13 Fast WordPress Themes for a High-Performing Website

Your WordPress theme of choice has a significant impact on the speed of your site, which is presumably why you’re seeking the quickest WordPress theme. In reality, a speedier WordPress website creates more leads and has a direct impact on your conversion rates, implying that in the digital world, every second counts. Regardless of the type of website, if your load time is too long, your visitors may choose to leave rather than wait to access your pages. Every second counts, whether you’re trying to get subscribers or sell something. One of the fast WordPress themes can help you succeed.

There are several ways to make your WordPress site faster, but one of the most effective is to use a lightweight and fast WordPress theme. Page speed is a critical component of a positive user experience and can have a significant impact on conversions. If you want to rank highly on Google, you’ll also need a fast-loading website. The size of your page, responsive design, good front-end features, parallax effects and scrolling time, the number of popups, how you use Google Fonts, and the WordPress plugins you have installed are all factors that affect speed. Fortunately, there are numerous professional lightweight WordPress themes that can assist you in achieving your objectives.

It may appear that finding the fastest WordPress theme is impossible. Is it necessary to test each theme you’re interested in and compare the variations in millisecond load times in order to find the lightest WordPress theme? How can you account for the developers’ changes in hosting speeds and their online demos? Which is the fastest theme? Which WordPress theme is the fastest? It’s impractical to expect the ordinary WordPress user to test the preferred fast WordPress theme for performance on a regular basis. It’s difficult to eliminate external influences, and there are far too many WordPress themes to consider.

We’ve produced a list of the 15 fast-loading WordPress themes on the WordPress repository and other platforms in this article.

1. Astra

One of the most well-liked WordPress themes is Astra. It is performance-optimized by getting rid of jQuery dependencies, which frequently result in delays. Additionally, it gives you the option to choose which specific modules to put on your website, making it easier to change your material.

When we used GTMetrix to test Astra, the results showed that it fully loaded in 1.4 seconds and received a 98 percent performance rating. The reason the theme loads so quickly is that the entire page just requires eight HTTP queries and is only 43.6KB in size.

Key Features

• The layout options include changing single-page layouts, adding sidebars, and modifying headers.
• Through the customizer, you may manage your blog’s complete appearance.
• The theme features exclusive WooCommerce settings that you won’t find in other themes.
• For adding functionality, hooks and filters are perfect.
• The theme is available in a number of languages.
• The theme offers functionality for mobile headers and a mega menu.
• Padded, full-width, and boxed page choices are available in the premium site layouts.

Speed & Performance

Astra performs well in terms of her overall test results across the board. The results are 100, 98, 100, and 100, all of which are nearly flawless. There is no clutter weighing the theme down right out of the box because the requests are at 6 and the page size is reasonable. Astra does well overall, even when using its larger demo goods, which is fortunate because they all have stunning looks.

Annual pricing:

• It’s Free. the premium edition is $59 (recommended)

Lifetime pricing:

• There are two types of themes: free and paid. The price of Astra Pro is $49. The annual cost of the Growth Bundle is $249 and the Essential Bundle is $169, but the company frequently offers discounts.

Support

• Theme with good SEO.
• Multilingual support and RTL.
• Gives you complete control over menu designs and customization with responsive and inventive mega menus.

2. Sydney

aThemes created and maintains Sydney, which is presently utilized on over 100,000 websites. Sydney allows you to modify various aspects of your website (colors, typography, blogs, background images, sliders, headers, footers). The theme includes 600+ Google fonts as well as 12 unique widgets.

Additional header options are available in the paid version (Sydney Pro). Custom Elementor blocks are also included (timeline, carousel, pricing tables, and others).

Key Features:

• In the Sydney theme, a lot of unique Elementor blocks are included.
• Options include settings for color, blog layout, and fonts, that increase your personalization options.
• The online documentation is excellent, and the aThemes customer service staff is well-liked.
• When you upgrade to the paid package, you receive new page layouts and Elementor blocks. Timelines, price tables, and sections for new employees, for example, are among the premium Elementor blocks.
• The Sydney theme is the only one that offers some of the WooCommerce functionalities. For example, it offers capabilities for product previews and checkout modules.
• Another Sydney-only feature that enables you to gather data from prospective customers or clients is the footer contact form.

