Astra Theme Review 2020
by Adam Preiser updated May 13, 2020
Astra is a free WordPress theme that is focused on speed. Optionally you can purchase the Pro version for $59 which adds some additional settings and options.
Current Pricing: Free to $59
Ease Of Use
7/10
Astra offers basic customizations when compared to other similar themes.
Price / Value
6/10
There are many other superior themes at a more affordable cost including free themes.
Support
7/10
Astra has received criticism with their support response time which is slower than with other themes.
Astra Theme Pros
- Not The Fastes Theme, But It’s No Slouch
- Lots Of Free Demo Sites
- Flexable Mega Menu Feature
- Custom Layouts Options
- WooCommerce Support
- LearnDash Support
Astra Theme Cons
- Lacking Header Style Options (Only 3)
- Archive Page Styling Is Basic
- Blog Comment Styling Is Basic
- Blog Post Styling Is Basic
- Support Response Time Is Slow Compared To Other Themes
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Astra Theme Coupon Discounts
There are currently no active Astra Theme Coupon or Astra Theme Discounts available but they regularly discount the theme on their website.
Astra Theme Review: Wrap Up
Astra Theme is a fair choice for any WordPress web design project. I suppose the biggest question is if you even need to purchase a theme these days as page builders are doing all of the same things you would need a theme for. For example, Elementor has the free Hello theme that lets your page builder do all the work.
There are still some good reasons to purchase a pro theme, but for most people, they most likely will be fine with a free theme.
For me though, I think Astra Theme has not kept up with current trends and I no longer recommend it.
There are much better modern themes available that offer inbuilt header and footer builders vs being restricted to 3 layouts, plus more flexible page and post layouts.
Astra Theme Alternatives
Video Transcript
In this video him to take a look at the Astra
theme which also happens to be the theme that
I switched my website over to not that long
ago hi my name is Adam from WPCrafter.com
work I make WordPress videos for non-techies
if you knew here consider clicking on the
subscribe button and if you’d like video notifications
you can click on the bill off to the right
of the subscribe button and you too will let
you know when I have some new videos so this
is going to be a sneak peek into Astra now
the theme is available for free there’s also
an add-on package and working a look at that
in some other goodies that you might not be
aware of and I declared I think maybe four
months ago that the Astor theme is going to
be the team to keep your eye on and it is
a theme from the ground up that has been designed
for several things the first beings speed
the second being to work with any page builder
and it has specific features in it that custom
tailored to page builders I want to demonstrate
that in this video as well here is their website
and its WPS.com and have a link down below
to everything I talk about all have links
in the description box of this video and so
here it is now right now it is the free download
that you could test but you can also come
to the website through the link in the video
description click on get Pro put your email
in and they’ll give you access to the beta
of the Pro version now when I scroll down
here it’s gonna tell you bunch of stuff here’s
the highlights for speed here’s all the page
builders that it works with phenomena demonstrated
in this video with Beaver Builder and Elementor
is I just want to show how smart the theme
is and how it’s coded to work beautifully
and seamlessly with your page builder and
let’s see okay when I click on get Pro this
is working to see some of the add-ons that
they have already made available in this a
beta package right now you see a five listed
here it’s actually six there’s one that is
so brand-new it hasn’t made it on this list
yet and I actually know of I think five or
six additional ones and these are individual
add-ons that you can enable or disable if
you’re going to use it or not and it will
add additional functionality to your website
and these are all those smart features that
you are going to want and the one that isn’t
listed here that I’m in a demonstrate in this
video you will see why this is the theme to
keep your eye on now I don’t remember offhand
what the cost is going to be for the Pro package
but it’s going to be in line with other themes
I’m thinking it might be 59 or $69 for the
add-on package but there’s going to be two
additional packages that are out of probably
allude to a little bit in this video I don’t
know every single detail about it just yet
but I’m in a show you and give you a glimpse
of what is the come and why especially if
you’re a website developer you might want
to pay attention to some of things and when
to show you about this theme and how it could
speed up your workflow significantly so even
though this is made up by brainstorm force
they make the add-on package ultimate add-ons
for Beaver Builder even though they make that
this theme is actually intended to work with
any page builder especially the big two which
is Beaver Builder and of course Elementor
and I will show you it working with both in
this video so let me take you to a site that
I have with it installed right now Melanie
just go to the plug-ins to show you everything
that I have installed and then I’m in a show
you me using some of them so first of all
is Astra customizer reset it’s just a free
plug and they added to the WordPress repository
and Astro hooks now this is actually very
nice it is free and it’s going to allow you
to add different content to these hook areas
now if you’re familiar with that you know
that every other team would normally charge
you for the hooks add-on but they give you
the hooks for free and you actually interface
with it in the customizer which I think is
actually pretty smart were other plug-ins
are other themes tend to have it in the backend
of WordPress Astra Pro this is what you can
get the beta of right now by following the
link down below astrocytes it’s a free plug-in
and I’m can explain this in this video I got
Beaver Builder in the eye of God’s contact
form seven con third Pro I’ll talk about that
in some other video I’ve got Elementor site
origin widgets bundle and I’ll explain why
that is and I also tossed in for good measure
ultimate add-ons of four Beaver Builder so
in order to actually get the theme all you
have to do is go to appearance themes go ahead
and click on add new and you could do a search
right here for Astra or if you click on favorites
and my favorites I’m sorry latest nope it’s
popular it’s going to be in the popular list
and I’m sure once it’s released it’s going
to be a lot higher in the popular list but
if we scroll down just a little bit here it
is Astra but you can just go ahead and do
the search for Astra and it will pull it right
