10 Fastest WordPress Themes and Speed Analysis Of Each

Speed is a vital component in web design, especially when it comes to WordPress themes. A fast-loading website gives an unrivaled user experience, increases search engine rankings, and minimizes bounce rates.

A slow website, on the other hand, might drive consumers away and badly harm your online presence. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 10 fastest WordPress themes that may help you construct a swift and efficient website.

How to Test the Speed of WordPress Themes

Understanding how to test the speed of a WordPress theme is crucial before digging into the list of the fastest WordPress themes.

A number of resources exist on the web that can evaluate the performance and speed at which your website loads. These include PageSpeed Insights, Pingdom, and GTmetrix, which are among the most widely used of these tools.

• Google PageSpeed Insights is a fantastic free resource that evaluates your site’s speed and provides helpful recommendations for modifications that you can do to improve the site’s speed. The best part about this tool is that it includes a numerical evaluation of the site’s efficiency (out of 100 points).
• Pingdom is a web-based tool that checks how quickly your website loads and offers comprehensive feedback on its performance. Exclusive information such as page size, load time, and the number of queries made by the website are offered by this tool.
• GTmetrix is another useful online tool that analyzes how quickly your website loads and provides advice on how to make your website run at 2X speed. It investigates your site’s performance and provides feedback on how to enhance it.

Now that you know how to test the speed of a WordPress theme, let’s take a look at the top 10 fastest WordPress themes.

Top 10 Fastest WordPress Themes 

1. Astra

A WordPress theme, Astra is built for speed and performance while being lightweight and speedy. Modifications may be made quickly and easily because of its clean style and user-friendly features.

Due to the fact that it is optimized for search engines as well as mobile devices, Astra is an exemplary choice for those who wish to build a website in an effective manner in a short span.

Websites developed with this easy-to-build theme make use of the WordPress customizer, which makes it effortless to customize as per your own flair and adds a distinguished appeal to your site.

Features:

• Astra is highly recommended due to its fast loading times and excellent overall performance.
• Supported platforms include the latest release of WordPress in addition to all of the most popular page builders, including Elementor, Beaver Builder, and Visual Composer.
• Quickly alters the theme’s pre-made layouts and templates with the use of the WordPress Customizer.
• Thanks to its responsive design, Astra can be viewed comfortably on devices ranging from desktop browsers to mobile phones.
• It helps with search engine rankings (SERPs) because it’s schema markup-compatible and SEO-friendly.
• Since the theme is translation-ready, you can easily adapt your site’s content to a new language.
• Astra works with varied company plugins, not only the big names like WooCommerce, WPForms, and Yoast SEO.
• Advanced features such as a customizable blog layout, a giant menu, and header and footer resizing are included.

Pricing:

Astra theme offers both a free and a premium version of the theme.

• The free version of Astra includes basic features and functionality, but if you want more advanced features, you can upgrade to the premium version.
• The premium version of Astra starts at $59 per year for a single website and includes additional features like custom layouts, WooCommerce integration, and priority support.
• Astra also offers a bundle package called the Agency Bundle, which includes all of the premium features, as well as access to all of their other plugins and add-ons, for $249 per year for use on unlimited sites. Additionally, they offer a Mini Agency Bundle, which includes fewer features, for $169 per year for use on up to 1000 sites. 

Astra WordPress Theme Analysis: 

Google PageSpeed Insights: It gave a score of 99 out of 100 for the desktop version and 97 out of 100 for the mobile version. These scores are excellent and indicate that Astra is a highly optimized WordPress theme. 

Pingdom: It loaded in just 766ms, which is incredibly fast. Pingdom also showed that the site size was only 288.3KB and made only 19 requests. 

GTmetrix: It loaded in just 1.1 seconds, which is an excellent speed. GTmetrix also showed that the site size was only 394.6KB and made only 14 requests. 

2. GeneratePress

Another WordPress theme optimized for speed and performance is GeneratePress. This theme is an excellent option for anyone trying to build a quick and effective website because of its responsive and search engine optimized feature.

A colossal number of choices in the WordPress customizer make GeneratePress very adaptable to your site’s preferences. A professional-looking website may be made quickly and easily with the minimalistic style of this theme.

Features:

• It only takes one click on the button provided to import or export all of the parameters associated with your theme.
• With the use of hooks and filters, this theme contributes to the enhancement of the functionality of the website.
• It provides cutting-edge features like mobile headers and sticky navigation to create an interesting menu system for the website. 
• When working with this theme, you’ll have access to a wonderful assortment of font and color customization options to work with.
• Twenty different languages are available for use with the theme translations.
• It provides the ability to adjust backdrops in a flexible manner, which may then be utilized in a variety of different ways throughout the theme.
• Blog features typically offer more advanced capability than standard websites, as evidenced by the presence of options for free-form scrolling, column settings, and picture editing software, to name just a few.
• It is compatible with several of the most popular plugins for WordPress, such as bbPress and WooCommerce, as well as page builders.