Speed & Performance

Sydney has been listed here among the fastest WP themes thanks to its generally respectable scores. The 100 percent GTmetrix performance score is abysmal, and its PageSpeed score ranks among the best. Additionally, the total size of the website is small, and gets very few requests. Sydney is a strong subject that has a lot of applications. The fact that the theme has a well-organized filing mechanism for quick speeds is just a bonus.

Annual & Lifetime pricing:

• Sydney offers a free theme download and a Pro Version for $69 as well.

Support

• You can link to your social media accounts using a number of social networking buttons.
• The theme performs well in performance tests thanks to its tiny file size, SEO strategy, and mobile-first design.
• The theme can be easily translated to work in other languages.
• The Live Customizer is great for previewing changes before publication and seeing them in real-time.

3. OceanWP

With more than 700,000 active installations, OceanWP is one of the most well-liked and versatile WordPress themes. It provides expert designs and imaginative layouts for all kinds of commercial websites. Additionally, it works with all popular page builders, including Elementor, Beaver Builder, Brizy, and a number of others.

Key Features:

• Provides a variety of editable site demo templates that you can quickly import.
• Easy design and layout to develop any website with a customizable theme.
• Theme created using the greatest SEO techniques.
• Offers strong WooCommerce capabilities, such as multi-site checkout, to increase your conversion rate.
• Offers sleek, contemporary designs that support the creation of outstanding and original websites.

Speed & Performance

Although OceanWP has a strong GTmetrix performance rating, it falls short of the competitors in terms of Pingdom and PageSpeed Insight ratings. It is one of the quickest WordPress theme alternatives, with ratings of 91, 88, and 97 is better than the great majority of themes available.

Annual & Lifetime pricing

Everyone can download the free version of OceanWP. The majority of the extensions in the premium version come with extra sites and continuing support. For agencies, it starts at $43 and rises to $127 annually.

Support

• The theme includes built-in translation resources.
• A native cart popup, a floating cart bar, and a fast view are a few of the WooCommerce features that are available with OceanWP.
• Popular page builders like King Composer, Elementor, and Beaver Builder work well with the theme.
• Numerous extensions are available, including the full-screen scrolling tool, Instagram integration, and popup notice.

4. Page Builder Framework

The WordPress theme Page Builder Framework is small and lightweight. Site owners are expected to be able to start creating their websites on a blank canvas. It’s a free theme that only functions properly when used in conjunction with Page Builder. Users can use the template system to create stunning, lightning-fast WordPress sites.

Key Features

• Using an SEO-optimized theme will help you enhance user experience and increase SERP placement.
• Without coding, incredibly adaptable and customizable theme.
• There are many website templates to help you get started.
• Tidy and efficient code.
• Theme powered by WooCommerce for the rapid online store creation

Speed & Performance

The GTmetrix Performance Score for Page Builder Framework is outstanding. It had an average Pingdom grade. Prior to this, it received great marks in Google’s PageSpeed Insights, but the previously lightning-fast loading times are now a little slower. Its TTFB test results are significantly better than those of its rivals.

Annual & Lifetime Pricing

• The Page Builder Framework theme can be downloaded without cost.
• Paid options (beginning at $58 annually) are available for extra templates, widgets, and element builders in addition to the Page Builder’s free features.

Support

• You get a stunning responsive design that works on all devices.
• Utilize RTL support to create multilingual and translated websites.
• There are tools integrated into the Page Builder Framework for quickly creating landing pages.

5. Neve

The multipurpose WordPress theme Neve was created with an emphasis on performance and design. Users may easily navigate the theme designs and quickly develop websites thanks to the theme’s distinctive layouts and flexibility. It is compatible and performs flawlessly with popular page builders like Elementor, Beaver Builder, Brizy, and more, just like other themes.

