Fastest WordPress Theme 2023: Top 12 Tested

Fastest WordPress Themes in 2023: A Comprehensive Analysis

Selecting the fastest WordPress theme can be a daunting task. With countless themes available and various factors affecting their performance, it’s challenging for the average user to conduct thorough testing. To address this, We conducted an extensive study using four different speed tests, ensuring each theme was installed on a new server for consistency. The aim was to identify the most lightweight and efficient WordPress themes based on real-world performance metrics.

 

Summary of Findings:

1. The study began by examining popular themes known for their high download rates and positive reviews. The team also explored the WordPress repository to uncover lesser-known but highly-rated themes.
2. Themes were installed on a blank WordPress sandbox to ensure uniformity. No additional media, menus, pages, or posts were added to maintain a standard testing environment.
3. Each theme underwent rigorous testing using tools like GTmetrix, Pingdom, PageSpeed Insights, and the Byte Check TTFB test. These tools provided insights into various performance aspects, from mobile speed to page size and the time taken for the first website element to appear.

Key Insights: Understanding the Testing Metrics

GTmetrix: Find the Fastest WordPress Theme with GTmetrix

 

GTmetrix, now powered by Lighthouse since November 2020, offers a comprehensive breakdown of a website’s speed and optimization. It provides a GTmetrix grade, which is a combination of performance and structure scores. The tool also measures web vitals, including metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), Total Blocking Time (TBT), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS).

 

Pingdom Insights: Using Pingdom Website Speed Test to Find the Fastest WordPress Theme

 

Pingdom, while similar to GTmetrix, offers slightly different metrics. It gives a performance grade out of 100 and measures the total time taken to load a website.

 

PageSpeed Insights: Using Google PageSpeed Insights to Find the Fastest WordPress Theme

 

PageSpeed Insights by Google emphasizes user experience. It measures how quickly content is displayed to the user and identifies elements of the theme that might slow down delivery. Key metrics include Performance Score, First Contentful Paint, Largest Contentful Paint, Speed Index, Time to Interactive, Total Blocking Time, and Cumulative Layout Shift.

Byte Check: Choose the fastest WordPress theme to improve your online business today.

 

This TTFB (Time to First Byte) test gauges the time taken for the browser to complete an HTTP request and receive the first byte of data from the server. Factors like hosting play a significant role in this metric. Key measurements include Time to First Byte, Total Time, Request Size, and Total Header Size.

The study underscores the importance of choosing a fast WordPress theme, as it plays a pivotal role in user experience and website performance.

You can test it by using bytecheck.com:

 

Thought-Provoking Questions:

1. How do different hosting environments impact the performance of these top-rated themes?
2. With the evolution of web design, how will the criteria for the “fastest theme” change in the coming years?
3. How do these themes perform when integrated with various plugins and additional functionalities?

 

Fastest WordPress Themes for 2023: Top 12, Thoroughly Tested. Let’s Examine the Results Now.

The #1 fastest WordPress theme – Hello Elementor Theme:

Overview:

For those acquainted with the Elementor page builder, its speed and ease of use are well-known. The same developers introduced a theme named “Hello Elementor“, which is touted as fast and versatile. It’s designed to work seamlessly with the Elementor page builder and other plugins like WooCommerce, Advanced Custom Fields, and Yoast.

 

Pricing:

The “Hello Elementor” theme is free, but the Elementor page builder offers paid plans starting at $49 per year for added features.

Notable Features:

• Seamless integration with Elementor, a user-friendly page builder.
• Minimalistic base design ensuring high speeds.
• Compatibility with popular plugins like WooCommerce and Yoast.
• Responsive design for all devices.
• Multilingual support with RTL compatibility.
• Strong community and support resources.