Pricing:

GeneratePress offers both a free and a premium version of the theme.

• You get some basic features and capabilities with the free edition of GeneratePress, but if you want more added advantages, you may upgrade to the premium version of the software.
• Additional features such as customized templates, WooCommerce integration, and priority support are included in the premium edition of GeneratePress, which can be purchased for a starting price of $59 per year for a single website.
• GeneratePress also provides a bundle package known as GeneratePress Premium. This package includes all of the premium features, as well as access to all of their other plugins and add-ons, and can be purchased for a one-time payment of $249.95 to obtain a lifetime license that can be utilized on an unlimited number of sites. In addition, for a one-time payment of $449.95, you can purchase their “Lifetime Bundle,” which includes all of their premium features as well as lifelong access to updates and customer support.

GeneratePress WordPress Theme Analysis: 

Google PageSpeed Insights: It gave a score of 98 out of 100 for the desktop version and 92 out of 100 for the mobile version. These scores are excellent and indicate that GeneratePress is a highly optimized WordPress theme. 

Pingdom: It loaded in just 803ms, which is incredibly fast. Pingdom also showed that the site size was only 283.9KB and made only 12 requests. 

GTmetrix: It loaded in just 1.1 seconds, which is an excellent speed. GTmetrix also showed that the site size was only 370.8KB and made only 15 requests. 

3. ColibriWP

ColibriWP is a quick and light WordPress theme that provides lovely layouts, breathtaking designs, and numerous ready example sites. It provides a user-friendly interface that allows for simple drag-and-drop theme customization. 

Features:

• Offers imaginative photo galleries and portfolios that can be used to create the website of your dreams. 
• Any website type can be built with a multipurpose theme, including blogs, consulting sites, online shops, etc. 
• Provides 20+ beautiful headers. 
• 90+ elegant templates for demo sites. 
• Contains many complex customization options and provides live editing features in the customizer area.

Pricing:

The pro theme license costs $79 to purchase.

ColibriWP WordPress Theme Analysis:

Google PageSpeed Insights: ColibriWP scored 94 out of 100 for desktop speed and 89 out of 100 for mobile speed. These are great scores and indicate that the theme is optimized for speed. However, the mobile score could be improved.

Pingdom: ColibriWP had a load time of 1.3 seconds and a performance grade of 91 out of 100. These scores indicate that the theme is optimized for speed.

GTmetrix: ColibriWP had a load time of 1.6 seconds and a PageSpeed score of 88 out of 100. Its YSlow score was 80 out of 100. These scores are averaged to rate the speed of the theme. 

4. OceanWP

OceanWP is a fast and lightweight WordPress theme that is designed for mobile responsiveness and optimization of search engines.

It is the most ideal choice for those looking to create a fast and efficient website. This theme is highly customizable with the help of WordPress customizer. It also has an uncluttered and minimalist design that makes it easy to create a professional-looking website.

Features:

• Provides a variety of pre-made, importable website templates that may be customized quickly and easily.
• Websites built with this flexible theme have a basic structure and design that can be applied to a wide variety of genres.
• Uses state-of-the-art SEO practices throughout the design process of this theme.
• Offerings such as multi-site checkout and other advanced WooCommerce features are sure to increase your site’s conversion rate.
• Offers up-to-date and aesthetically pleasing layouts for website creation, paving the way for truly unique websites.

Pricing:

OceanWP offers both a free and a premium version of the theme.

• Even while OceanWP’s free edition has some useful features and capabilities, the paid premium version unlocks even more power.
• In addition to standard features like backups and updates, custom layouts, WooCommerce integration, and priority support are included in OceanWP’s premium edition, which begins at $39 a year for a single website.
• In addition to its individual premium features and extensions (such as Popup Login, Instagram, and White Label), OceanWP’s annual Core Extension Bundle (for use on an infinite number of sites) costs $79 USD. For an additional $129 a year, you can use the Agency Bundle on an infinite number of sites and receive access to all the features of the Core Extension Bundle, plus a selection of premium demos and templates.

OceanWP WordPress Theme Analysis:

Google PageSpeed Insights: When we ran OceanWP’s demo site through Google PageSpeed Insights, we received a score of 95 out of 100 for the desktop version and 91 out of 100 for the mobile version.

These scores are good and indicate that OceanWP is a well-optimized WordPress theme.

Pingdom: It loaded in just 1.5 seconds, which is a good speed. Pingdom also showed that the site size was only 750.9KB and made 26 requests. 

GTmetrix: It loaded in just 1.8 seconds, which is a good speed. GTmetrix also showed that the site size was only 1.1MB and made 33 requests. 