up go ahead and install and activate that
and I really have it installed and activated
of course right here and when you activate
it you can have this new option right here
under appearance that says Astro now when
you first install it the first ring your to
see here’s the going to the customizer but
if you’ve added the add-on Pro package you
can see right here there’s gonna be an add-on’s
option and it’s going to list the different
add-ons that are in the package give the opportunity
to enable or disable just the ones that you
are going to use pop in your license key and
this is what’s going to show you what you
have running now here is that add-on that
wasn’t on the website yet advance headers
and I’m to show you this and you’re going
to probably just be thinking wow if you use
a page builder you’re to be thinking while
why didn’t XYZ think of that so it’s right
here and I’ll show you that in the moments
here’s the section that the advance headers
is going to add in here is something I’m going
to show you right now it’s called astrocytes
know this is a free plug-in however there
is going to be on one of the more premium
packages with Astra there’s gonna be a premium
version of it and so what it is is essentially
you can go right here and anything that you
see and hear any of the sites you can restore
it in the entire website onto this WordPress
installation and the best thing is is there’s
going to be Elementor complete Elementor sites
and complete Beaver Builder sites and so right
now it is the the the plug-ins available in
the WordPress repository I don’t recommend
you using it just get there just like one
or two little bugs that they’re working out
and I’ve used it in I’m very impressed now
it will essentially restore an entire site
were talking menus multiple pages customizer
settings it’s pretty amazing now the version
right now that I have is only showing me Elementor
based designs so what happens is I can go
ahead and click on details and preview and
right here I actually get to demo the entire
site I can click on the various pages on the
site right here and then off to the left it
lets me know the required plug-ins so there
will be sites that are Beaver Builder based
and Elementor based and you can see right
here it says required plug-ins Elementor insight
origin widget bundle this is why I had that
installed and if I want to have this it be
my website all I have to do is click right
here on important this site and it’s can give
me a quick warning to let me know that this
could be a little distraught destructive so
just go ahead and read this you probably don’t
want to restore to an active site because
it might cause a little bit of issue I’m to
go ahead and click on okay and it is now importing
the demo and its canoe set everything up for
me I think this is major I mean it may your
one of the packages that they’re going to
have is going to add a full site design like
one or two full site designs each week and
these will be premium site designs using the
paid versions of these plug-ins but they also
have this a free version right here that is
good allow anyone with a few mouse clicks
to set up an entire website menu multiple
pages everything it’s pretty fantastic if
you ask me so it’s done and it says right
here it’s done I can click on this it’s opening
up a new tab and I’ll be able to see the website
and I’ve been doing a lot of stuff on this
site so hopefully it all looks and works perfectly
but it does right now so let’s just get this
straight so far I’ve installed a free theme
I’ve installed a free plug-in and now I have
a complete website that has been costing me
zero okay here is a perfectly full website
very nice design you probably would just tweak
a few things with it and it’s all done in
Elementor but keep in mind there will be sites
for Beaver Builder as well so I’m to get back
to that in a moment let me go ahead and click
out here and you can see some of these designs
here is a design for an agency let me click
on it right here and you can see it’s beautiful
and it’s amazing to think that this is all
using a free page builder and the theme is
free everything isn’t costing you anything
it’s costing you nothing it’s kind of insane
when you really sit there and think about
it but you’re gonna want to buy the Pro package
if you want some additional select features
for your website one of them I’m going to
demonstrate right now is the advanced header
Pro add on to that is going to come with the
Pro package of Astra but you can see right
here this is pretty darn nice and it’s all
Elementor based so I’m in a go here and first
let’s see maybe a walk you through some of
the customizer options but see the thing is
is when I’m looking at these add-ons you pretty
much know what they all are right colors and
background can give you the option to set
colors and backgrounds footer widgets scroll
to top topography change your font options
in the various locations sick you header these
are pretty standard things you would expect
from a theme more you pay for the add on package
advance headers though is something very special
go ahead and show you advanced headers right
now so I’m in and out click into advanced
headers and him to go ahead and create a new
advance header now what this is going allow
you to do is a lot of different things and
in a very smart way it’s can allow you to
create maybe transparent header if you want
that’s the first thing a mentor create you
can create page headers where it will be pulling
in the site title and maybe have an image
or color behind it you can also assign these
logically using display rules so let me just
to show you to show you so the first thing
I want to do is just to a transparent header
so I’m a go ahead and name this transparent
header there it is and so there is really
no layout to transparent header just to be
this one on the right which kind of makes
all these settings disappear because I’m just
adding a transparent header so essentially
what’s can happen is all of this is going
to get pushed up and it’s going to be behind
this area right here so now when I click on
the second tab for site header, click on this
box to enable the options for this transparent
header so for the transparent header I can
choose a different logo and I can choose a
background color and typically want to background
color if you want to be kind of transparent
so it makes it a little easier to see that
header that’s on top of an image if that’s
how you have it we can put a border border
color we can change the menu colors I want
to show you all that in a moment and you can
even choose your menu so once you set this
up you can go here to display rules and this
is where the power comes in if you have Beaver
Themer this might look a little familiar we
have these powerful powerful display role
so you can decide when and where exactly you
want to use these advanced headers and even
based upon whether a user is logged in or
logged out very cool stuff.