Performance Metrics for “Hello Elementor”:

• GTmetrix: Performance Score: 100, Structure Score: 96, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 727ms, Total Blocking Time (TBT): 0ms, Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): 0, Fully Loaded Time: 897ms.
• Pingdom: Performance Grade: 92, Page Size: 127.40 KB, Load Time: 771ms, Requests: 14.
• PageSpeed Insights (Mobile): Performance Score: 93, First Contentful Paint: 2.5s, Speed Index: 2.7s, Large Contentful Paint (LCP): 2.6s, Time to Interactive (TTI): 2.5s, Total Blocking Time (TBT): 50ms, Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): 0.
• PageSpeed Insights (Desktop): Performance Score: 99, First Contentful Paint: 0.7s, Speed Index: 0.7s, Large Contentful Paint (LCP): 0.8s, Time to Interactive (TTI): 0.7s.

The analysis of the “Hello Elementor” theme underscores its efficiency and speed, making it a top contender in the realm of fastest WordPress themes.

 

The #2 fastest WordPress theme – “Neve” Theme:

Overview:

• The ThemeIsle company is renowned for crafting speedy and adaptable themes and plugins. Among their offerings, the Neve theme emerged as a standout in terms of speed. Designed as a multipurpose theme with a customizable layout, Neve is optimized for WooCommerce, ensuring e-commerce sites benefit from lightweight files and impressive performance metrics.

 

Pricing:

• Neve is available for free, but premium versions, offering enhanced features, start at $49.

Notable Features:

• Emphasis on mobile interfaces for swift loading and enhanced mobile experiences.
• Compatibility with popular page builders.
• Custom design options for headers and footers.
• A vast library of custom-made demos for quick website setup across various categories.
• WooCommerce booster tool for enhanced e-commerce functionalities.
• Blog booster feature for enriched blogging capabilities.
• Premium version offers advanced features for Elementor page builder, blog boosters, and more.

Performance Metrics for “Neve”:

• GTmetrix: Performance Score: 100, Structure Score: 99, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 487ms, Fully Loaded Time: 1000ms.
• Pingdom: Performance Grade: 98, Page Size: 43.20 KB, Load Time: 586ms, Requests: 6.
• PageSpeed Insights (Mobile & Desktop): Both mobile and desktop versions scored a perfect 100 in performance.
• Byte Check: Time to First Byte: 51ms.

Conclusions for Neve:

Neve stands out as a performance-optimized, lightweight WordPress theme. It achieved perfect scores in the PageSpeed Insights test for both mobile and desktop. With a minimal number of requests and a compact page size, Neve offers exceptional loading times, making it a top choice for those prioritizing speed.

 

The #3 fastest WordPress theme – “Astra” Theme:

Overview:

Astra is rapidly gaining traction in the WordPress community due to its swift performance and user-friendly features. Astra offers users a pre-made site upon installation, complete with demos for various industries. The theme is compatible with popular page builders and third-party plugins, including WooCommerce, LearnDash, and Yoast.

 

Pricing:

Astra offers a free version, while the premium version, Astra Pro, starts at $49. They also offer bundled packages with the Essential Bundle priced at $169 per year and the Growth Bundle at $249 per year.

Notable Features:

• A diverse range of pre-built demos tailored for various industries.
• Compatibility with leading page builders like Gutenberg, Brizy, Elementor, and Beaver Builder.
• Comprehensive layout settings for customization.
• Unique WooCommerce settings for enhanced e-commerce functionalities.
• Translation capabilities for multilingual sites.

Performance Metrics for “Astra”:

• GTmetrix: Performance Score: 99, Structure Score: 98, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 570ms, Fully Loaded Time: 650ms.
• Pingdom: Performance Grade: 96, Page Size: 50.70 KB, Load Time: 640ms, Requests: 6.
• PageSpeed Insights (Mobile & Desktop): Mobile scored 95, while the desktop version achieved 98 in performance.
• Byte Check: Time to First Byte: 45ms.

Conclusions for Astra:

Astra stands out for its impressive performance metrics, especially in GTmetrix and PageSpeed Insights. Its lightweight design and compatibility with various page builders make it a top choice for professionals seeking speed and flexibility.

 

The #4 fastest WordPress theme – “GeneratePress” Theme:

Overview:

• GeneratePress emerged as one of the fastest WordPress themes in all tests. It’s a versatile theme that offers integrations with multiple page builders, WooCommerce support, and various sidebar and widget locations.

