Astra vs Kadence Theme

Astra wins 3 of the 3 points we can measure. Here's how they compare on price, features, ratings and deals.

Feature	Astra	Kadence Theme
Our score	8.3/10 (better)	8.1/10
Starts at	$99/year (better)	$350/year
Free version	Yes	Yes
Refund window	14 days	–
Billing	Subscription	Subscription
Active installs	1M+ (better)	500K+
Last Black Friday	40% off	–
Category	Themes	Themes
Vendor	Brainstorm Force	Liquid Web
Black Friday 2026	Not announced	Not announced

Which should you choose?

Choose Astra if…

Agencies building client sites
Users who want a lightweight theme with add-ons
You want the lower starting price

Astra review Visit Astra

Choose Kadence Theme if…

Agencies and professionals building client sites
Site owners who want theme, blocks and memberships in one bundle

Kadence Theme review Visit Kadence Theme

Features

Astra

Free base theme
Astra Pro add-on
AI site generation
Premium starter templates
Spectra Pro and Ultimate Addons
Hosted websites and domain

Kadence Theme

Drag-and-drop block design
Mega menus
Shared design system
Two-factor login
One-click backups
WooCommerce tools

Pros and cons

Astra

Free base theme on WordPress.org
Reddit users describe it as lightweight and fast
Works with the block editor and common page builders
14-day money-back guarantee on all plans

Starter templates and premium modules need a paid plan
Some Reddit users find the free version limited
Some Reddit users say Astra Pro is not worth the price

Kadence Theme

Free theme version on WordPress.org
Drag-and-drop blocks with no code needed
Bundled with The Events Calendar and LearnDash on plans

Paid plans start at $350 a year, sold as bundles
The lifetime deal has been discontinued, per a July 2026 review

Pricing plans

Astra

Astra Pro + AIStarts here
$99/year
3 sites
- Astra Pro addon
- AI site generation
- 1 hosted website with a free domain for the first year
Astra Pro + AI (lifetime)
$279 once
3 sites
- No recurring cost for the WordPress toolkit
- AI platform and hosting run for 3 years
Essential Toolkit + AI
$199/year
10 sites
- Spectra Pro and Ultimate Addons for Elementor
- 300+ premium templates
- 2 hosted websites

Kadence Theme

1 siteStarts here
$350/year
1 site sites
- Kadence theme included
- The Events Calendar
- LearnDash
10 sites
$599/year
10 sites sites
- Kadence theme included
- The Events Calendar
- LearnDash
25 sites
$799/year
25 sites sites
- Kadence theme included
- The Events Calendar
- Give

What Reddit says

Astra

Reddit users discuss Astra mainly as a free WordPress theme with an optional Astra Pro add-on, and some ask whether it is too heavy for beginners. Recurring problems include WordPress.com plans blocking theme installs, Pro license activation failing, and difficulty customising headers and menus.

Kadence Theme

Reddit users are split on the Kadence theme since Liquid Web acquired it, with several posts warning about a permanent Liquid Web panel in v1.5.0 and the removal of the old starter-theme catalogue. Others still choose it for new sites, including one Squarespace switcher and a user who found it cheaper than Thrive Themes.