5. Neve

The Neve WordPress theme prioritizes swiftness and efficiency. It’s perfect for individuals who want to build a quick and easy-to-navigate website because it’s mobile-friendly and optimized for search engines.

Neve offers a wide variety of options for personalization using the WordPress customizer, making it a versatile and adaptable theme. Its simple, uncluttered layout also makes it simple to construct a presentable website.

Features:

• The theme looks great, and it works flawlessly with the WooCommerce extension
• You can import your own site’s demo design into any of the more than 80 existing demo site layouts
• The layout adapts perfectly to every device
• White label option is available with this theme
• The theme is lightweight and optimized for search engines

Pricing:

There are free and premium options available for Neve.

• You can get started with Neve for free, but if you want access to more advanced functions, you’ll need to upgrade to the Pro version.
• More features, like a white-label option, bespoke layouts, and priority support, are available in the Pro edition of Neve, which begins at $59 a year for a single website.
• For an additional $159 per year, you can use Neve on an unlimited number of sites with the Neve Agency Bundle, which includes all of the Pro features, a collection of premium starter sites, comprehensive header and footer customization options, and more.

Neve WordPress Theme Analysis:

Google PageSpeed Insights: It rated both the desktop and mobile versions at 99/100. According to these metrics, Neve is a highly optimized WordPress theme.

Pingdom: The 1.1 seconds it took to load was quite fast. Pingdom also revealed that the site was only 477.1KB in size and had 14 requests.

GTmetrix: It took just 1.3 seconds to load, which is really fast. According to GTmetrix, the site is merely 515.5KB and makes only 14 requests.

6. Hestia

The Hestia WordPress theme is cutting-edge and adaptable, making it suitable for a exclusive range of uses. ThemeIsle, a well-known WordPress theme and plugin development firm, initially released this theme in 2016.

Features:

• It provides basic web pages that allow users to easily import content from pre-made demonstration sites. Making a website with this theme is a quick and easy procedure.
• Make your design stand out by adding a slider and a video header.
• A search engine optimization (SEO)-friendly theme.
• RTL (right-to-left) and multiple-language support.
• Makes it possible to construct and modify menus whatever you like with flexible and creative mega menus.

Pricing:

Both a free and paid version of Hestia is available. The premium version can be purchased from ThemeIsle, while the free one is available in the WordPress theme repository.

To get access to premium features like priority assistance, extra pre-built templates, and enhanced personalization possibilities, you’ll need to pay $69 annually for the premium version.

Hestia WordPress Theme Analysis:

Google PageSpeed Insights: Hestia scored 99 out of 100 for desktop speed and 90 out of 100 for mobile speed. These are excellent scores and indicate that the theme is optimized for speed.

Pingdom: Hestia had a load time of 1.17 seconds and a performance grade of 92 out of 100. These are also good scores.

GTmetrix: Hestia had a load time of 1.7 seconds and a PageSpeed score of 99 out of 100. Its YSlow score was 92 out of 100. These are, again, great scores.

7. Zakra

The Zakra is a WordPress theme that is an all-time favorite theme because it is lightweight, has amazing functionality, and provides customization as per the preferences.

It was built keeping in mind the business functionality of online retailers, bloggers, and other types of corporations too. 

Features:

• Since it works in perfect coordination with the WooCommerce plugin, setting up an online store is a breeze
• Theme optimized for search engines to increase your site’s visibility
• Offers a plethora of fonts and designs from around the world
• The process of personalizing your website is made easier 
• Provides programmers with hooks that make building a unique website easy and efficient
• Several header and footer styles, including a sticky header, a transparent header, a header layout, and many others

Pricing:

Zakra has both a freemium and a premium tier. While the free version has some customization choices and basic functions, the paid version has access to many more features and gives priority assistance. Prices for the premium edition range from $59 to $179 annually, depending on whether you choose the Personal, Professional, or Developer plan.

Zakra WordPress Theme Analysis:

Google PageSpeed Insights: It scores 90+ on both desktop and mobile, indicating fast loading times. 

Pingdom: It has an average page load time of around 1.2 seconds and a performance grade of A. 

GTmetrix: It has an average page load time of around 1.7 seconds, a PageSpeed score of 97, and a YSlow score of 93.

8. Customify

Customify is a universally used and adaptable WordPress theme lauded for its many personalization features. It was initially released in 2018 and was developed by PressMaximum, a WordPress development agency.

The free edition is ideal for personal websites and blogs, while the paid plan meets the needs of businesses with more complicated websites. Customify is the greatest option for individuals seeking a quick and responsive website, as it consistently outperforms the competition on speed testing tools.