 

Pricing:

• While there’s a free version available, the premium theme is priced at $59. Upgrades are available annually for continued support and updates, with a one-time lifetime payment option as well.

Notable Features:

• Fast speeds and small file sizes.
• Compatibility with popular WordPress plugins, including WooCommerce, page builders, and bbPress.
• Advanced theme customization options, including colors and typography.
• Hooks and filters for extended functionality.
• Translation-ready for over 20 languages.
• Advanced blogging features, including infinite scrolling and column controls.

Performance Metrics for “GeneratePress”:

• GTmetrix: Performance Score: 100, Structure Score: 99, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 546ms, Fully Loaded Time: 688ms.
• Pingdom: Performance Grade: 98, Page Size: 38.80 KB, Load Time: 559ms, Requests: 6.
• PageSpeed Insights (Mobile & Desktop): Both versions scored a perfect 100 in performance.
• Byte Check: Time to First Byte: 54ms.

Conclusions for GeneratePress:

GeneratePress showcases impressive speed and performance metrics. With minimal file sizes and optimal scores across all tests, it stands out as a top choice for those prioritizing speed and efficiency.

 

The #5 fastest WordPress theme – “OceanWP” Theme:

Overview:

OceanWP offers a professional appearance suitable for small businesses and agencies. It provides creative demos for various industries, including fitness clubs and shoe stores. While it’s a fast theme, it didn’t perform as well as some others in the speed tests.

 

Pricing:

OceanWP offers a free version, while the premium version, which includes a bundle of extensions, starts at $43 per year, going up to $127 per year for agencies.

Notable Features:

• A wide range of unique and visually appealing demos.
• Fully responsive design optimized for mobile devices.
• Built-in translation tools.
• WooCommerce support with features like a native cart popup and quick view.
• Compatibility with popular page builders.

Performance Metrics for “OceanWP”:

• GTmetrix: Performance Score: 98, Structure Score: 97, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 590ms, Fully Loaded Time: 680ms.
• Pingdom: Performance Grade: 95, Page Size: 55.80 KB, Load Time: 660ms, Requests: 7.
• PageSpeed Insights (Mobile & Desktop): Mobile scored 93, while the desktop version achieved 97 in performance.
• Byte Check: Time to First Byte: 48ms.

Conclusions for OceanWP:

OceanWP offers a balanced blend of features and performance. Its e-commerce capabilities, combined with commendable speed metrics, make it an excellent choice for online businesses.

 

The #6 fastest WordPress theme – “Zakra” Theme:

Overview:

Zakra, developed by ThemeGrill, is a multipurpose theme known for its versatility and rapid interface. With over 40 demos, Zakra ensures a unique and tailored look for diverse website needs. The theme’s speed claims were validated in the tests, showcasing performance metrics in line with the industry’s top themes.

 

Pricing:

The core version of Zakra is free. The premium version, offering enhanced features, is priced at $69 annually. There are also tiered pricing options depending on the number of sites you wish to support.

Notable Features:

• A vast library of demos catering to various industries, from dentists to wedding themes.
• Compatibility with Gutenberg and other popular page builders.
• SEO-friendly design optimized for mobile devices.
• Advanced header module with multiple customization options.
• Comprehensive menu customization, including mobile and dropdown menus.
• Blog styling options, including masonry layouts and grid designs.
• Extensive typography options and flexible sidebars.

Performance Metrics for “Zakra”:

• GTmetrix: Performance Score: 100, Structure Score: 98, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 523ms, Fully Loaded Time: 661ms.
• Pingdom: Performance Grade: 96, Page Size: 58.90 KB, Load Time: 519ms, Requests: 10.
• PageSpeed Insights (Mobile & Desktop): Mobile scored 99, while the desktop version achieved a perfect 100 in performance.
• Byte Check: Time to First Byte: 60ms.

Conclusions for Zakra:

Zakra’s performance metrics are commendable, especially its GTmetrix scores and swift loading times. The theme’s versatility and customization options make it a strong contender for those seeking a balance between aesthetics and speed.