Key Features

• AMP capable
• Gutenberg and Elementor compatibility
• jQuery doesn’t load
• One-page or multiple-page design
• Numerous demos
• Boosting WooCommerce and blogs
• Effects of parallax and lazy loading
• Builder for headers and footers

Speed & Performance

Neve is a lightweight, highly performance-optimized WordPress theme that outperforms almost all rivals. Both the desktop and mobile versions of the PageSpeed Insights test gave it a score of 100. Additionally, it generated a strong Pingdom grade of 98. Of all the themes tested, it has the fewest requests (6), and its page size is the second-smallest. It also has the fastest loading times in its class.

Annual & Lifetime Pricing

• There are premium versions of the Neve theme that start at $49 that may be downloaded for free.

Support

• Your blogging possibilities are increased by the Blog Booster feature’s use of thumbnails, layouts, and metadata components.
• To add social media buttons, contact details, and breadcrumbs, use the Header Booster.
• If you own an agency, you can create customised layouts and use white labelling.
• The theme’s premium edition offers numerous improvements, including “scroll to top” capabilities, blog boosters, and Elementor Page Builder upgrades.

6. PopularFX

PopularFX is a versatile theme that can be used to create practically any type of website. It has a page builder that allows you to visually create webpages quickly and effortlessly. It’s a completely responsive theme with Google Fonts integrated and rich typography options. Multiple templates are available on their website to assist you in swiftly discovering and setting up various websites.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop feature is included in Popular FX to assist you in designing your sites by dragging widgets.
• The theme offers in-line editing, which allows you to add or remove text by simply clicking on it.
• You may use PopularFX to give your page elements visual effects. You can make it trigger when the specified element appears.
• The theme comes with revision control, which allows you to undo, redo, or restore previous versions of the theme.
• With its numerous widgets, PopularFX allows you to create pages with a variety of features like font colors, sizing, animation, spacing, and more.

Speed & Performance

PopularFX received a perfect GTmetrix score of 100 percent. It also has excellent PageSpeed Insights performance scores of 99 and 100. The Pingdom grade for the theme is likewise above average. Give PopularFX a shot if you enjoy working with drag-and-drop widgets.

Annual Pricing

• A Pro edition of PopularFX is available for $59 per year (Personal license)
• Professional and Business licences are $89 and $249 respectively.

Support

• More templates are included in the Pro theme. 
• Pagelayer Pro, 50+ Pro widgets, and a year of maintenance and theme upgrades.

7. GeneratePress

GeneratePress is a quick and light WordPress theme that will significantly improve the performance of your website. The key features, layout controls, and other features are all included in this multipurpose theme, which is less than 30KB in size.

Key Features

• Numerous demos
• Totally receptive
• Engine optimization
• No issues with render-blocking
• Small footprint
• Ready for accessibility
• RTL and translation prepared
• Policy for 30-day refunds

Speed & Performance

The small file size demonstrates GeneratePress’ strength in testing. The theme received nearly flawless ratings across the board. It also has the fewest requests. The PageSpeed Insights test also demonstrates this accomplishment in speed, as we can see from the nearly flawless score and quick loading times. In comparison to the competitors, it also does incredibly well on the TTFB test.

Annual & Lifetime Pricing

• Download the free version now. The price of the premium theme is $59. If you desire ongoing support and updates, upgrades are required annually. A one-time lifetime payment option is also offered.

Support

• The theme is completely mobile-friendly and responsive.
• Available white label feature.
• A theme that is SEO-friendly and lightweight.

8. Schema

With the help of the premium WordPress theme Schema, you can easily change your website’s layout, fonts, and style to focus on performance. Many people are drawn to it and think that it is the best WordPress theme for them because of its simple and responsive design.

Key Features

• Built using the most effective SEO techniques.
• Completely WooCommerce compliant.
• Provides a kid’s theme
• Accompanies the theme license with a high-end layer slider plugin.
• Includes more than 20 languages, including English, German, French, and others.

Speed & Performance

It’s encouraging to see that the Schema theme does well on the PageSpeed Insights Mobile test, despite not being the best. On a mobile device, the theme’s loading times aren’t too bad, and they get even faster on a desktop.

