Divi vs Astra Theme – Which Is Better?

To build a CMS-based website, there are a couple of options you can go for including WordPress, Blogger, Wix, Squarespace, and more. 

Fortunately, the best website builder and CMS that powers over 35% of websites on the internet is WordPress. The next thing you’ll have to worry about is how your website will look like by utilizing a WordPress theme. 

Conversely, WordPress has lots of pre-developed themes, both free and premium. There’ll be no need to design a theme from scratch when you can just install any of these themes. 

Divi and Astra are top-selling premium WordPress themes that you can go for. How do you know which one is better than the other? Read on to find out. 

What Is Divi?

Developed by Elegant Themes, Divi is both a WordPress theme and WordPress page builder all in one. It is a very popular theme being used by over 700,000 WordPress site owners. When you purchase Divi, you get the Divi Theme and the Divi stand-alone Plugin. 

The theme is for everyone; freelancers, agencies, anyone who wants to own a WordPress website. In fact, its WYSIWYG page builder is ideal for complete visual and real-time editing. It was optimized for complete control and fast website building. 

Divi has WordPress website layouts for any niche including business, eCommerce, beauty, health, technology, etc. Additionally, you can use Divi to design an entirely new WordPress theme as it works as a theme builder. 

Other key features of Divi include page effects, shape dividers, and transformations. Finally, Divi is a global theme. With up to 32 supported languages, the theme can be used by people from different parts of the world. 

What Is Astra?

Astra is a fast-growing WordPress theme launched in 2017 with currently over a million users. It is an open-source theme, developed on Github, so anyone can contribute. 

The theme was built for speed; it’s rated 95% by Google Developers and loads in half a second. It comes accessibility-ready as it was developed in accordance with the WCAG 2.0 and AA level standards. 

With a wide range of options and settings, the Astra theme can be easily customized from the WordPress default customizer. 

Also, Astra will work seamlessly with other page builders; this is one of the selling features of the theme. You can use it along with Elementor, Visual Composer, Beaver Builder, and a few others.

What’s more? Astra comes with several premade templates that you can install and use. Though it is a premium theme, you can download and use it for free with fewer features.

How To Install

Divi

The Divi theme can be installed just like any other WordPress theme can be installed. It is not featured in the WordPress themes directory, so you can only download it from the developer’s website (Elegant Themes). This is possible after paying for the theme.

If you’ve downloaded the theme (in zip format) to your PC, you should navigate to Appearance from your WordPress dashboard and then click on Themes. Then, click on Add New and upload the theme from where you saved it. Click on Install Now and after installation, you can click on Activate.

Astra

The free version of Astra is featured on the WordPress themes directory. So, you can install the theme from there and if you want to use a premium version, you should simply upgrade your account. 

To do this, visit Themes under Appearance in your WordPress dashboard and click on Add new. Search for “Astra” and click on the Install Button. Activate afterward. 

However, if you’re purchasing directly from the developers’ website, you’ll have to download the themes’ zip file and upload it from your WordPress dashboard.

Verdict

Installing Divi and Astra WordPress themes via the WordPress dashboard is an easy process, so its a draw for this round.

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Importable Demo Sites

Divi

With the Divi Page Builder, there are several website demos that you can import and use. Moreover, the Divi Library features over 100 demo sites in total, each one with a different unique layout.

In the premade section, select the demo you want to install; you can sort through the options by category or use the search if you already have one in mind. Likewise, you can click on each demo to view all the layouts it features. 

Astra

There are ready to import websites on Astra; these are called Starter Websites. 

Interestingly, you can sort through the list of demo websites based on page builder – Elementor, Beaver, Brizy, etc. That way, you can select a demo site that is compatible with a page builder you’re already using. 

The demo sites available are a variety of website niches. In fact, Astra has more than 100 demo websites. Some of these demo sites can be imported for free. 

Verdict

Astra has about the same number of importable demo sites as Divi, but the option to sort through by different page builders gives it an extra edge. 

Page Builder

Divi

The page builder is a major feature of Divi. You get the page builder when you purchase the Divi Theme but you can also get it as a standalone plugin. 

As mentioned earlier, this is a WYSIWYG page builder and it is drag and drop. It features a variety of blocks including header, footer, image, text, button, row, and column blocks. 

With true visual editing, you can design in real-time. Plus, you can switch between frontend and backend editing displays.

Astra

Astra doesn’t come with any page builder. Instead, it was built to seamlessly work with all the top WordPress page builders. What this implies is that you can edit Asta demo sites, premade templates, settings, and more with any page builder plugin of your choice.

Nevertheless, the Astra theme is customizer powered. Therefore, it can be fully customized and edited via the WordPress customize option under Appearance.

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Verdict

Astra has no native page builder although it can work with major WordPress page builders. Divi wins in this round.

Customization Options

Divi

While building with the Divi page builder, each building block comes with flexible customization options. However, there are Theme Options, Theme Customizer, and Module Customizer sections that allow you to easily customize the theme. 

The Theme Customizer and Module Customizer are about the same as the WordPress default customizer.