 

The #7 fastest WordPress theme – “Customify” Theme:

Overview:

Customify is recognized as one of the fastest WordPress themes, delivering impressive speed test results. The theme’s rapid performance is attributed to its optimized and lightweight files. Customify offers extensive customization features, including header and footer builders, demo imports, and compatibility with popular page builders.

 

Pricing:

The basic version of Customify is free. For advanced features, users can upgrade to the Pro version, starting at $59 per year. A business bundle, suitable for three sites, is available at $89 per year.

Notable Features:

• Customify is a multipurpose theme, offering flexibility for designing a wide range of websites.
• Seamless integration with top page builders like Beaver Builder and Elementor.
• The theme supports a wide range of essential plugins, including OrbitFox, Yoast, BuddyPress, and bbPress.
• WooCommerce integration is smooth, with added features to enhance any e-commerce store.
• Unique header and footer builders without many limitations.
• The theme is SEO-optimized out of the box.
• Customify offers unique mobile headers and extensive typography settings.
• Advanced builders and boosters come with the Pro version, including a WooCommerce booster, a WC product gallery slider, and a canvas filter for e-commerce stores.

Performance Metrics for “Customify”:

• GTmetrix: Performance Score: 100, Structure Score: 98, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 617ms, Fully Loaded Time: 974ms.
• Pingdom: Performance Grade: 97, Page Size: 145.90 KB, Load Time: 974ms, Requests: 8.
• PageSpeed Insights (Mobile & Desktop): Mobile scored 98, while the desktop version achieved a perfect 100 in performance.
• Byte Check: Time to First Byte: 52ms.

Conclusions for Customify:

Customify is a robust theme with impressive speed metrics. Although it had a slightly higher total blocking time compared to other themes, its overall performance is commendable. The theme’s versatility and customization options make it a strong contender for those seeking a balance between aesthetics and speed.

 

The #8 fastest WordPress theme – “Responsive” Theme:

Overview:

The “Responsive” theme boasts of swift load times and is aptly designed for various industries. Its blogging functionality is particularly notable, and it offers over 40 demo site files, including travel sites, business showcases, and portfolios. These demos cater to Gutenberg and Elementor, both optimized for mobile devices and featuring clean code.

 

Pricing:

The core “Responsive” theme is free, including most demos. However, there’s a Pro version available. The Personal plan is priced at $47 per year for one website, the Business plan at $67 per year, and the Pro version at $97 per year. The Pro version offers features like auto-updates, interactive carousels, video tutorials, pricing tables, and portfolio widgets.

Notable Features:

• Consistently high speed test scores complemented by built-in SEO elements.
• Responsive design optimized for all devices.
• Integration with popular page builders, including Elementor, Gutenberg, Visual Composer, Brizi, and Divi.
• Compatibility with top plugins like WooCommerce, WPML, BuddyPress, and bbPress.
• Comprehensive customization options, including typography, layouts, and colors.
• Advanced WooCommerce features, such as custom layouts and quick views for product images.
• The Pro version offers extended WooCommerce tools, unlimited color options, and diverse header/footer layouts.

Performance Metrics for “Responsive”:

• GTmetrix: Performance Score: 100, Structure Score: 96, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 560ms, Fully Loaded Time: 865ms.
• Pingdom: Performance Grade: 95, Page Size: 132.40 KB, Load Time: 629ms, Requests: 11.
• PageSpeed Insights (Mobile): Performance Score: 98, First Contentful Paint: 1.9s, Speed Index: 2.4s, Large Contentful Paint (LCP): 2.0s, Time to Interactive (TTI): 1.9s.
• PageSpeed Insights (Desktop): Performance Score: 99, First Contentful Paint: 0.6s, Speed Index: 0.8s, Large Contentful Paint (LCP): 0.7s.
• Byte Check: Time to First Byte: 53ms.

Conclusions for Responsive:

The “Responsive” theme lives up to its name, especially in the PageSpeed Insights mobile test. The theme’s performance metrics are commendable, with low requests, swift loading times, and optimal page sizes.

 

The #9 fastest WordPress theme – “Sydney” Theme:

Overview:

Developed by aThemes, “Sydney” is a theme tailored for small businesses and freelancers. It offers a sleek and minimalistic design, focusing on speed and performance. Sydney is an ideal choice for small business owners looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality.

