Your theme controls how your site looks and, often, how fast it feels. These are battle-tested choices with active development and strong communities.
How to choose: Speed first, then flexibility, then looks (looks are the easiest thing to change). Read the full guide: How to choose the perfect theme.
Astra
FreemiumLightweight, fast and hugely popular, with a big library of starter templates for Elementor and the block editor.
Visit ↗GeneratePress
FreemiumPerformance-obsessed, accessible and rock-solid. Pairs beautifully with GenerateBlocks for custom layouts.
Visit ↗Kadence
FreemiumDrag-and-drop header/footer builder, global palettes and the powerful Kadence Blocks plugin.
Visit ↗Blocksy
FreemiumModern, fast theme with one of the most generous free versions around and great WooCommerce options.
Visit ↗The official default block theme — the best place to learn the Site Editor, patterns and theme.json.
Visit ↗Ollie
FreemiumA beautifully designed block theme with a big pattern library and a guided setup.
Visit ↗Neve
FreemiumMobile-first, AMP-friendly and quick to set up with starter sites.
Visit ↗Divi
PaidAll-in-one theme + visual builder with a massive layout library. Great for designers who love to drag and drop.
Visit ↗Hello Elementor
FreeAn ultra-minimal base theme made to be styled entirely with Elementor.
Visit ↗OceanWP
FreemiumFlexible multipurpose theme with lots of extensions and WooCommerce features.
Visit ↗Bricks
PaidA theme-and-builder combo loved by developers for clean output and advanced query loops.
Visit ↗Theme guides
Cutting-Edge WordPress Design Techniques to Try Now
Try modern design techniques on WordPress: fluid type, container queries, :has(), view transitions, dark mode and accessible contrast, done right.
Design Eye Secrets: 12 Tricks That Make Any WordPress Site Look Premium
Make your WordPress site look expensive without hiring a designer. 12 practical design tricks for spacing, fonts, colour and images you can apply today.
How to Choose the Perfect WordPress Theme (Without Regret)
Avoid theme regret. Use the Professor's simple checklist to pick a fast, flexible, well-supported WordPress theme that fits your site for years.