ASTRA 4.0 JUST GOT RELEASED

The recent release of Astra 4.0 represents a significant stride in the evolution of WordPress themes. I highly recommend starting with the overview video linked above to gain a quick understanding of its new features and enhancements. Following that, delve into the rest of this article for a more comprehensive exploration. Astra has long been a frontrunner in the WordPress theme market, continually improving and adapting to meet the dynamic needs of users.

Its latest iteration, Astra 4.0, further cements its status as an essential asset in any WordPress user's theme collection. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a novice in website design, Astra 4.0's blend of flexibility, power, and ease of use makes it an invaluable tool for crafting engaging, responsive websites.

SPECTRA 2.0 OUT NOW

The inclusion of Spectra 2.0 into the Astra Theme marks a significant enhancement to an already robust platform. Spectra 2.0, Astra's proprietary page builder, brings a new level of functionality and ease to website creation. While it is currently offered for free, the prospect of a future paid version indicates the potential for even more advanced features and capabilities.

Astra has always been recognized as a top-tier theme, but the integration of its own page builder, complete with a suite of diverse widgets, elevates it to new heights. This advancement not only enriches the user experience but also solidifies Astra's position as a comprehensive solution for website building, catering to both novices and experienced developers alike.

ASTRA FREE & PRO: RATING

Interested in Astra's standing in the realm of theme popularity? A visit to Wordpress.org illustrates Astra's remarkable acclaim – it's widely celebrated, with an abundance of 5-star ratings. The statistics are noteworthy: the free version of Astra has been adopted by over a million websites. When including the Pro version, the total reaches an impressive 1.6 million. This popularity underscores Astra's significant impact in the web design community, akin to a major event drawing a large and enthusiastic audience.

ASTRA WEBSHOPS

Consider Astra as the essential ally in enhancing your online store's sales. It goes beyond mere aesthetics to effectively convert visitors into customers. An online store utilizing Astra can be likened to a high-performance sports car in a field of bicycles – it stands out for its superior speed compared to other themes. Interested in seeing how Astra outpaces its competition? Visit this page on the Astra website for speed test comparisons with over 50 other leading themes. These tests, resembling a contest of efficiency, are meticulously conducted by SEO experts, highlighting Astra's exceptional performance.

On the aforementioned page, there's detailed information about the combination of Astra and WooCommerce. A swiftly loading webshop is not only advantageous for user experience but also highly favorable for Google's search rankings. With Astra, envision your online store rapidly ascending Google's SERP, similar to an accelerated boost. It's akin to equipping your shop with advanced optimization tools for search rankings, thereby attracting a significant influx of visitors. This leads to a notable increase in both visitor engagement and their appreciation for your site, paralleling the crescendo of excitement typically seen during a grand celebration like New Year's Eve.

Welcome to the world of Astra, where customizing your online shop is straightforward and user-friendly, requiring no advanced technical expertise. A few years ago, such ease of use might have seemed fanciful, but today, Astra ensures seamless compatibility with a wide range of WooCommerce plugins. It effectively manages these integrations, much like a skilled coordinator overseeing a diverse array of components.

That's just the beginning. Astra comes equipped with a suite of contemporary features designed to elevate your webshop to standout status. Key features include Infinite Scroll, enhancing the shopping experience by providing a continuous flow of products; adaptable grid settings, offering a tailored display for your merchandise; an off-canvas sidebar for a sleek navigation experience; Quickview for expedient shopping; a dropdown cart for a delightful shopping surprise, and much more. Intrigued? Explore these capabilities here. Additionally, there's a selection of ready-to-use shopping demo sites available for one-click integration, simplifying the design process remarkably.

ASTRA: STARTER DEMOS

Prepare to be impressed by this remarkable aspect of Astra: it doesn't just offer templates but provides an extensive collection of 180 complete website designs. This is indeed substantial – each option is a fully realized website, ready for immediate use. It's akin to entering a repository where every resource is readily available at no extra cost. You can select a design, apply your branding, and quickly launch a sophisticated website. These demos, meticulously developed by Astra's expert team for compatibility with four different page builders, offer a diverse range of design possibilities. Astra sets a high standard in providing comprehensive and varied demo content, positioning itself as a leading provider in the realm of website templates.