When I like this option here force disable
transparency on archives that’s where a lot
of themes have problems when you have a global
setting it also applies to your archive pages
in it Rex havoc in looks like Mickey Mouse
hour on these websites so I’m to go ahead
right here I’m going to choose and see just
choose entire site right now and then go ahead
and click on publish so now when I go to the
front end of my website and do a refresh you’re
gonna see everything got pulled up but you
can see doesn’t look quite right the menu
colors and that’s why it’s nice that you get
those options for the menu colors you get
the option to have a different version of
your logo that might have different colors
that would look better with an image in the
background so let’s go ahead and tweak those
real quick go to site header I’ll go ahead
and choose a background color to put a slight
tint on it so let’s maybe go my this but a
little tense on its equitable order I don’t
really care for that let’s see the back for
the primary menu I’m going to go ahead and
just make everything whites to make the links
whites and the active one white but you can
choose any color click on update go to the
front and do a refresh and then there you
can see I’ve got a beautiful header I mean
tell me this is a beautiful header look at
it and it was so easy to create it was not
complicated I can change the colors and I
can just assign this to exactly where I want
to assign it on this website you see how easy
that was to do how flexible that is and how
powerful that is and these are some of the
reasons why said Astra is the theme to watch
and it is the theme I switched to and I’m
going to be trying to implement some of these
more design features on my own website now
for the grand finale let me show you why this
theme is great if you’re using a page builder
okay traditionally when you’re using a page
builder and you have a theme and you have
this transparent menu feature things just
get all out of whack because what happens
with it with with it typically is when you
enable it it takes the page content and just
pulls it up and tucks it underneath the menu
now that menu is on top of your content and
you can’t edit the sections in the rows this
happens with every page builder with any theme
and it’s a big pain in the rear and watch
this, click on edit with Elementor just watch
what happens Elementor’s loading up and check
that out you see the content is pulled up
but it’s placed on top of the header see it’s
pulled up like that so you can have access
to the section the settings you can have access
to whatever you have in these rows in these
areas that would normally be underneath the
header when it’s transparent and check this
out when I collapse the settings panel it
then reveals a transparent header so you can
see what you’re doing and then you go like
this and it’s gonna transition it right back
that is what you get when you have a theme
that is designed to work with page builders
you have these touches that show you that
this was designed to work with a page builder
let the page builder do what it does and let
the theme not get in its way and this is a
problem that you see with every theme that
has a transparent header so check that out
now this is Elementor don’t worry Beaver Builder
guys it is going to be just as intelligent
with Beaver Builder so let me go ahead and
go to the dashboard and then I am going to
go and create a new page and I’ll name this
Beaver Builder okay there it is I’ll go ahead
and click on publish I will click on the page
builder right here and it’s going to go ahead
and open up and I’m using it Beaver Builder
2.0 it’s in Alpha stage is very very early
and desolate to go ahead and try to maybe
restore one of these these templates here
so how about this right here web development
and marketing someone click on that and you
can see right there I’ve got my template and
you saw for a moment there you saw that the
header but now that my templates in there
I can have full access to everything in here
my row settings everything because it pulls
this a role in the section on top of the header
but just like with Elementor if I go to preview
layout this is what it’s actually going to
end up looking like for you and then pushes
the content behind the header so there’s this
intelligent push and pull so that it gets
out of your way so click on edit it just gets
out of your way for you see how slick that
was so I think the hotkeys is a P so there
it is where I can edit anything and then here
it is in preview mode and it just pulls out
that beautiful transparent header and this
is just one example of what you can do with
this obviously I can go and I’m just scratching
the surface I can add a new header and you
can choose you know when you go to a new page
and you see the page title and you have an
image that changes you can do that really
easily right here with this and what I also
like about it is you can have a dynamically
changing it menu whether someone’s on a certain
page or section of your site you can show
him a different menu there whether someone
is logged in or logged out think membership
websites learning management system websites
you can dynamically have different things
show this is absolutely powerful powerful
stuff and you get this in this theme that
was made to work with any page builder and
I keep harping down on that I’m sure you’re
just annoyed with me by now but I can’t get
over this because it just shows I mean it
really shows when you’re using your page builder
and the scene gets out of the way let you
do it you need to do and then you can even
preview it and it will just fly right back
in so let me just go ahead and click on publish
and there it is so that is Astra these are
the initial add-ons and let me jump into the
customizers out to show you that all of your
options are in there and and intelligently
laid out I’ll go here click on customize and
then we will see all of our customizer options
right here here’s that special reset button
that I had added and so we have our settings
the settings in the customizer I think are
so organized and intelligently laid out we’ve
got our layout colors topography and a lot
of your layout specific settings you’re gonna
see right here so let me show you the hook
so this was that free plug-in that you can
add to it to reveal hooks for the header of
the content the comments sidebar and a footers
you can just go here and drop in whatever
you want to drop in to these hook areas this
is where you put say for example you wanted
to add Google analytics to your website this
is where you would put that code or any little
snippets of code you need to add this is where
you would do it and you have that all right
there in there to be taking that feature further
one of things I really like and I don’t know
why more themes don’t do that you see how
you have that button right here in the top
right well that is because there’s a widget
area for the top right of the header and I
don’t know to me just seems like of course
you would have something like that so it’s
right here widget areas and then there’s header
and then there’s this widget that’s generating
that perfectly formatted matted button right
there now to me I don’t know why more themes
don’t do that because one of the most common
requests that people have with their headers
how the heck do I get a button in there or
something in there are some call to action
in there’s just something along those lines
will they put it into a widget area and I
really like that about the scene I know it
seems really simple and I know that whole
issue of when you have a transparent header
being able to actually access the settings
for what the content behind the header I know
it might seem like this silly little thing
but it’s those types of things it’s that kind
of care that has been put in that thought
process that’s been put into all these little
things that you know makes me makes me feel
really good about the theme that I chose to
use on my website so you have other options
here topography colors it is all there that’s
all standard stuff now they do have a bunch
of other things coming some things I know
about there’s other things I don’t know about
I do know with astrocytes the way that’s going
to work is you install the free plug-in that
you saw it’s in the WordPress repository that
get you all of this but then there’s going
to have the pro version of it you’ll add that
in it’s going to get you access to all of
the prose sites that they have put together
and designed and as they add new ones they’re
all going to be available for you so this
is why I said in the beginning of the video
if you’re a web developer and you’re making
websites for people these are really nice
looking websites and if you like right here
this is perfectly good for medical situations
dentists or whatever this is a really nice
looking website in a couple mouse clicks I
can have this fully put on this site right
here and all that we need to change is some
icons and images and text and you have a full
website that you could sell to your client
these are nice looking websites look at this
and you know Scott a crazy I’m saying these
are nice websites and these are the free ones
these aren’t even the websites that are using
the paid modules from Elementor or Beaver
Builder these are the free templates using
the free versions of these plug-ins which
I think is pretty insane if you ask me this
is free you can have this right now just go
ahead and install astrocytes in the theme
and you are off to the races look at this
beautiful agency website if you’re a in agency
yourself and your website looks like crap
some of them do you can have this website
in a matter of five minutes popular logo in
change some of this information and you are
set this is a full website and click on the
about page the info is right there you can
click on services this even comes with a service
page right here so anyways this is astrocytes
this is the Astro theme the videos about the
Astro theme it is the theme that I have chosen
to use now I’m going to come out with more
videos as they come out with more add-on packages
of course I wanted this to be the first one
because they just release this advance header
and had had her module and I just think wow
I mean the things you can now do the website
with such ease because of this you just need
a theme with all the options and the page
builder that you know how to use and what
can’t you create I mean everything that you
can imagine or see on another website you
can create yourself with the right tools so
I’ll be putting out more information as Astra
is going to be released and actually available
for purchase I do have links down below in
the video description box if you were going
to their website I would appreciate to get
there with the Pro version for the beta appreciate
if you clicked on my link to went over to
go over there and get it when they do actually
put this Purcell I’m I’m thing to put together
a training course for people that want to
start web design agencies using the at the
Astra system I guess you could call the astrocytes
a system where you’re taking these predesigned
sites you’re putting in the minimal amount
of effort to get the maximum result out of
them to make them look really custom and so
on put together package for that along with
some web design contracts in some ways of
closing the deal on thing about putting a
whole course together and then when you purchase
Astra sites through my website with one of
the links I have all give you access to that
course that’s what I’m thinking right now
by itself anyways I know I’ve gone on and
rambled a little bit in this video because
I’m that excited and what I like to hear from
you is what feature do you think it should
be in this theme that would make sense for
people using page builders is there something
that you wish a theme had but it doesn’t have
I want to hear down below in the comment section
what ideas you have for the Asra theme and
what direction you think it should go
Join The Conversation
Hi, I was using an Astra agency bundle with a year’s license.