Annual & Lifetime Pricing

• This theme is available at ThemeForest, and you can buy a regular license for $49.

Support

• Sync up with popular plugins like WPML and WooCommerce.
• Create a community website with BuddyPress and bbPress connectors that look great.
• The theme is completely editable, allowing you to match your brand’s colors, layouts, and buttons.

9. Hestia

Hestia is a distinctive theme by Themeisle, the creators of Neve. This contemporary single-page theme promises to make it easier for you to create a website for any type of business. Hestia is designed from the ground up for speed and user-friendliness. Additionally, it works with WooCommerce, making it simple and quick to launch your ecommerce shop.

Key Features

• Beginner websites that facilitate the import of demo site content. This makes the process of creating your website incredibly simple and quick.
• Add a slider and a video header to your design to make it outstanding.
• Theme with good SEO.
• Multilingual support and RTL.
• Gives you complete control over menu designs and customization with responsive and inventive mega menus.

Speed & Performance

Hestia has a GTmetrix performance rating of 100 percent. The Pingdom grade of this theme stands at 92, however, is a little lower than that of its alternatives. Even its demands are somewhat excessive. 

Annual & Lifetime Pricing

• Its Business license costs $150 per year, while its Personal licence is $80. The $347/year Agency package is an option if you intend to utilize it on several websites.

Support

• To fine-tune the appearance of your website and see the changes immediately, use its Live Customizer.
• You may design your WordPress website using the video instructions provided by Hestia.
• Nearly all popular page builders, including Gutenberg, the latest WordPress editor, are supported by the theme.

10. Airi

A premium WordPress theme is called Airi. Its simple, quick, and light design will enable you to get high-performance outcomes. Any website can be made with the aid of an intuitive design and ready-made examples.

Key Features

• Has a distinctive design and is separated into four stacks.
• Provides a Cornerstone page creator to aid in the theme customization process.
• The WooCommerce-ready theme makes it simple to launch an online store.
• Both the Revolution Slider plugin and the X Theme License are free.
• Provides a mega menu so you may create intricate menus spanning numerous pages.

Speed and Performance

Impressively, Airi received a perfect GTmetrix performance rating. It also has excellent PageSpeed Insights performance scores of 99 and 100. The Pingdom grade for the theme is likewise above average. Try Airi if you enjoy working with drag & drop widgets.

Annual & Lifetime Pricing

• PopularFX offers a free download and a Pro edition that costs $59 per year. The annual fee for the business and professional licenses is $249 and $89 respectively.

Support

• Revision control is a feature of the theme that enables you to change, undo, or redo previous theme versions.
• With its numerous widgets, Airi allows for complete customization, enabling you to create pages with a variety of options for things like sizing, font colors, motion, spacing, etc.

11. Hello Elementor

Knowing how quick and simple it can be to create a WordPress site without writing any code if you are familiar with the Elementor Page Builder. It’s no surprise that the same makers of Elementor, one of the most popular drag-and-drop website builders, have created a theme called Hello Elementor that is quick and adaptable.

Key Features

• Any website may be created using the theme and page builder with the Elementor connection.
• In addition to many others, Hello Elementor’s page builder features include video, headings, spacers, Google Maps, portfolios, and blogs.
• Elementor has capabilities built-in for quickly creating landing pages.
• Popular plugins like WooCommerce, Yoast, and WPML are all integrated with the theme.
• You get a stunning responsive design that works on all devices.
• Utilize RTL support to create multilingual and translated websites.
• With a large user base and quality support materials, Hello Elementor makes it simple for you to ask for assistance and locate online content.

Speed and Performance

The GTmetrix Score for Elementor is outstanding. It had an average Pingdom grade. Prior to this, it received great marks in Google’s PageSpeed Insights, but the previously lightning-fast loading times are now a little slower. Its TTFB test results are significantly better than those of its rivals.

Annual & Lifetime Pricing

Paid plans (beginning at $49 annually) are available for extra templates, widgets, and element builders in addition to the free Elementor Page Builder.