Astra's responsiveness goes beyond the standard. It's as if the theme underwent specialized training to excel in mobile e-commerce. The focus isn't just on aesthetics; there's a concerted effort to ensure the mobile version of your site is exceptionally user-friendly. With the increasing prevalence of mobile shopping, this feature becomes increasingly crucial. In the near future, it wouldn't be surprising to see over half of online shoppers using their mobile devices, possibly while relaxing at home.

Additionally, Astra offers extensive customization options for the checkout process, shopping cart, and product pages, all without the need for intricate coding skills. A seamless checkout experience is vital as a complicated one can deter customers quickly. Astra ensures a fluid and enjoyable shopping journey. The Astra team's approach to e-commerce solutions isn't just innovative; it's a complete reimagining of what's possible in online retail.

ASTRA: LOADING TIME

Upon examination, it becomes clear that Astra takes loading times seriously, achieving remarkably fast speeds. Its performance in Google, GTmetrix, Y-Slow, and Pingdom tests is consistently outstanding, as if the theme has been optimized with a unique speed-enhancing formula. The results speak for themselves, demonstrating Astra's superior performance. When it comes to competition, Generatepress is the closest contender. The data presented below is telling – Astra regularly secures top rankings in speed tests, distinguishing itself significantly from slower-performing themes.

ASTRA: PAGEBUILDERS

Astra works as a whole with the Elementor page builder...

Using Astra is akin to having intuitive control over your website, offering both ease of use and enjoyment. It provides a streamlined panel and integration with the WordPress customizer for a seamless experience. Adding to its versatility, Astra pairs exceptionally well with renowned page builders, particularly Elementor. The combination of Astra Pro and Elementor Pro is a harmonious and efficient pairing, akin to two perfectly matched components. For those mindful of budget, both Astra and Elementor offer free versions. While these versions may have fewer features, they still provide a substantial and enjoyable user experience.

Elementor in Astra

ASTRA SCHEMA MARK-UP

Have you ever wanted to effectively communicate the contents of your page to search engines? This is where Schema markup plays a crucial role. These structured data snippets act as guides, aiding search engines in comprehending the context and content of your pages. It's akin to providing a clearer, more direct understanding of your site's content to search engines like Google. Astra simplifies this process by automatically incorporating Schema markup into your pages, as detailed here. This feature acts like an unseen assistant within Astra, working diligently to enhance your website's visibility and performance in search results, playing a pivotal role in your SEO strategy.

ASTRA + LEARNDASH

Envision yourself as a creator of online courses, with Astra and LearnDash serving as your essential tools. Developing an online course using Astra combined with LearnDash is a streamlined and enjoyable process, comparable to assembling a complex structure with ease. Astra offers a plethora of design options and features, enabling you to make your online course as captivating as a top-rated TV show.

LearnDash, on the other hand, acts as the orchestrator of your website's structure, focusing on creating an environment conducive to learning and conversion. The synergy of Astra's design flexibility and LearnDash's structured approach results in more than just a website – it's the creation of an immersive digital learning environment. Embrace this opportunity to craft an exceptional online course experience.

ASTRA + LIFTER-LMS

When combining Astra with LifterLMS, you get a formidable pair in the world of online education. In this partnership, Astra excels as the design expert, offering you full control over your website's aesthetic and functionality. Whether you aim for the sophistication of a high-end magazine or the versatility of a multifunctional tool, Astra provides the necessary support.

Integrating LifterLMS into this equation enhances your site's educational efficacy. It creates a focused learning environment, minimizing distractions and optimizing user engagement. The synergy of LifterLMS's educational framework with Astra's design capabilities not only facilitates learning but also boosts conversion efficiency. Imagine a checkout process so seamless it feels like an extension of the learning journey itself. Together, Astra and LifterLMS elevate your website to the highest echelons of online learning platforms.