It expired long ago.
Now I am getting an offer from the astra team to renew it with a lifetime bundle for $270 for Astra Agency Lifetime.
Should I spend $270 there?
Please suggest as the offer expires in 10 hours from now.
It’s really up to you and how much you are really using it. There are better themes that have come along, just take a look at the free Kadence Theme that many people are switching to from Astra.
Hey there,
I should say I am really shocked with you not recommending Astra theme anymore.
I have used Astra theme free for some time, I had no problem with speed and SEO the only problem was with Customization which I think Astra pro theme would have solved that.
Anyway, World is moving forward, Everyone should too, Astra them too
Astra is still a solid choice, but better options always come along. And it’s not just me seeing that here. In the last 2 months, over 10k websites switched from Astra to Kadence Theme because they want these crucial features. The header/footer builder, global color palette, etc.
Yeah I totally agree with you Adam,
But in speed which one is better, Astra or Kadence Theme?
Because I think the simpler the theme the faster it would be.
There is no speed difference between the two. But if you want to get technical, The size from Kadence Theme is a few KB less then Astra. However real world there is no speed difference in what you would feel as a website visitor even though Kadence is lighter.
Ok Adam,
thanks for the suggestions.
No difference between Kadence and Astra yet you recommend Kadence which has fewer prebuilt themes.. no Agency white label options or portfolio features… does not make sense
No difference lol? Have you taken even the smallest amount of time to see the massive difference between these 2 themes? What doesn’t make sense is your comment. But sure if you like your 3 header styles with Astra vs a complete header building system. Or when you change your mind on a color, you prefer to spend 20 minutes to find the 20 places you set that color in Astra to make the change, vs a globally linked color palette with Kadence. To me, that doesn’t make any sense at all which is why I stopped using Astra.
Keep in mind you are comparing the paid version of Astra to the free version of Kadence here. When the Pro version of Kadence Theme is released next month it will have white labeling, more templates, and an all-around better feature set, but it already does with the free version of Kadence Theme. It’s why in the last 2 months over 10k people have switched to it.
Also, Astra doesn’t have any portfolio features nor should any theme because not everyone needs a portfolio feature.
Hello Adam,
Kadence options are very advanced indeed, in particular for woocommerce pages, and it’s free, that’s amazing!
But it hasn’t yet the hooks control like Astra, that let you add code and widgets wherever you want conditionally. Do you think that option is no longer needed because you can do the same with Elementor templates?
Yes that is coming in a few weeks.
Looking to Start building WordPress sites instead of Clickfunnels for several different clients and I just have a few quick questions.
Does the Kadence Theme also have templates like Astra does?
Does Kadence work with Cart Flows and Woo-commerce?
Does it take a much longer time to build sites using the Kadence theme compared to Astra?
By the way, your youtube channel is one of the best!
Yes Kadence Theme works great with CartFlows. They don’t have the wide range of templates though. I find that most people are initially attracted to templates, but later never use them because its so much work to undo what the templates have to make it work for you.
I used Astra Pro for a year based on your recommendation. Found it pretty easy for a starter but limited for growth. I didn’t opt for renewal and would like to switch to Kadence Theme. How do I do the transfer or do I have to rebuild from scratch?
It’s actually very easy and I did cover it in my Kadence Theme tutorial over on my YouTube channel.
Hey man. I sell websites (specially e-commerce) and would like to know if you recommend Astra or some other software. Astra‘s license is use-on-as-many-websites-you-want whereas others are quite more expensive. Do you think Astra is the way to go for my use case?
You can. Astra is good. You would get better ecommerce features out of the free Kadence Theme and you wouldn’t even need to be concerned about licensing.
Hello Adam, which theme do you recommend if I want to build membership website?
Right now it would be the Kadence Theme.
I have build my website https://digitalmarketinglight.com/ I LOVE it. But there is something that i don’t like at all. And its ASTRA support…whihc i got no support and now even don’t rely on them at all…
i bough the PRO version,most expensive ,agency.
i have had some issues , after i have updated it to a to a newer version, the website wan’t working at all for weeks.
And guess what, Although i was promised a good service as they say on their website, i haven’t got a response for month.I have contacted them in a few ways, even on Facebook group.No response. But once they finally got back to me-they came back with explanations why they haven’t got to me and i didn’t get a fix. i got so tired-i says instead of compaining and explaining, can you provide me an answer. Guess what=i got it fixed myself and a few good people i found on forums. No help from ASTRA theme. Very POOR costumer service.
And my decision was based on your youtube tutorials.Sort of not surprised a lot you are not using them anymore…
Sorry to hear about your experience with Astra support and thank you for coming here to share your experience.
Yes I was a big fan of Astra when it was released 3 years ago, but completly stopped using it 9 months ago. I try to be as transparent as possible with the people that visit my website and watch my videos.
Unfortunately as time progresses, better products come out. As you may know, I have switched to using the Kadence Theme which I think is better in every way, and it’s free on top of that.
If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know.
