Astra vs Generatepress comparison for [2024] 💥
In the exciting competition between GeneratePress and Astra, we see a clash of the best. Who will emerge as the fastest in loading speeds? Speed isn't the only thing these themes offer. Let's explore their other remarkable features.
Both themes are immensely popular, with thousands of downloads daily from WordPress.org. The free versions are like appetizers, quick and light on features. The full experience comes with the PRO versions, where the true power lies.
If you prefer video, watch this article as a YouTube video here.
Astra Theme (GeneratePress vs Astra)
Starting with the Astra Theme, known for its incredible speed and performance. Astra is lightweight, with its code base just 50KB, designed for speed. On the other hand, GeneratePress is even lighter, at 15KB, but Astra offers a robust set of features, especially for WooCommerce integration.
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Both themes are compatible with top page builders. For the best experience, pair them with plugins like Divi Builder, Elementor, BeaverBuilder, or Thrive Architect. It's like adding your favorite toppings to a pizza!
Astra Pro: The Premium Experience
The Astra Theme is installed on over 2,369,964+ websites. The Astra PRO costs $59, a reasonable price for its features. Installation is easy, and speed tests show it loads quickly even with many modules active.
The theme has excellent ratings, with many 5-star reviews. Check out the image below, which shows 3537 ratings with very few negative ones. GeneratePress has similar high ratings, making both themes top contenders.
Download the free version of Astra if you need a basic site without spending money. The free version is also fast but has fewer features.
Astra's Speed Test Performance
The speed tests for Astra show impressive results. Pingdom gives it a 100% score, meaning no site was faster. Google rates it at 95%, Y-Slow at 91%, and GT-Metrix shows a loading time of 0.4 seconds. These are exceptional scores for a WordPress site.
Astra's Demo Import Feature
With Astra, you don't need to build your site from scratch. Use demo sites to get a head start. Download the Astra Sites plugin to install demos via your backend. You can also find demos on the Astra website.
Astra offers hundreds of demos for all niches. Other themes like GeneratePress also offer numerous demos, but Astra stands out for its Elementor compatibility.
Astra Pro Modules and Settings
Below, you'll see the Astra PRO module list on the left and the settings on the right. You can choose which modules are active to keep your pages light and fast.
WooCommerce Integration in Astra
Creating a webshop is easy with Astra, which is built with WooCommerce in mind. The free version offers a menu in the WP-Customizer for WooCommerce settings. The PRO version provides additional settings for optimal styling. Check the WooCommerce integration documentation.
Final Thoughts on Astra
The Astra PRO Theme offers great value with beautiful layouts and fast loading times. However, using a top page builder like Elementor is recommended for the best experience. Based on our best WP page builder article, choose the one that suits you best.
GeneratePress Theme (GeneratePress vs Astra)
Next up in this comparison is the GeneratePress Theme. GeneratePress is designed to load fast, boasting a code size of just 15KB. Like Astra, it's built for speed and efficiency.
The free version of GeneratePress can be downloaded here, but it lacks many features of the premium version. The premium version comes with plugins and a library full of one-click demo websites, just like Astra.
GeneratePress Speed Tests
In this GeneratePress theme review, we conducted tests using GT-Metrix and Pingdom, two renowned speed test tools. The results are impressive.
At GT-Metrix, the GeneratePress demo scores 99% and 98%, indicating that only 1% of measured sites were faster. At Pingdom, it scores 99% with an absolute loading time of 247 milliseconds. These results confirm GeneratePress's reputation for speed. While Astra is slightly faster, GeneratePress is still among the top performers.
Making GeneratePress Even Faster
GeneratePress recommends using the free plugin Autoptimize to further enhance speed. Autoptimize combines and shrinks HTML, CSS, and JS, making an external file available for browsers to cache. For the best setup, check out their guide here.
GeneratePress for Online Shops
GeneratePress Premium offers extensive control over WooCommerce, the popular shop plugin. Watch this quick video to see the WooCommerce adjustments you can make with GeneratePress.
GeneratePress Design Simplicity
The design of GeneratePress is simple yet elegant. Modern websites should load quickly, look good on all devices, and function flawlessly. GeneratePress meets these criteria, making it a great choice for those seeking simplicity and efficiency.
GeneratePress Demo Designs
Many users prefer to start with a demo site. GeneratePress offers a library of demo websites that can be loaded with one click. Customize the logo, images, and text to quickly create your own design. The image below shows some of the Elementor demos available. More demos can be found on their website under the "Site Library" tab.
GeneratePress and Page Builders
GeneratePress works well with top page builders like Divi Builder, Elementor, Thrive Architect, and BeaverBuilder. The Gutenberg editor is less popular, and many prefer using the classic editor plugin.
GeneratePress Schema Markup
GeneratePress includes Schema Markup, which helps search engines understand your content better. This feature improves how your pages are presented in search results, enhancing SEO. Astra PRO also offers similar functionality with its Schema PRO plugin.
GeneratePress Video Overview
Watch this short video to see how easily you can adjust your site with GeneratePress. It takes just 3 minutes.
GeneratePress Premium Pricing
For $50, you get access to all the plugins and demos, which can be installed on unlimited sites. This price is for one year, with a 40% discount on subsequent years. Astra offers a 20% discount for renewals.
Rating Features with Stars ⭐
| Feature | Astra | GeneratePress |
|---|---|---|
| Page Builder | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| SEO | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| WooCommerce Integration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Design Options | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Demo Sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
FAQs
1. Which theme is better for a beginner?
Both Astra and GeneratePress are great for beginners due to their ease of use and extensive documentation. Astra might have a slight edge with its more visually appealing demos.
2. Can I use Elementor with GeneratePress?
Yes, Elementor works perfectly with GeneratePress. Both themes are highly compatible with top page builders.
3. Is there a significant difference in speed between Astra and GeneratePress?
Both themes are extremely fast. Astra may have a slight edge, but the difference is negligible in most real-world scenarios.
4. Which theme offers better WooCommerce integration?
Both Astra and GeneratePress offer excellent WooCommerce integration, with a range of customization options to optimize your online store.
5. What are the pricing options for these themes?
Astra PRO is priced at $59 per year, while GeneratePress Premium is available for $50 per year with a 40% renewal discount. Both offer lifetime deals for long-term savings.
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