ASTRA HEADERS, FOOTERS, 404

Introducing Astra Transparent Headers, Astra Custom Header, and Astra Custom Footers – the PRO features that provide a sophisticated edge to your website. These tools serve as your digital design experts, allowing you to create customized headers and footers with ease and without the need for technical expertise. Envision crafting your site's header and footer to be as elegant as a tuxedo or as casual as sneakers, achievable through simple clicks. Even the typically overlooked 404 pages can be enhanced for a cohesive look. Moreover, you have the flexibility to tailor these elements differently for various user groups, offering a bespoke experience. It's like having both creative control and strategic oversight over your website's upper and lower navigational areas.

ASTRA: MORE FEATURES

Astra encompasses a wide range of features, and you can explore a comprehensive overview here. This extensive list showcases the breadth and depth of functionalities available in Astra. We recommend taking the time to review these features, as they collectively represent a significant array of tools and options that can enhance your website's capabilities.

ASTRA THEME REVIEW: CONCLUSION

This concludes my comprehensive review of the Astra Theme. For those who have followed through to this point, I extend my appreciation. It's clear that Astra is not just another option among many in the world of web design; it stands out distinctively. The Astra PRO version, in particular, offers enhanced capabilities compared to the free version, akin to the difference between gourmet and fast-food offerings. Personally, I favor the combination of Astra and Elementor, which allows for sophisticated and seamless web design. Astra is on par with the Divi Theme, known for its versatility and readiness to tackle various challenges. As for shortcomings in Astra? They are as rare as finding a needle in a well-organized, vast haystack.

ASTRA THEME REVIEW: ITS PRICING

At an annual cost of only $59, Astra offers remarkable value. Imagine having the capability to deploy on unlimited sites for such an affordable fee. This is akin to enjoying an expansive buffet at the cost of a simple snack. In contrast, many other themes often require separate fees per site, resembling pricey cafes with per-item charges. For those with a budget to spare, consider enhancing your Astra experience with one of their bundle packages, which frequently come with significant discounts, making them ideal for businesses striving for excellence in web design. Astra's policy of unlimited use, whether for a single website or multiple projects, underscores its commitment to providing exceptional value. If Astra were personified as a superhero, it would indeed be celebrated for its 'Value for Money'. Moreover, the lifetime deals present an opportunity akin to uncovering hidden treasure, offering long-term benefits and savings.

BE-THEME (Be-Theme vs Astra)

In this Be Theme review, we're diving into the good, the bad, and the stylish of this fabulous theme. First thing you'll notice? Its design is like the little black dress of themes – simple yet oh-so-chic. Once you start tinkering with it, you'll find that tweaking this theme is easier than teaching a cat to nap. It's that user-friendly! Stay tuned as we unpack the cornucopia of features this theme has tucked under its elegant sleeve in the rest of this review.

Be Theme review lay-out

The Be Theme is like a digital buffet with an all-you-can-eat offer of 600+ different demo websites, all installable with just one click. It's like having a wardrobe with an outfit for every occasion – you'll find several fitting themes for each niche to kick-start your own digital fashion show. As a web designer, it's like having a secret treasure chest; I can always find the perfect layout for client websites faster than a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat!

A few demo-examples

Let's keep it real: the Be Theme is like the perfect buddy for creating a cool, functional site. But, if you're aiming to craft a website that's the digital equivalent of a Hollywood blockbuster, with all the glitz and glamour, you might want to explore other premium theme stars. For reviews of those red-carpet-ready themes, check out our overview of top themes for [2024]. Think of the Be Theme as the friendly neighborhood hero, perfect for beginners and those looking to make a solid, good-looking website without the complexity of a blockbuster production.

The mastermind behind the BeTheme is Muffingroup, an elite seller on Themeforest, strutting their stuff with around 15 products, mostly themes. Muffingroup has racked up accolades like 'recommended author', 'monthly bestseller', 'power elite author', and 'weekly bestseller'. It's like they're the rock stars of the theme world! With an average rating of 4.62, which is like getting a standing ovation in the theme community, the Be Theme has been the star of the show, with 267,893+ sales since 2014.