I’m taking the Elementor Course and was seriously considering Astra based on your recommendations, (June 29, 2020). Now seeing this post, I’ll avoid it. I think that it would be helpful to add some sort of a note or a banner in the course page so that people can see your updated recommendations. Thanks.
I am remaking that course right now. It’s so hard sometimes to update recommendations because they can change for reasons that I don’t have any control over :-(. Glad you came by this post. Right now Kadence Theme is the theme I now exclusively use. The features and ease of use are unmatched.
Hi Adam,
1) Which theme do you recommend as the best now to replace Astra? Is it Kadence?
2) You said you’re using BuddyBoss, but if we don’t need all the community features yet, can we use e.g. Kadence and later easily move to BuddyBoss?
3) Does Kadence work well with Elementor and do we still need it?
You said the list goes on of why Kadence is better, but in what way?
I can’t find much info on Google and also on your site of the benefits. Thanks!
You should keep tabs on my YouTube channel because I have been answering all of these questions there :-).
See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwn20GiePPQ
Yes it works great with Elementor and you can switch to BuddyBoss later if that was your preference.
Thanks Adam. Missed that vid. Just watched it. Appreciate you doing the walkthrough for it.
I’ll use Kadence and switch to BuddyBoss later if needed to grow community.
In your experience, how easy is it to switch?
Will we be able to retain all designs etc and SEO settings etc? Thanks
Yes it is super easy to switch. All your SEO settings will be in an SEO plugin that is not tied to your theme. I recommend using RankMath for your SEO and have a full-length tutorial on it.
Since you are no longer using Astra, do you still recommend it?
Well, of course, Astra “still works” but it has majorly fallen behind other themes that are available. For instance, take the Kadence Theme, it’s just better in every way and its completely free. It has a very useful header and footer builder to enable you to build any header layout you could imagine. The list goes on and on where it is better.
Is this the theme that you use for this website I am on right now? I love the mobile toggle menu on this page especially how the menu slides in from the side. More importantly I like how in that sliding menu you have your logo and buttons. How do I get this type of menu for my site????
I stopped using the Astra Theme in 2019. For this site I am using the BuddyBoss theme. If you want a similar toggle, check out the Kadence Theme.
I Want to buy astra agency bundlel for 1 year. I want to use your link so that I can enroll your courses. Please tell me what I need to do now.
Hey so you would simply visit https://www.wpcrafter.com/order-astra then after you place your order, send a copy of the receipt via my contact page.
I have a question: does Astra or Astra Pro theme provide membership discount or cash dollar rebate feature or anything retain returned customers? If it does not, please recommend any other plugin or theme that will do the job. Thx!
It’s just a theme. That question would be better asking in our community forum here https://www.wpcrafter.com/community
Hey Adam,
I so happy to see you have made such great resources here
I am using Astra it is very nice theme
WPAstra is highly problematic in my experience. People should know that if you have a secure server it will never install because it cannot. So this is highly suspect. I have tried it on 3 servers & the result is the same. It will not install. Simply does not work at all. If you talk to support, they are friendly but they are one of these companies who can only offer 1 solution which is to let them login to your server to see what the problem is which is even more suspicious. They should at the very least have a manual install option through ftp for such issues, but they do not which really makes me wonder exactly why. I know most basic blogs & WP sites don´t care alot about security, so this will fall on deaf ears since this theme & company are so highly promoted. But anyone who needs stability & security should consider this before coughing up the few hundred dollars for the Premium Sites & even Agency options which I did pay for.
As per my knowledge Astra is a complete product. Not SAAS. Its not remotely controlled by API or Cloud. Please clear these doubts:
Mikel you wrote:
People should know that if you have a secure server it will never install because it cannot. So this is highly suspect. I have tried it on 3 servers & the result is the same. It will not install.
Q: What was the reason for not being able to install Astra on secure server? What error you found?
Regards
I have several content pages using free Astra theme and when I upgraded to Astra Pro I see an ecommerce theme called Brandstore. Should I make Brandstore a “child” to the Astra theme? How do I that? Or, should I use Brandstore as my theme?
It’s not a child theme, but instead it loads in the specific customizer setting to make the site look that way.
I had using Astra theme and it no has any issue the most like of this theme is speed optimization it loads very fast.
Whilst using Astra I have noticed that the mobile header does not display the same on every page?
And the mobile footer does not act responsively on all pages either… is there something I can do to correct this?
I haven’t experienced that before. Are you using some performance plugin that may alter how your website works?
Hey Vicky,
had the same issue and resolved it by making my logo a little smaller in the mobile setting for the logo under site identity in the customizer.
Great tutorials sir. I’d like to see loads more on Elementor tho.
After a few years of using the Astra Mini Agency theme… I cancelled my auto-renew subscription today. I realised that this year, my last 6 sites, while I have installed the Astra theme, I never actually used any of the features or settings.
Everything has been controlled via Elementor, so I’ve moved over to the Hello theme. So far, so good!
p.s. almost bought cartFlows yesterday….. but the client wouldn’t pay the price. Maybe consider cheaper versions, maybe limiting it to one site for $99 pa? food for thought…
Yea I hear that more and more from Elementor Pro users, that they do everything in their page builder.
Hi Adam,
Thanks for creating such a detailed video on Astra Pro, I know it’s a lots of work. I only have 1 question for you, how come it said $99 for Astra Theme on your site but it’s actually showing only $59 and I also saw there is a 10% discount available.
It doesn’t say that on my website if you re-read it. It says I am offering a course that I sell for $99 when you purchase Astra.
Newb here and probably missed this somehow…all this requires WordPress business sub for $300 correct? In order to install plugins?
Just get hosting at SiteGround or any quality web host that is not WordPress.
Thank you. I love your videos! Very helpful.
I found your videos and website after upgrading to Pro. There’s a BF sale now and I’m considering mini a or agency. Is there a way to purchase at the sale price and add in your course?
Oh yes of course. It’s included when ordering through the link on my site.
Hello
I’m curious to know what happens if I completely remove Elementor and just buy Astra Pro. All I do is blog any ways, and I stick to a certain format. I only used free Elementor in the beginning for a few posts as well as my homepage. Will Astra pro be enough? And does it affect SEO when you switch a ranking page from elementor to plain gutenberg?