 

Performance Metrics for “Sydney”:

• GTmetrix: Performance Score: 97, Structure Score: 95, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 610ms, Fully Loaded Time: 700ms.
• Pingdom: Performance Grade: 94, Page Size: 120.50 KB, Load Time: 650ms, Requests: 9.
• PageSpeed Insights (Mobile): Performance Score: 92, First Contentful Paint: 2.1s, Speed Index: 2.3s, Large Contentful Paint (LCP): 2.2s.
• PageSpeed Insights (Desktop): Performance Score: 96, First Contentful Paint: 0.7s, Speed Index: 0.9s, Large Contentful Paint (LCP): 0.8s.
• Byte Check: Time to First Byte: 50ms.
• Conclusions for Sydney:

The “Sydney” theme showcases commendable performance metrics, especially in GTmetrix and PageSpeed Insights. Its design is optimized for speed, making it a top choice for businesses and freelancers. The theme’s mobile performance is also noteworthy, ensuring a smooth user experience across devices. With its combination of aesthetics and speed, Sydney stands out as a reliable choice for those prioritizing both design and performance.

 

The #10 fastest WordPress theme – “Go” Theme:

Overview:

Developed by GoDaddy, the “Go” theme is a Gutenberg-first WordPress theme designed to assist users in building straightforward business websites. The theme’s primary strength lies in its integration with the blocks-based CoBlocks page builder plugin. This plugin offers a variety of blocks, such as author profiles, masonry galleries, pricing tables, maps, social sharing, events, FAQs, and more.

Pricing:

“Go” is a free theme, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Notable Features:

• Tailored for those who prefer the WordPress block editor as their primary page builder.
• Ample customizer options for added flexibility.
• Serves as a showcase for its companion, the CoBlocks page builder plugin.
• Uses minimal JavaScript and PHP code, relying heavily on HTML and CSS for optimal performance.
• Comes with various demos to help users set up their base site quickly.

Performance Metrics for “Go”:

• GTmetrix: Performance Score: 100, Structure Score: 99, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 546ms, Fully Loaded Time: 712ms.
• Pingdom: Performance Grade: 94, Page Size: 139.40 KB, Load Time: 520ms, Requests: 12.
• PageSpeed Insights (Mobile): Performance Score: 94, First Contentful Paint: 2.4s, Speed Index: 2.4s, Large Contentful Paint (LCP): 2.5s, Time to Interactive (TTI): 2.4s.
• PageSpeed Insights (Desktop): Performance Score: 99, First Contentful Paint: 0.7s, Speed Index: 0.8s, Large Contentful Paint (LCP): 0.7s.
• Byte Check: Time to First Byte: 65ms.

Conclusions for Go:

The “Go” theme by GoDaddy delivered an impressive GTmetrix performance score. However, its scores on Pingdom and PageSpeed Insights for mobile were slightly lower compared to other themes. The theme’s Time to First Byte (TTFB) was also on the higher side, but still under acceptable limits. Overall, “Go” is a solid theme, especially for those who prefer working with the WordPress block editor.

The analysis will continue with further themes and their respective performance metrics in the next section.

 

The #11 fastest WordPress theme – “Hestia” Theme:

Overview:

Hestia, from the creators of Neve, is another standout theme from ThemeIsle. Designed as a modern one-page theme, Hestia is tailored to cater to various businesses. The theme is built with a focus on performance and user experience. It also offers WooCommerce support, ensuring a seamless online store setup.

 

Pricing:

Hestia is primarily a premium theme. The personal license is priced at $80/year, the business license at $150/year, and the agency plan at $347/year. The business plan offers starter sites and priority support, while the agency plan provides white label and live chat support.

Notable Features:

• Translation and RTL ready, allowing for multilingual site creation.
• SEO-friendly structure with clean, optimized code.
• Live customizer for real-time design adjustments.
• Video tutorials for guidance.
• Compatibility with major page builders, including Gutenberg.
• Responsive mega menu for organized content.
• Premium version offers features like 1-click updates and dedicated support.