From these panels, you can set your website logo, favicon, colors, navigation, choose layouts for pages, posts, adverts, and many more. All of these can be customized easily by clicking, selecting, and toggling bars.

Astra

The options available while customizing the Astra theme depends on the builder plugin you are using. That means you’ll use Elementor customization options if you’re building with Elementor, Gutenberg customization options if you’re building with Gutenberg, and so on.

However, you can set some basic customization settings from the Astra options section under Appearance.

The ideal way to customize the Astra theme is by using the WordPress default customizer. As mentioned before, this theme is customizer powered. 

Verdict

With the Theme Builder, Theme Options, Theme Customizer, and Module Customizer, you have more customization options with the Divi theme.

Responsive Design Settings

Divi

By default, all of Divi Demos and templates are responsive but you can also customize them. The Divi builder enables you to build and customize in desktop, tablet, and mobile layouts. You can switch between any of the layouts easily and adjust their design settings accordingly. 

The responsive design settings can also be customized from the Theme customizer. This customizer features a separate section for mobile styles. That way, you can edit the mobile measurements and body & header text size.

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Astra

The Astra theme and all of its templates are responsive by default. As the theme works with major page builders, the responsive design settings available will depend on what page builder you’re using as in the case of customization.

However, Astra allows you to set responsive breakpoints for mobile and tablet devices. The default breakpoint for mobile devices is 544px while that for tablets is 921px; you can further adjust these measurements. This can be set from the default WordPress customizer. 

Verdict

Both Divi and Astra are responsive themes. The responsive design settings may vary but both are reliable.

A/B Testing

Divi

The Divi Visual Builder features a split testing system. That way, you can test your page designs, templates, and content to identify which works best. You can actually test anything with this split testing system. 

You can access the split test option directly from the page builder as you design. Right-click on any element and select the Split Test option. 

When you select items to split-test, each one is given a conversion score with the highest one being the best. You can test up to three items at a time.

Astra

The Astra theme doesn’t have an option for split testing. You can only split test Astra templates and demos using any of the top page builders it works with.

Take Elementor for instance, the page builder has an A/B testing plugin. If you make use of an Astra demo site or template that’s well-compatible with the Elementor page builder, then you can conveniently carry out A/B tests. 

Verdict

Divi is the winner in this category as it features an A/B testing system while Astra has none.

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Page Templates

Divi

As mentioned earlier, the Divi layout library has over 100 demo sites, which also features over 1000 page templates. Some of the page templates are included in a demo site pack, but you can select, save, and install them individually.

You can sort through the available templates by category or use the search if you already have one in mind. There are 13 categories in total. By clicking on any of the page templates, you can view a live demo or install. 

Astra

Astra page templates are about the same as the demo sites. For each page builder, there are more than 100-page templates. 

There are four featured page builders in the template library which are Elementor, Beaver Builder, Brizy, and Gutenberg. The featured page templates for all builders put together is over 1000.

In essence, you can sort through the list based on page builder to select one that is compatible with your preferred page builder. 

Verdict

As in the case of importable demo sites, Divi and Astra also have a large number of importable page templates. 

SEO 

Divi

The Divi theme wasn’t designed for SEO but it is not bad as well. Divi theme doesn’t load very fast because its page builder uses a lot of JavaScript files, CSS files, and HTTP requests. 

However, with a recent upgrade of the theme, all CSS files are now served as static CSS files which can reduce the page size. This can be set from the Divi Theme Options and under the builder section. Other SEO settings can be set from the SEO tab, but there are more for indexing and discovery.

Astra

SEO is one of the primary factors that influenced the development of the Astra theme. When it comes to SEO, speed is vital and as mentioned earlier, Astra was built for speed and loads within half a second.

The theme was developed without any jQuery; instead, the developers made use of Vanilla JavaScript. 

Astra was tested on major website performance tools. It got a 100 percent speed grade on Pingdom, a 95 percent speed rate on Google Developers, 400ms load time on GTmetrix, and a 91 percent speed grade on YSlow. 

Verdict

For SEO, Astra beats Divi.

Support For WooCommerce

Divi

Divi fully supports WooCommerce. It is the main eCommerce platform featured in the Divi Shop Module. You can use the Divi Builder to fully design your online store, product pages, and more. 

There are more than 15 predesigned WooCommerce modules you can use while building. This includes price, breadcrumb, upsell, rating, reviews, add to cart, and more.  Each module can be fully customized.

Furthermore, Divi features some WooCommerce product demos you can use; there are about 10 product demos in total.

Astra

You can build and manage a WooCommerce store conveniently with Astra. You simply need to install both the Astra theme and WooCommerce plugin on your WordPress dashboard. After that, visit the Astra Options to activate WooCommerce. 

The theme seamlessly integrates with WooCommerce. That way, you can customize and edit your store using the WordPress default Customizer. 

From this Customizer, you can locate the WooCommerce section and from there, you can edit your product catalog, single products, product images, cart, and checkout pages. You can as well edit by using your preferred page builder.