You could do that and not have any issues. Now that we have the Gutenberg editor, you will be able to format your blog posts really nice.
Hi Adam, i’m currently using Astra Free and thinking of buying Astra Pro but i have little concern.
Right now when i try to built a custom single product page for my store using elementor pro but some elements say the following and display nothing…
” The style of this widget is often affected by your theme and plugins. If you experience any such issue, try to switch to a basic theme and deactivate related plugins. ”
That’s why i have doupts in purchasing Astra Pro.
Do you think it’s because something i’m doing wrong or ?
Sounds like more of a warning than anything else. I haven’t experienced that before.
Adam
You have recommended Astra theme over Avada theme because of “lock-in” to Avada theme, also its unique way of doing things. Are you saying Astra does not lock you into its theme and support – in case Astra goes out of business or I want to switch to another theme. What about continuing support from Astra if you stop paying for it? Is’nt it true that you just have to accept paying for the upgrade and support costs to both Avada and Astra? It appears that you have to pay more for Astra Pro if you want their built-in or demo websites. With Avada, you get 50 pre-built websites. Am I missing something. Is Elementor Pro more user-friendly and easy-to-use than Fusion Builder that you get with Avada? Please elaborate – I am trying to make a decision. Thx.
There is no theme lock-in with the Astra theme. Also there is no comparison between the ease of use with Elementor vs Fusion Builder. Elementor is leaps and bounds better.
Hello, I got here after searching as I am new to WP. My question is that if I pay for ASTRA pro., will the functions be deactivated after I stop the subscription ? What of Elemntor pro ? Thanks for great tutorials…
Regards
Bashiro
Oh it will still work perfectly fine 🙂
Same with Elementor. What happens though, is over time the free version and the expired pro versions will get out of sync. So as time passes the out of date pro version may no longer work as expected.
Tnx a lot senior !
i followed your tutorial on the astra car repairing theme but after building my website i noticed when someone sends a message it doesnt come to my email inbox.
how can i resolve it,i have already talk to my domain provider namecheap and its not from their end,its from wordpress can you help please?
i followed your tutorial on astra the car repairing theme and used it to build an ecommerce website but when i send message to the forms on the pages it doesn’t come to my email how can i resolve this please?
Please watch my video on sending email from WordPress.
Hi Adam, do you have any recommendations on which Astra theme would be awesome for videos (like, lots!) and digital products? Also, what is your favorite plugin for selling digital products? Thanks!
You can sell digital products using WooCommerce or Easy Digital Downloads. Both offer file delivery and protection.
Adam, is the PRO version 100% responsive? The free version doesn’t seem to be!
Yea the free and pro are 100% responsive. If you are having an issue it may be related to something you are adding to your page.
Hello, dear Adam! I can’t click on the link you provided. Can you please link below to Astra Pro for 1 y and Elementor Pro? I would like to apply for your free training with the receipts. Thank you very much!
I just linked them in your comment for convenience 🙂
I’m about the buy Astra themes, I hope it’s the right decision too. I will follow your leading on this. Thanks for the review
link to purchase mini agency
Thanks
It’s the same link. Thanks for your support.
Are there any issues with Adsense on Astra Pro? Do auto ads work on Astra Pro?
None that I am aware of.
What is the difference between when to use Astra functions or Elementor functions to build components of a website? ie. a section with both text and images, inserting a video in a section, etc.?
Well the lines are really blurred if you have Elementor Pro which enables you to create headers and footers using Elementor. Elementor, or any page builder, will always get you more design control over what your theme offers.
Hi I bought the astra lifetime theme through your website. I’m still waiting to get access to your courses. I haven’t gotten any responses to your emails. How can I get access?
If you emailed it to the email listed on the contact page, you would have received it fairly quickly.
Good morning I’ve been reading your review and what I don’t find is that you mention the breadcrumbs, do you have them incorporated or do you have to create them through php?
Thank you very much and congratulations for the very detailed study you have made of the theme.
a greeting
kino
There is a breadcrumbs option in the customizer settings, including placement options (where you want them to appear)
Hello, I love your tutorials. I am started using Astra free version and will upgrade ASAP. But I have one simple question. Can I add Adsense ads on Astra Free version? Please reply fast.
You can add Adsense to any WordPress theme.
I like Astra but with Woocommerce it is absolutely atrocious!!!
The product image is twice the height of the viewport and reducing the image size does not change this.
There seems to be extremely no options to change the woocommerce layout.
Disappointed zero star rating from me at the moment.
Something doesn’t sound right there. Perhaps its the dimensions of your image or something else.
Hey Adam,
I have just watched your video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT60FPCTDZg
and looking for configuring templates under Mega Menu, But unable to locate it, Please help me.
I am a Pro User of Astra.
How are you making the mega menu? The times I have used it I just made the mega menu in Elementor.
I noticed you did not create a child theme? Does Astra not have any custom code required for each site at all that can be overridden when it is updated?
I find that most people don’t really need a child theme. They have one available and they are easy to make yourself, but really most people don’t even need it.
Interested in astra pro theme + pro elementor. Are there templates for content sites focused on blogging/news? A local news site/blog, heavy on content and lots of stories.
premium training course which normally sells for $49, how can I get it, please
Instructions are on my contact page.
Great review.
One thing I am missing, but maybe is available. Do you know if Astra allow for secondary menus?
Is it possible to customise the mobile header setup?
Thanks!
Do you mean to have a menu above or below the header? In that case yes, as you see on my website I have a second menu in the header but when you view on a mobile it’s all merged.
Yeah, I see it now. Not sure I am happy with all the options that Astra provide for menus. I need to test it myself I think. Thank you!
The only menu option they don’t have is a split menu.
I’ve just brought Astra through your website, how can I turn of the scroll to top function? Thanks
Hey Matt, that is an easy one, you can simply deactivate the extension. Visit Appearance > Astra and you will see a list of extensions you have activated. You can simply deactivate the scroll to top. I have mine deactivated on this site because it gets in the way of my live chat.
Why use astra theme if elementor can do the same thing
Well because they don’t do the same thing at all. They don’t do anything the same, they don’t service the same purpose. That’s like saying what do I need a house for when I have a couch.
