Astra

Overview

Astra is a classic, multipurpose WordPress theme from Brainstorm Force. The company says it was founded in 2009, and Astra launched in 2017. Designed with performance and search visibility in mind, Astra is available for self-hosted WordPress sites and offers a no-code way to shape site layouts.

The theme supports the block editor, child themes, right-to-left layouts, and accessibility-ready design. Its companion Starter Templates plugin offers 300 site demos to import and customize, with both free and premium templates. The Astra theme and Starter Templates plugin are available free through the WordPress repository, so the free version provides a starting point without a paid plan.

Astra works with Gutenberg, Elementor, Beaver Builder, and Brizy, along with WooCommerce, LearnDash, LifterLMS, and Easy Digital Downloads. Those integrations make it relevant to general websites as well as stores, courses, and digital products.

Key features

Site design and templates

Astra's no-code builder combines customizable headers and footers with drag-and-drop controls. Global editing supports changes across a site, while live editing lets users see adjustments as they make them. Starter Templates adds pre-built demos that can be imported and customized rather than starting every layout from scratch.

WooCommerce tools

For WooCommerce sites, Astra includes product variation swatches, quick view, sticky add-to-cart, and an optimized checkout. These features address product browsing and checkout elements within a store's theme setup.

Hosted sites and support

Some paid packages combine Astra tools with hosted websites. Astra Pro + AI includes one hosted website, Essential Toolkit + AI includes two, and Business Toolkit + AI includes five; hosted sites include SSL. The corresponding paid site limits are three, 10, and 1,000 websites. Staging and development sites count toward those limits. Astra Pro add-on plans include premium support, while Business Toolkit + AI includes 24/7 VIP Support.

Pricing

Astra is freemium: the theme and Starter Templates plugin are available free, and there is no free trial for paid plans. Listed prices and billing terms are:

• Astra Pro · Addon Only — annual: $69 a year, billed once per year; up to 3 websites and premium support.
• Astra Pro + AI — annual: $99 a year, renews at $149 /yr; up to 3 websites, 1 hosted website, and a free domain for the first year.
• Essential Toolkit + AI — annual: $199 a year, renews at $299 /yr; up to 10 websites, 2 hosted websites, and 300+ premium templates.
• Business Toolkit + AI — annual: $279 a year, renews at $429 /yr; up to 1,000 websites, 5 hosted websites, and 24/7 VIP Support.
• Astra Pro · Addon Only — lifetime: $249, paid once, with no recurring cost or renewal; up to 3 websites and premium support.
• Astra Pro + AI — lifetime: $279, paid once, a one-time payment; up to 3 websites, with the AI platform and hosting provided for 3 years.
• Essential Toolkit + AI — lifetime: $549, paid once, a one-time payment; up to 10 websites, with the AI platform and hosting provided for 3 years.
• Business Toolkit + AI — lifetime: $799, paid once, a one-time payment; up to 1,000 websites, with the AI platform and hosting provided for 3 years.

The company offers a 14-day refund guarantee. Its FAQ says payments are processed through Stripe and PayPal and that card details are not stored by the company.

Platforms

Astra is for self-hosted WordPress and is also listed as a web platform. It is a classic theme with block editor support, child theme support, RTL support, and accessibility-ready status.

Who it's for

Astra suits people building WordPress websites who want visual layout controls, a library of starter demos, or compatibility with common page builders and commerce tools. WooCommerce store owners may value the included product and checkout features. The free theme and plugin offer a no-cost entry point; the paid plans add support, higher site limits, hosted websites, and other package-specific benefits.

Pros and cons

• Pros: A free theme and template plugin are available; the builder includes global and live editing; WooCommerce features and several builder, learning, and digital-product integrations are supported.
• Cons: Paid plans have no trial; site limits include staging and development sites; hosted websites are included only in specified paid packages.

Alternatives

Readers comparing options can browse WordPress Themes, or consider Blocksy, GeneratePress, Neve, Responsive, Zakra, OceanWP, Phlox, and ColorMag.

Verdict

Astra brings no-code site editing, imported starter designs, and broad WordPress integrations together in a free theme. Its WooCommerce tools give it a clear role for store sites, while paid plans add support and, depending on the package, hosted sites and expanded license limits. The main considerations are choosing a plan whose website limit fits the intended use and weighing the paid commitment without a trial.