Verdict

Divi and Astra both support WooCommerce but Divi wins here with the WooCommerce builder, modules, and premade product templates. 

Size 

Divi

Divi theme weighs about 9 MB which is not that heavy. The page builder is also not that heavy as it weighs about 6 MB. However, you will install both for the theme to work which amounts to a total of about 15 MB. 

Astra

Astra is described as a feather-light WordPress theme; it is one of the most lightweight WordPress themes. The theme file is less than 1 MB in size, 998 kb to be precise. For server resources, less than 50 KB is enough for Astra to function efficiently. 

Verdict

Astra is more lightweight than Divi which explains why it is a fast loading theme.

Third-Party Integrations

Divi

Divi integrates with several third-party platforms. From the Code Module, you can connect Divi with other WordPress plugins with shortcodes. As already discussed, the plugin supports WooCommerce.

There are many other Divi plugins from Elegant Themes, like the page builder, that can be connected with the Divi theme. This includes the Divi Booster, Divi Switch, Aspen Footer Editor, Page Builder Everywhere, Migrate Settings, Divi Ghoster, and more. 

Once you install any of these plugins, their functions are automatically synchronized with the Divi theme.

Astra

As you should know by now, Astra was built to work with top WordPress page builders and it integrates seamlessly with them. The major integrations in this regard are Elementor, Beaver Builder, Brizy, and Gutenberg. Others are Toolset and WooCommerce.

Astra also integrates with LifterLMS and LearnDash. Both are platforms for running an online course website. As an SEO-friendly theme, Astra integrates with Schema.

Furthermore, there’s the Astra Pro add-on that introduces more features. This includes ultimate addons for Gutenberg, Beaver Builder, and Elementor page builders, Convert Pro, and Schema Pro.

Verdict

Divi might have a lot of sister plugins, but Astra has more integrations ranging from integrations with top page builders to add-ons. 

Support & Documentation

Divi

Divi offers 24/7 support via live chat. You can also contact the support team via email by submitting a ticket. Technical support is also available.

A documentation page is featured. On this page, you can find several tutorial articles about using the theme and the theme builder. 

Divi has a member community support forum. Members can send messages and interact with one another to help solve their problems. There’s also a Divi Facebook group, FAQ section, and a blog.

Astra

Astra features a well-detailed knowledgebase on how to use the theme. You can contact the support team by submitting a ticket when logged in. The support is premium and round-the-clock.

Aside from that, there are also lots of video tutorials on YouTube to help and also a blog. There’s the Facebook community for users to interact with each other.

Verdict

With 24/7 support and well-detailed documentation, Divi and Astra are at level pegging.

Astra vs Divi: Pricing

Divi

With Divi, you can choose to pay a yearly subscription or pay a one-time fee.

• Annual Payment – $89
• One-Time Payment – $249

Note: Payment for Divi gives you access to other Elegant Themes products like Extra, Bloom, and Monarch. Also, you can use it on an infinite number of websites.

Astra

Astra features three pricing plans and you can choose to subscribe annually or pay a one-time fee. 

• Free Plan – $0
• Astra Pro – $47 per year ($249 one-time payment)
• Mini Agency Bundle – $169 per year  ($499 one-time payment)
• Agency Bundle – $249 per year ($699 one-time payment)

Divi vs Astra: Similarities & Differences

Similarities 

• Both are easy to install
• Both feature demo sites and page templates
• Both themes are responsive
• Both support WooCommerce
• Both features add-ons
• Both feature detailed documentation and reliable support

Differences 

• Astra offers a free version while Divi is completely premium.
• Astra has more demo sites than Divi.
• Astra is a customize-powered WordPress theme while Divi Includes a page builder and theme.
• Divi features a Split Test system while Astra doesn’t.
• Astra is more optimized for SEO than Divi.
• Astra has more integrations than Divi.

Pros & Cons

Divi

Pros

• Easy to install
• 100+ demo sites
• Page builder
• Mobile responsive
• A/B testing 
• 1000+ page templates
• WooCommerce support
• Divi add-ons 
• 24/7 support and reliable documentation

Cons

• Less SEO 
• Fewer integrations

Astra

Pros

• Easy to install
• 110+ demo sites
• 1000+ page templates
• Works with major WordPress page builders
• Mobile responsive
• SEO-friendly
• Very lightweight
• WooCommerce support
• Third-party integrations
• 24/7 support and detailed knowledge base

Cons

• No native page builder
• No A/B test

Divi vs Astra – Which Is Better?

So this was our comparison of Astra vs Divi. Hope you like it.

Divi and Astra are uniquely different and any of the two would make an awesome WordPress theme. However, Astra is the better option to consider.

While Divi works with its native builder, Astra enables you to work with a range of top WordPress page builders, even including the Divi Builder. Furthermore, Astra is lightweight, fast, and well-optimized for search engines.

There are more integrations on Astra than Divi and the few areas where Astra lacks (like for A/B testing) can be easily filled by using other WordPress plugins. 

With Astra, you have more pricing options to choose from. Not to mention, Astra has a free plan.