Muffin Builder, a drag & drop pagebuilder

The Be Theme comes with its own backstage crew, the Muffin Builder, to quickly zhuzh up your site. This drag & drop page builder is more than just satisfactory – it's like having a magic wand for your website. With all the necessary options and the choice of 600+ layouts, adding items to your pages is as easy and fun as playing with LEGO bricks – but with more impressive results!

Be Theme review: WP Bakery Pagebuilder

If you're not a big fan of the Muffin Builder, don't fret – the Be Theme also rolls out the red carpet for the WP Bakery pagebuilder. This page builder is like the Hollywood celebrity of page builders, famous for its versatility and ease of use. Imagine having the option to choose between a cozy coffee shop (Muffin Builder) and a fancy café (WP Bakery) – both serve great coffee, but the ambiance is just a tad different.

WP Bakery also uses a drag & drop system and is a fantastic tool for creating stunning pages with artistic freedom. To buy it separately would cost you a pretty penny – $64, to be exact. Personally, it's one of my favorite page builders, as it struts its stuff in practically all the top themes and comes with a plethora of add-ons. It's like the Swiss Army knife in the world of page builders!

New: Elementor compatibility

Since [2024], the BeTheme has also been equipped with Elementor, and with quite a few extra widgets as shown below.

Video and Parallax Backgrounds

The BeTheme is like a magician with its parallax backgrounds, creating an enchanting experience for your site's audience. Imagine your website as a stage, where full-width and video backgrounds are the spotlight that adds drama and flair. With a well-styled page, your site can don a tuxedo and look as professional as a James Bond movie. During the writing of this BeTheme review, it's clear that this quality really makes the theme stand out in the crowd.

20+ Different Header Styles

The Be Theme brings more versatility to the table than a chameleon at a color festival. With over 20 standard header styles, it's like having a wardrobe full of hats – there's one for every occasion. The logo and menu aren't just stuck at the top; they're free to roam left or right, giving you the creative freedom of a jazz musician. The customization doesn’t stop there; fonts, sizes, colors - it's all malleable. The Be Theme even lets you mix and match headers and logos on different pages, like a DJ mixing tracks.

Shortcode Generator

Imagine having a magic wand for your website – that's the shortcode generator in the Be Theme. It can conjure up a shortcode for practically every function in the theme. You can sprinkle these magical codes across pages, posts, or widgets, integrating features with the ease of a fairy godmother waving her wand.

BeTheme Extras

The Be Theme is like a Swiss Army knife for your website, packed with features. Picture this: 600+ different fonts (that's more fonts than a typographer’s dream), custom Widgets for every nook and cranny of your site, and the Revolution Slider, which is like the roller coaster of sliders – thrilling and dynamic. WooCommerce Ready?

Check. It's like setting up shop in the busiest digital marketplace. Got content in a different language? No problemo, RTL support has got your back. The Mega Menu is like an all-you-can-eat buffet for your navigation needs, and the visual icon selector is like picking candy from a candy store.

Unlimited sidebars? It's like having infinite shelves for all your goodies. And let’s not forget the cherry on top: Bonus Premium Plug-ins, a maintenance mode that's as sleek as a 'We'll be back soon' sign, Google Maps Styles that dress up your location pins, and BuddyPress Ready for social butterflies. Plus, styles for ContactForm7 and Gravity Forms, making forms feel like a walk in the park. It's like having a digital tool belt with all the fanciest gadgets.

Compatible with WPML

Be-Theme vs Astra conclusion

First off, a big round of applause for sticking with this Be-Theme vs Astra comparison till the end! The Be-Theme is like the buffet of themes with its massive array of demo designs for every niche imaginable – a real treasure trove for web designers who need to whip up websites in a flash. But when we get down to the nitty-gritty of quality, Astra is the one wearing the crown. Its designs are like the haute couture of the theme world – more polished and professional, especially for e-commerce sites.

Sure, Be-Theme has its own page builder, which is handy, but it's like comparing a bicycle to a sports car when put next to Elementor in Astra. If your wallet allows, grabbing Elementor Pro is like adding a turbocharger to your website building. Combine Astra Pro and Elementor Pro, and you've got yourself a dream team for crafting gorgeous websites at lightning speed.

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