Hi,
Because of Adam’s recommendations, I’m now using Astra Pro Theme and Elementor Pro Theme. Really love it. Could use them both without much learning curve.
I came across 1 challenge though. Been searching Youtubes but couldn’t find any guide.
I want to place a Button on Astra Header along the main navigation menu.
This Button when clicked, will Pop-up a Window displaying a Form created by Elementor Form.
Is there any way for me to do this?
Hi,
I finally got it done. happy happy. Using text widget which I placed an elementor short code.
It is based on Adam’s Astra tip video at https://youtu.be/4Iekm9DF6bQ from minute 52.00 .
Thanks Adam.
To make any of the main menu navigation items be a button is so easy with Astra. In the WordPress menu settings, you need to check the screen options to make sure CSS Class is enabled. Then for the specific menu item, enter the word button. This is how they are doing it in their demos.
Now I understand that you want a popup to be triggered with an Elementor Pro form. Unfortunately, Elementor doesn’t have a way to do this. There is a plugin named PopBox for Elementor, it may have an option to trigger popups via an ID. I would need to check.
Hi Adam,
I tested the PopBox. No controls for size and position, though. Couldn’t find them. Maybe I didn’t test it enough. Zero CSS knowledge at my end.
So I used Popup Maker plugin. Works well for me. Lots of controls for the popup window. Placed an Elementor Form shortcode into a popup window.
Then hooked the send button to Mailchimp. Simply love how Elementor made this so easy.
So I guess, for this particular project I’ve tried most of Elementor Pro functions on Astra Pro.
There’s 1 other thing. I tried to upgrade Elementor Pro Personal to Business. My PayPal keeps rejecting it. But nevermind for now.
Thanks again Adam.
Ok, yea I haven’t really spent any time with Popup Maker. Glad to hear it worked for you.
That’s odd that you are having upgrade issues. I am sure you can contact Elementor support and they will be more then happy to upgrade you 🙂
Awaiting on that check.
Great video!
Hello, Adam
How would you compare Astra to Genesis framework and those themes?
Thanks!
Toki
There is a huge difference here. Astra is going to make it VERY easy for you to make changes, change styles, have full control really, all from the customizer. Genesis themes have little to no options in the customizer, everything needs to be custom coded via custom functions and custom CSS. The problem with that is it is completely unnecessary. I just find the Genesis theme is only for developers that want to hand code everything because there is no benefit to hand coding over Astra making it easy for anyone to do what they want without code.
Hi, love the videos you put out, there full of really good content. I am currently in the process of setting up a website using WordPress and have installed Astra for my theme. I am a bit worried about investing so much time into the setting up of my website. Only to worry about this particular theme not doing updates, causing me my website to not load or function correctly.
Astra is very reliable and backed by a very successful company. They are the ones I trust with my website and have never let me down.
Hi Adam, I am using the Astra basic theme with Elementor Pro (bought through your site!) to make an ecommerce store. Im finding it hard to integrate woocommerce functions like the cart button in the menu etc. Have you a tutorial on making a woocommerce store on the Astra theme with all functionality from scratch? Im not worried about the design of the site as you have covered that really well in other tutorials, just the woocommerce part!! Thanks a mil.
Well, you are in luck because today the WooCommerce integration is launching in beta. The final version will be out in a week. Here is the link to test the beta, and I do have to say it is beautiful https://wpastra.com/woocommerce-integration-beta/
Hi, I use Astra a lot, it’s my favorite theme and your videos have really helped. I am having a problem getting videos to work on mobiles though – have tried everything I can think of…. mp4, webm, hevc, h.264 and nothing will play on iphones. Have you had this problem before?
I don’t recommend that you add video that way. It’s an encoding issue and it is complicated. This is why it is better to use YouTube, Vimeo, or some service like that where you simply give them your video, and they make a format for all devices. WordPress is not capable of dynamically showing the right version for the right device.
Thanks so much for answering. So if I learn how to set up my site this weekend with Astra Pro and Elementor , can I add the ecommerce ready fonctionality in a few months ?
Or is it something I have to do all at once ?
Thanks again 🙂
Yes you can at any point. You most likely will use WooCommerce, its a plugin you can install at any point.
Hello 🙂
I tried asking a question before but I lost it somewhere along the way ! I’m a complete newbie and have to set up a Blog and Shop site.. Do you recommend Astra for ecommerce or another theme ? It’s not so clear if it’s set up for ecommerce / social media feeds/ supports photos..
Thanks for all your hard work and for your suggestions !
Astra is the perfect theme for any purpose. That being said, for e-commerce, in December 2017 they are releasing advanced e-commerce styling to their pro version which will make it even better.
Hi Adam,
Big fan of yours – the info is great!
I’m wanted to know what you thought would be the best combination of page builder and theme (if necessary) for an ecommerce site. E.g. elementor pro + astra?
Also, I want them to be able to integrate with tradegecko…
Thanks!
Astra is the theme I would pick, you would want the Pro version though because it will give you the most flexibility to add your own custom styling to your store.
Hi Adam,
I have been following all your videos there are great.
Thank you for sharing such a valuable info.
I’m having a small issue at the moment with adding a new submenu page.
So basically I got an Astra Theme (not a pro version) with Beaver Builder.
I add the page as usual then add to the menu under sub-item, all looks good.
But when I click on the sub menu page it doesn’t take me there. It basically takes me to a home page.
What could be an issue? Could you help me please?
Thank you
Wow, that’s very strange. I would suggest sending a support ticket to the developer, they are great about fixing any issues fast.
Nice review purchased 😉
I’m not sure if I’m just confused. Is the idea to download Astra as the theme and then use a page builder like Elementor for additional things or to modify the theme? Also, can you create blog posts within WordPress still or do they have to be done in Astra/Elementor?
Really good and fast theme, but there is no any educational/courses ready made template to import and play with. Too bad.
Not sure I follow you there. Are you looking for a specific template? Have you seen Astra Sites, the free plugin that allows you it set up over 40 complete websites with 2 clicks of the mouse?
Thanks for a great video. I’ve been using BB Pro with the BB Theme but i will change over to this AAstra and will use your link to get it. I’ve got 2 non Aastra questions if you dont mind answering:
1. What software did you use to record the video? I really like the circular frame around you!
2. What are you using to cause the video to shrink and get sticky when I scroll? I’d love to add that function.
Thanks. Hope you’ll indulge me.
