In this article, we will do a Simple Comparison of WordPress Theme Frameworks and we hope that, after reading this article, you will have a good idea of the various theme frameworks available and the differences between them.
We have learned about the WordPress Theme frameworks and the Options frameworks in our previous blog article Simple Guide for WordPress Framework.
A theme framework is the code library which contains all the functionalities, code elements. For developers these frameworks are a great help, as they don’t need to start from scratch, theme frameworks are effective and give them a boost while developing a new custom or child theme.
This example will help you to understand the theme frameworks even better, let’s consider the theme framework as the structure of a house, and the child theme as the exterior styling options like coloring walls, designing interiors. Whatever changes you want to do you can do with the interiors or the coloring you can do easily without changing the structure.
Let’s check out some of these WordPress theme frameworks and their pros and cons.
Genesis Framework
Genesis is a powerful, secure, SEO friendly theme framework. It’s one of the most used theme frameworks and has a great community, where developers/bloggers share helpful tips and tricks. The themes of Genesis are mobile-friendly. We can use it to build almost any kind of WordPress website, whether it’s an e-commerce website, blog or magazine.
Pros
- Search Engine Optimized
- Secure
- Large User/Developer Community
- Beautiful Collection of Themes
- Responsive
Cons
- Difficult for a complete beginner
- Not always fit for small sites
Headway
Another popular theme framework is the Headway theme framework. It has powered over 47,000 websites since 2009. It’s a great option for those who wish to create a website without learning a piece of code and by just doing drag and drop. This framework is good the developers as well as they can create custom themes and blocks as per their requirements.
The plans include Standard $89 for 3 sites and $199 for unlimited sites.
Pros
- Design editor and drag-and-drop builder for custom designs
- Easy to use for beginners and non-coders
- Lots of options via extensive blocks
- Range of action hooks
Cons
- Limited nos. of child themes
- Pay extra for extensive block
Wonderflux
Wonderflux theme framework is a free and open-source WordPress theme framework. It is for professionals who have a good knowledge of HTML, CSS, and PHP. Professionals can make any custom changes they want. The themes are dynamic and responsive. These are mobile-friendly. A number of developers are working with Wonderflux framework, so the support will be good.
Pros
- Free and open source
- Clean Code- minimal bloat
- Dynamic and Responsive Layout
Cons
- Support is not that good.
- Limited child themes
Cherry
Cherry framework is also a free and open-source framework for WordPress. This framework is suitable for developers who are building a small business website or users starting their own websites. TemplateMonster built cherry framework. And they are maintaining it. Cherry shortcodes are the most popular tool of this framework.
Pros
- Responsive design
- Plenty of customization
- Free and open source
- More than child themes
Cons
- Child themes are not free.
- Some features can be difficult for beginners
Unyson
Unyson theme framework is another useful WordPress theme framework. It supports drag and drop like the arrangement and gives you the flexibility of creating themes fast and easy. It’s also a free and open-source theme framework and also starting with the starter theme is also free. You can use extensions to make the development faster.
Pros
- Drag and Drop Builder
- Free and open source
- Sliders, Breadcrumbs, Mega Menu, and more features
- SEO friendly
Cons
- Only one free starter theme
- Styling extensions can make it heavy
Other Theme Frameworks, such as Canvas, Thematic are no longer supported or maintained. So, we don’t recommend using these.
The thematic theme framework hasn’t been updated in over 2 years. It may no longer be maintained or supported and may have compatibility issues when used with more recent versions of WordPress.
I have tried to list some of the Best WordPress theme frameworks and hope you find this blog helpful. In case I missed any theme frameworks, please let me know in the comment section. If you are already using any of these WordPress theme frameworks, then please share your experience with the users and us. We would love to hear from you.
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