Performance Metrics for “Hestia”:

• GTmetrix: Performance Score: 100, Structure Score: 95, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 665ms, Fully Loaded Time: 883ms.
• Pingdom: Performance Grade: 92, Page Size: 218.30 KB, Load Time: 564ms, Requests: 18.
• PageSpeed Insights (Mobile & Desktop): Mobile scored 88, while the desktop version achieved 99 in performance.
• Byte Check: Time to First Byte: 54ms.

Conclusions for Hestia:

While Hestia boasts a perfect GTmetrix performance score, its Pingdom grade and the number of requests are slightly higher than some competitors. Nevertheless, its overall performance and feature set make it a worthy contender in the WordPress theme market.

 

The #12 fastest WordPress theme – “PopularFX” Theme:

Overview:

PopularFX is a versatile theme designed for a wide range of websites. It offers a built-in page builder for visual website creation. The theme is responsive, integrates with Google fonts, and offers advanced typography features.

 

Pricing:

PopularFX is available for free, but a Pro version is available starting at $59/year for a personal license. The professional and business licenses are priced at $89/year and $249/year, respectively.

Notable Features:

• Drag-and-drop functionality for intuitive page design.
• Inline editing for direct text modifications.
• Visual effects for page elements.
• Revision control for undoing, redoing, or restoring theme versions.
• Comprehensive customization options with diverse widgets.

Performance Metrics for “PopularFX”:

• GTmetrix: Performance Score: 100, Structure Score: 97, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 527ms, Fully Loaded Time: 638ms.
• Pingdom: Performance Grade: 96, Page Size: 79.10 KB, Load Time: 980ms, Requests: 8.
• PageSpeed Insights (Mobile & Desktop): Mobile scored 99, while the desktop version achieved a perfect 100 in performance.
• Byte Check: Time to First Byte: 61ms.

Conclusions for PopularFX:

PopularFX showcases impressive performance metrics, especially in GTmetrix and PageSpeed Insights. Its intuitive drag-and-drop functionality and inline editing make it user-friendly, making it a top choice for those prioritizing ease of use alongside speed.

 

Final Thoughts:

From the analysis, it’s evident that the right theme can significantly impact a website’s speed and performance. While “GeneratePress,” “Astra,” “Neve,” “Twenty Twenty,” and “Twenty Twenty-Two” emerged as the fastest themes across all tests, it’s essential to note that a theme’s performance can vary based on the content, plugins, and other factors.

Moreover, while a lightweight and optimized theme is crucial, it’s equally important to choose a performance-focused hosting solution. for instance, offers features like code minification, which can further enhance a site’s speed. By minifying CSS and JavaScript files, ensures faster site loading times with minimal manual effort.

In conclusion, when selecting a theme for your WordPress site, it’s essential to consider both aesthetics and performance. Testing the theme’s speed using tools like GTmetrix, Pingdom, and PageSpeed Insights can provide valuable insights into its performance. Additionally, optimizing other aspects of your site, such as images, caching, and code, can further enhance speed and user experience.

 

FAQs:

1. What is the fastest theme for WordPress?

   • From the tests, “GeneratePress,” “Astra,” “Neve,” and “Twenty Twenty” were among the fastest WordPress themes.

2. What is the fastest free WordPress theme?

   • “GeneratePress,” “Astra,” and “Twenty Twenty” were found to be the fastest free WordPress themes based on the tests.

3. What makes a WordPress theme fast?

   • Factors include adherence to best coding practices, generating fewer HTTP requests, optimized page size, minimal use of JS, especially render-blocking, and a well-structured theme directory.

4. How do I make my WordPress theme faster?

   • Optimize images, enable caching, add a CDN, reduce overall page size, HTTP requests, and external services.

5. How can I check the speed of a WordPress theme?

   • Use site speed testing tools like GTmetrix, Pingdom, and PageSpeed Insights.

6. How do I optimize my WordPress theme?

   • Opt for a fast WordPress hosting provider, use speed and image optimization plugins, employ a CDN, enable caching, and reduce overall page size.