Yea I have talked about it in the past. Right now I am using Camtasia for all my videos and for the sticky video, just do a search for that, it’s a codecanyon plugin.
hello adam!
1. any idea when the astra woocommerce compatibility will be out?
2. is it possible to use astra simultaneously with beaver builder (for the themer functionality), and with elementor (for the better widgets/addons)?
3. or did elementor anywhere pro, catch up with beaver themer?
Thanks for answering adam.
I know the WooCommerce extension is a high priority, but not sure on the release date. My guess is it is a matter of weeks. And yes Astra is fully Beaver Themer compatible. Sadly Anywhere Elementor Pro will never be as powerful as Beaver Themer because it doesn’t have field connections and can’t since it is a 3rd party plugin.
Hi Adam,
Do you know if Beaver Themer can be used comfortably with Astra Pro? Perhaps not for headers and footers (as Astra Pro seems to have a good solution for that) but how about post and archive layouts?
Or is this a future enhancement to Astra Pro that you are think will be put in place that can be used for post and page layouts?
– Peter
Astra is 100% compatible with Beaver Themer. I use Astra on this site and I extensively use Beaver Themer. In fact, this post is done with Beaver Themer.
Hi Adam,
Great video! Can you explain a bit more how you create your blog post layout?
I’m specifically interested in the floating header that contains the table of contents for the page. Is that done with Astra or Beaver Themer? Is setup for each post individually, or can you apply the header to specific posts with common layouts?
I also like the floating video player and would like to know more about that.
Thanks so much! 🙂
Jon
This is done with Beaver Builder but you could just as easily do it with Elementor. The floating video is a plugin name Sticky Video.
Hello Adam,
Could you clarify for me how Beaver Themer fits with Astra Pro? I already have the BB Theme and Beaver Themer. I like the page-specific headers and footers I can create in Beaver Themer. Is there an equivalent function in Astra Pro? And/or can Themer be used with Astra Pro? Thanks for your insights.
PS. Might I recommend you add a favicon for your site? It helps us 20-tabs-open folks.
First, yes I need a favicon. I am going through a rebranding process right now, so that will come very soon.
Now to answer your question, there is a ton of overlap with Astra and Themer. You can do much of what you can do with Beaver Themer in Astra, minus the global page templates. As far as the header and footer’s, yes this can be easily done with Astra Pro.
Hi Adam,
Is the Avada Theme a contender against Astra for use with Elementor?
Elementor created this page and video promoting Avada: https://elementor.com/avada-with-elementor/
What are your thoughts? Which has the edge?
I would never use Avada, and never recommend it. The only reason they made that post and the video along with it is because people were asking. In fact the video was posted in the Avada Facebook group and the Avada admins deleted the video and kicked the Elementor users out of the Facebook group. It’s just a very slow, crappy theme, unfortunately.
Hi great review!
I have a question, Astra seems nice and all, but does astra is eCommerce ready? I am re-designing my website, i have always used avada but is slow now, i need a faster but cleaner theme. I run eCommerce subscriptions and i can’t find a demo or a response on weather Astra is eCommerce ready or not.
Also why you think Astra is better than Ocean Theme?
I am searching the best option to switch (ill get the pro or extension versions of 1 of those themes, once i have decide).
So Astra is a lot better than OceanWP. But for WooCommerce, Astra is not there just yet. They are working on an extension to give you complete control of WooCommerce, but it’s not available just yet.
Would astra be suitable for an ecommerce site? And any suggestions on a work around for the side bars? I tend to use them on my blog portions.
Only found your site a few days ago, dam you’ve got some good information!
Yes it will be great for ecomm, and they recently released a custom sidebar plugin named Lightweight Sidebar Manager
Hey Adam,
What do you prefer: Astra Lightweight Sidebar Manager or Thrive Themes Clever Widgets?
Thanks for all your high quality content.
Kleber
The Astra one is free. Both will get little to no updates or improvements though.
When are you coming out with an Astra Theme Tutorial? Also, please let us know if a users group will be forming anytime soon for Astra.
Hey David, there is a Facebook already for Astra. My full site setup should be out Monday morning and it will cover many topics, including SEO.
Hi
Is this theme faster than Generate Press by nature?
Would it’s basic functionality ( or with pro add on) necessarily demand a page builder?
Does it have the option ( like generate Press) for homepage with Left And Right Sidebars?
How would ads and Adsense banners be adopted for use in this theme?
Thanks
Howard
It is faster than all themes, I have test this myself. You can use it without a page builder if you wanted. It doesn’t have a left and right sidebar option. Regarding ads, you can use any ads plugin to manage that for you. Or you can place ads manually in the various hook locations.
Hi Adam, very informative video, thanks! Just a quick question, have you been able create your own child theme for use with Astra? I always generate a child theme to add in my own functions (occasionally), but mostly to add in my own styling with css. Thanks.
They have a child theme generator on their website.
If you were using the Beaver Builder plugin, would you use ASTRA or the Beaver Builder Theme? Also, do you know which one is faster? Thanks, Adam!
I would 100% use Astra because it will be less expensive and it will have much more features. I have always felt that the Beaver Builder theme was sorta the “red-headed stepchild” for Beaver Builder. For example, you can’t get a transparent header without also having Beaver Themer.
What if you have a Beaver Themer and a full package of Beaver Builder add-ons? Would you still suggest Astra or Beaver Theme + Beaver Builder with add-ons is better? I’m not much of a coder so looking for a framework + page builder that allows me to build marketing sites/pages quick. Thanks for your review!
Right now I think the Astra Theme has the edge above all other themes for WordPress where you would want to use a page builder. It is also less expensive then the Beaver Builder theme.
I have generatePress on my 2
Sites and like it a lot. It appears to be a close competitor to astra. However I am now concerned about ada compliance issues. Is astra am ada compliant theme!
I love your videos and you have tremendous credibility.
Both themes should be ADA Compliant for as much as a theme can do which mostly is related to tab navigation of the menus. All that goes out the window as you start adding plugins and media to your website.