Support

• Without coding, an incredibly adaptable and customizable theme.
• There are many website templates to help you get started.
• Tidy and efficient code.
• Theme powered by WooCommerce for rapid online store creation.

12. Twenty Twenty-One

Twenty Twenty-One is a WordPress provided theme that comes with every new WordPress installation and is maintained in the official repository by WordPress contributors. Beautiful block patterns are included in the theme, allowing you to build fantastic websites from the ground up. Furthermore, the theme performs exceptionally well, making it one of the fastest WordPress themes available.

Key Features

• It has a simple and minimalistic design.
• Its simple design makes it incredibly adaptable and allows you to easily create any WordPress site, such as a portfolio site.
• The block editor is fully tuned for Gutenberg, allowing you to express yourself freely.
• It has a dark mode option.
• Enhances the user’s page experience with eye-catching and soft hues.

Speed & Performance

Twenty Twenty-One performed as per its predecessor’s reputation by performing admirably in every test. It received the highest marks out among the other options we examined. It has the highest score of 99 percent for GTmetrix structure, as well as excellent scores for PageSpeed Insights for mobile and desktop.

Annual Pricing

The Twenty Twenty-One WordPress theme is available for free.

Support

• The block editor is fully tuned for Gutenberg, allowing you to express yourself freely.
• It has a dark mode option.
• Enhances the user’s page experience with eye-catching and soft hues.

13. Twenty Twenty-Two

Twenty Twenty-Two is a WordPress default theme that was released with WP 5.9. It’s intended to be a versatile, lightweight, and configurable default theme that serves as a great testing ground for patterns, templates, blocks. Twenty Twenty-two is ideal for testing out the new features in WordPress 5.9, including Navigation Blocks, Global Styles, Full Site Editing and improved picture galleries.

Key Features

• The styles of the theme are inspired by the versatility  and diversity of birds.
• The font of Twenty Twenty-Two is light but forceful, and the color palette inspiration has been taken from nature.
• The layout elements of the theme are available on the page being designed
• It was created to take advantage of the new features for Full Site Editing in WP 5.9.

Speed & Performance

With a performance score of 99 percent and a structural score of 98 percent, the Twenty Twenty-Two theme gets off to a good start. However, with 564.90 KB, its page is the largest among the themes evaluated, completely obliterating its ranking. With the exception of Pingdom, it was the slowest on performance tests.

Apart from the scores, the majority of the other statistics, such as the PageSpeed Insights Speed Index are still impressive. If you’re going to do the latest WordPress theme optimization on a website, ensure that you optimize it for speed.

Annual Pricing

The Twenty Twenty-Two WordPress theme is available for free.

Support

• WooCommerce features are powerful.
• Multi-site checkout can help you increase your conversion rate.
• Clean and modern styles enable you to develop one-of-a-kind and gorgeous websites.

Conclusion

Consider the Astra theme if you want a WordPress theme that’s dependable, fast-loading, SEO-optimized, ranks well with customers (based on WordPress reviews and customer testimonials), and isn’t too expensive. Astra is a fast WordPress theme that is easy to configure and includes pre-made templates. The best part is that Astra is completely free. Astra Pro will assist you in providing more tweaks and personalization as your website grows and adds more features. Neve is similarly customizable. It’s a lightweight theme with many customization options, and it’s a wonderful alternative to Astra.

A fast-loading WordPress theme can assist you in creating a fast-loading website that thrills your visitors while also increasing your ranking potential. You’ll set yourself up for success if you start with a clean codebase and just use the elements you require. A speed-optimized theme might help you get top search engine rankings. It can also help you increase traffic and, more significantly, convert visitors into customers or subscribers. However, with thousands of free and premium themes, as well as premium versions of free themes, picking one might be difficult.

Regardless of whether your website is an eCommerce store, a company page, or a simple landing page, you should verify if it is SEO optimized. If you’re still stumped, there are a plethora of internet guides on how to create a proper WordPress website with free WordPress themes. If the free versions aren’t enough, you may always upgrade to a paid version.