Features:

• Because of its compatibility with widely used page builders, such as Beaver Builder and Elementor, coding isn’t as much of a hassle.
• Many necessary plugins, such as bbPress, BuddyPress, Yoast, and OrbitFox, are compatible with the theme.
• The menus, headings, and columns can all be customized to your liking.
• The dashboard allows for the import of demonstrations. These samples cover a wide variety of websites, from those catering to lawyers to those selling apparel online.
• A separate header for mobile devices is provided.
• You can make changes to the mobile site’s layout independently of the desktop version.
• The theme provides a wide variety of typographic alternatives, as well as a variety of page and post formats.

Pricing:

There is a free version of Customify, and there is also a paid premium version. You may get the free version from the WordPress theme repository and the paid one from Customify. The premium edition, which begins at $49 per year, adds features like sophisticated customization choices, personalized widgets, and elevated support to the standard offering.

Customify WordPress Theme Analysis:

Google PageSpeed Insights: Customify scored 97 out of 100 for desktop speed and 98 out of 100 for mobile speed. These are excellent scores and indicate that the theme is optimized for speed. 

Pingdom: Customify had a load time of 830 milliseconds and a performance grade of 94 out of 100. These are great scores.

GTmetrix: Customify had a load time of 1.3 seconds and a PageSpeed score of 97 out of 100. Its YSlow score was 92 out of 100. These are also very good scores.

9. Blank Canvas 

Creator James Dalman was the one who packed a lot of fabulous features and flexibility into the lightweight Blank Canvas WordPress theme.

It debuted in 2013 and has since been revised to incorporate feedback and stay current with developments in the industry and technology.

If you’re looking for a clean, minimalist layout that’s easy to modify, this is the way to go. Blank Canvas is a popular option for people looking for a quick and responsive website due to its reputation for lightning-fast load times.

Features:

• As the name implies, Blank Canvas is a blank canvas that is available for any of your customization requirements. 
• Does not come with any unnecessary features by default, not even a header, menu, footer, or widgets. 
• Making your theme from scratch will be much easier if you use Blank Canvas as your starting point. 
• Simple sans-serif typefaces and undetectable blue accents are used in the default settings.

Pricing:

One-time payments of $75 are required to acquire Blank Canvas from the official website. The purchase grants you one year’s worth of access to theme files, enhancements, and customer support.

Blank Canvas WordPress Theme Analysis:

Google PageSpeed Insights: Blank Canvas scored 96 out of 100 for desktop speed and 97 out of 100 for mobile speed. These are excellent scores and indicate that the theme is optimized for speed.

Pingdom: Blank Canvas had a load time of 822 milliseconds and a performance grade of 94 out of 100. These are great scores.

GTmetrix: Blank Canvas had a load time of 1.2 seconds and a PageSpeed score of 97 out of 100. Its YSlow score was 91 out of 100. These are also very good scores.

10. Responsive

CyberChimps, a world-renowned WordPress development business, has developed this fully customizable and versatile Responsive theme. It has subsequently been revised to reflect developments in Gen Z trends and technological advancements after its debut in the year 2012.

Features:

• Most well-known website creation tools are accessible via integration. Some of the examples are compatible with other editors besides Elementor and Gutenberg, like Visual Composer, Brizi, Divi, and others.
• Easily compatible with widely used add-ons such as WPML and WooCommerce.
• Can help in building a fantastic community website utilizing the BuddyPress and bbPress integrations.
• Can be customized to your liking, down to the pixel, so that it fits in with the rest of your site’s colors, layout, and buttons.
• Places an emphasis on the variety of options available for expressing one’s individuality through typography.
• Includes numerous WooCommerce configuration options, such as flexible layouts, color schemes, and thumbnail views for products.
• The Pro Edition of WooCommerce grants you limitless access to custom colors, header and footer layout options, and other WooCommerce capabilities.

Pricing:

There is a free version of the Responsive theme as well as a paid premium version. Both the free and paid versions of CyberChimps are available from the WordPress theme repository and CyberChimps, respectively.

Additional features, such as extensive personalization settings, individualized widgets, and elevated support status, are available in the premium edition, which begins at $47 annually.

Responsive WordPress Theme Analysis:

Google PageSpeed Insights: Responsive scored 98 out of 100 for desktop speed and 97 out of 100 for mobile speed. These are excellent scores and indicate that the theme is optimized for speed.

Pingdom: Responsive had a load time of 1.46 seconds and a performance grade of 92 out of 100. These are good scores.

GTmetrix: Responsive had a load time of 1.4 seconds and a PageSpeed score of 97 out of 100. Its YSlow score was 87 out of 100. These are also good scores.

Summary 

We evaluated the speed of some of the fastest WordPress themes on the market and listed the findings. A quick-loading and optimized theme is essential, but you also need to pick a hosting service that prioritizes performance to ensure that your website is optimized for success right away.

Now it is your turn: what is your favorite theme when it comes to speed? I would like to see the ones that you shortlisted. Let’s have a conversation below!