Astra has grown over the years to become one of the most popular WordPress themes. There are plenty of reasons why developers should consider using Astra as their WordPress theme of choice. When you decide to use Astra, there are two main versions of the theme you can choose from. The first one is Astra Free and the other is Astra Pro.
In this blog post, we shall look at the main differences between Astra Free and Astra Pro. We will look at the main features that both versions offer, reasons as to why you should consider using Astra, the different pricing models available for Astra Pro, and so much more.
By the end of this post, you will be able to distinguish Astra Free from Astra Pro and you should be able to make a decision on which version will be the best to use on your website.
Astra Free
Astra Free is without a doubt the most popular version of Astra that most WordPress developers use on their website. This version of Astra is downloadable from the WordPress.org directory and is very limited in the options it provides.
Asra Free comes with the most basic and necessary features that you will need to build your website. Some of these features include:
- Pre-Built Websites – Astra theme comes with a library of pre-built websites and templates that help reduce the time needed to create websites. You can use the Starter Templates plugin to quickly get your website up and running.
- Page builder compatibility – Astra theme is compatible with most WordPress page builders such as Elementor, Beaver Builder, and more.
- Layout Settings – Astra enables developers to fully manage the layout of their website.
- Color and Typography – The Astra customizer allows you to set your fonts and colors easily and integrate the best fonts and colors with your brand.
- Header Options – Astra offers several in-built header layouts.
- Blog and Archives – With Astra, you can control the design of your blog posts and archive pages with plenty of options available in the customizer.
- Header and Footer Builder – The Astra Header and Footer builder allows you to build stunning and intuitive headers and footers.
- Seamless WooCommerce Integration – Astra Theme is intuitive and offers deep integration with WooCommerce. Astra has unique features and countless customizations that you can use to build your full online webstore.
Astra Pro
Astra Pro is the paid version of the Astra theme that offers more advanced features and functionalities that saves you time. The Astra Pro addon is installed separately and extends the theme by adding more features and options.
Some of the features available in Astra Pro include:
Site Layouts
Astra Pro offers a wide variety of site layouts to choose from that lets you design and build websites of your liking.
Better Typography
Astra comes with over 800+ Google fonts and typography options that you can use to make your website stand out.
Colors & Background
Astra Pro allows you to manage the colors and background on any area on your website.
Blog Layouts
You can create beautiful blogs with countless variations of layouts.
Multiple Header Designs
Astra Pro offers you a wide variety of headers to choose from. Designers and developers can place a header above and below the primary header, or make it transparent or sticky as per their needs.
Flexible Footer Layouts
Astra Pro gives you full customization to design your website footer the way you want to.
Extensive WooCommerce Integration
Astra Pro enables more extensive WooCommerce integration to build faster loading, high converting, and the best shopping experience for your online store.
More Pro features include:
- Hooks and Filter
- Blog Layouts
- Transparent Header
- Mega Menu
- Custom layouts
- Header Section
- Page Headers
- WooCommerce Designer
- Spacing Control
- White Label
Integrations
Astra Pro also enables integrations with different types of addons such as LifterLMS, which lets you host the best online learning experience for students accessing your website, and LearnDash integration which lets you design and create beautiful websites for offering online courses.
Astra Pro Pricing
Astra Pro costs $47 annually. There is also the lifetime package that costs $249. Astra offers two more pricing plans and they are the Essential Bundle and Growth Bundle.
The Essential Bundle includes all the features in the Astra Pro plan, 150+ Agency Starter Templates, WP Portfolio plugin, and the choice of one-page builder addon that includes Ultimate Addons for Elementor and Ultimate Addons for Beaver Builder. The Mini Agency Bundle costs $169 annually and $499 for the lifetime package.
The Growth Bundle includes all the features from the Astra Pro and Mini Agency Bundle plans as well as more features such as Convert Pro plugin, Schema Pro plugin, SkillJet Academy, and future plugins. The Growth Bundle costs $249 annually and $699 for the lifetime package.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sites can you use Astra and Plugins on?
You can install Astra and other plugins on unlimited websites.
How do I get updates?
You will get a notification in your WordPress backend whenever an update is available. You can update it automatically with just a click.
Is it necessary to renew my license every year?
Absolutely not. The websites you have built will continue to work without any issues. If you purchase the annual license, you need to renew the license only to get updates, access to premium templates, and outstanding support from our team. And if you are a lifetime customer, you are assured of lifetime updates, access to premium templates, and support from us.
Will my website break if I don’t renew my license?
No. Your website will remain intact even if you choose not to renew your license. You just won’t get updates and support from us.
Can I upgrade my annual license to lifetime?
Absolutely yes! You can upgrade your license at a prorated rate by visiting the Upgrades page in your accounts section of our store.
Does Elementor Pro & Beaver Builder Pro come within the Essential Bundle and Growth Bundle?
No! Elementor Pro and Beaver Builder Pro are products made by other developers. Therefore, we cannot include them within our plans. However, the ready-to-use website demos are created using the free version of Beaver Builder or Elementor and you do not need to purchase the Pro versions of the page builders to use them.
What is Astra’s refund policy?
If you are unhappy with your purchase, Astra will gladly refund your money. You can apply for a refund within 14 days of purchase.
Conclusion
Astra is without a doubt one of the best WordPress themes developers can use today. Whether you choose to use Astra Free or Astra Pro, you can be certain that you will be using a theme that delivers a stunning web experience.
The only downside with using the Astra theme is that you will have to pay more to get access to more premium features you may need on your website. Be sure to choose the plan that best suits your needs as Astra offers different pricing plans.
We wish you all the best if you decide to go with Astra as the main theme for your WordPress website.
To get started with the Astra theme, click here!
