My experience with GeneratePress is good. My site’s loading time is now under 2 seconds, and the core web vitals metrics have also turned green.
Their free version is limited at starting but to have complete control of layout you can’t ignore the pro version.
This theme gives you a default design on the startup as the site-templates kit is only available when you upgrade it.
The theme is SEO optimized and you can design all types of sites including blog, WooCommerce store, etc. It’s great for beginners and developers alike, as they will appreciate the “Elements” and “Hook” features.
The forum based support is trusted by thousands of users but the live chat & phone support is not functional as of now.
They have affordable yearly plans but it would be better if they also offer lifetime plans.
Overall, if you are a complete rookie then you have to invest time in learning a few things about GeneratePress modules. They don’t offer a setup wizard so there is a DIY setup for sure.
Pros
The performance is great because the size of GeneratePress is less and only consumes 10 KB.
It works flawlessly with all major WordPress page builders including Beaver Builder, Elementor, and more.
1 license can be used on unlimited sites.
Wide range of color and typography options are there.
The ability to create your own custom blocks is given
Gives you complete layout control
People say there is extensive documentation and great forum support available
Access to a ton of pre-made templates in the Site Library
You can use the GenerateBlocks plugin (which is free) to extend your theme functionality
Fully SEO optimized and mobile responsive
Cons
The free version of GeneratePress offers limited features (apart from that, we don’t see any major cons with GeneratePress).
You cannot connect with the GeneratePress support team via live chat or phone.
Beginners need to learn about GeneratePress modules before activating them or start customizing their site.
The lifetime plans have been discontinued.
Not easy to integrate with LMS & membership plugins including LifterLMS.
GeneratePress theme popularity is as high as Mount Everest, We all know that!
But is it really worth it for your site?
Well, all my sites are hosted on the GeneratePress theme and I believe I can help you to decide if you should invest your money in this WordPress theme or not.
I’ve thoroughly reviewed GeneratePress and structured my experience in an easy-to-understand way, highlighting both the positives and negatives.
Quick Note: Please read the summary at the top to get a quick glance on our experience and findings.
Quick Introduction to GeneratePress WordPress Theme
GeneratePress is a lightweight multipurpose WordPress theme that allows you to create ANY type of website including a business site, portfolio site, agency site, cryptocurrency site, or eCommerce store.
Generate Press is a popular WordPress theme that currently has over 5.8 million downloads along with 1000+ 5-star ratings from customers.
Compared to other themes, GeneratePress stands out with its extensive documentation and exceptionally helpful customer support.
While the free version offers a basic yet clean design style, accessing demo site templates requires upgrading to the premium version.
The core strength of GeneratePress lies in its “Elements” module, which is highly appreciated by both developers and regular users.
This powerful feature enables you to achieve virtually any layout, making it a versatile and invaluable tool for site customization.
Key Features:
Gutenberg Ready
Use the theme on up to 500 websites
Fully translated over 30+ languages
Access to premium modules
Access to the site library
30 days money-back guarantee on their premium plans
1 year of updates and support on the yearly plan
What I Like About GeneratePress? [From My Experience]
GP Performance is Far Better than Free Themes (Here is a Proof)
Both WordPress themes and a hosting server directly impact the site performance.
Theme like GeneratePress help websites in loading fast which ultimately helps users in:
Getting higher conversions
Higher search rankings
Better user engagement
More sales and the list goes on
Before GeneratePress, we were using a heavy coded theme we got for free. But later we understood it is important to invest in a premium theme.
Here are the performance changes we feel after installing GeneratePress on our website:
Performance Before GeneratePress
Performance After Loading Time
Avg Loading Time: 3.2 Seconds
Avg Loading Time: 1.5 Seconds
Core Web Vitals: Red (Failed)
Core Web Vitals: Red (Failed)
Avg Speed Score: 60-70
Avg Speed Score: 95+
HTTP Request: 43
HTTP Request: 25
We’ve used the Pingdom speed test to test the performance and page speed of Generate Press.
As you can see above, the website loads in just around 1.2 seconds, which is great!
Here are the Core Web Vitals (CWV) scores. All 624 indexed URLs have a good score and not a single URL has a poor score or needs improvement.
The Google Core Web Vitals score is also pretty good with the GP theme.
Here’s the page experience overview;
The page experience (which shows you how users perceive the experience of interacting with a web page) is incredible as well.
Overall, the performance of my website has increased with the GeneratePress theme, and due to the clean code, the page size has also reduced.
Before moving further, remember that installing GeneratePress alone won’t skyrocket your website’s performance. Web hosting servers are equally important. Avoid cheap hosting providers and invest in a quality web hosting service and a caching plugin like WP Rocket.
GenerateBlocks Helps me Eliminate the Third Party Heavy Page Builders Plugins
GeneratePress is not just about a “Single theme”. But it has additional functionality you can leverage.
They have this awesome plugin called “GenerateBlocks”. It is the first-ever block-based theme builder that is 100% compatible with your GeneratePress theme.
But what is its real benefit?
Popular WordPress page builders take over your default Gutenberg editor and offer you theme builder-like functionality. In the future, if you decide to uninstall these page builders, your site layout will break.
But this doesn’t happen with GenerateBlocks because it is block-based like Gutenberg, and it doesn’t impact performance at all.
You can use GenerateBlocks to start designing your site from scratch.
By combining it with the GeneratePress theme, you get much better control over theme building.
Although GenerateBlocks is available in a free version, you may want to get the pro version which includes over 200 built-in patterns that make designing much faster.
You don’t need to touch the code to customize your site in the GeneratePress.
Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can still customize every element of your website including header, footer, logo, author boxes, single posts, 404 error pages, and so on.
I deleted all additional third-party heavy website page builder plugins on my site and switched to this “block-based” theme builder plugin. It feels much lighter compared to other big names in the industry.
I have good experience in web development, but if you are a rookie, let me tell you that the GenerateBlocks theme builder doesn’t support drag & drop functionality yet.
You can achieve great designs, but the drag & drop mode is always much easier to work with.
GeneratePress is a Multipurpose – You can Build Any Type of Website
My website type is Blog and I set up and customized it with GeneratePress easily.
But the possibility is endless.
With GeneratePress theme, You can create websites like
Blogs
eCommerce website
News Website
Business
Portfolio
GeneratePress theme gives you access to Site Library where you’ll find 99 beautifully designed templates that you can use to quickly build ANY kind of website.
The premade site templates include basic pages and demo content. So you can quickly design and customize your site however you want.
GeneratePress Open up the Endless Opportunities in “Layouts”
GeneratePress provides complete control over Layouts that you can use to modify your website’s appearance.
From tweaking simple layout settings in the customizer to creating a custom layout using “Block Element” for all parts of a website such as the header, footer, hero, content, etc., you can literally achieve any layout you envision.
Let me introduce you to a couple of Layout settings in GeneratePress:
1.) Header and Navigation
The best part about using GeneratePress is that you can easily customize your website’s header. It can be customized in multiple ways including primary navigation, sticky navigation, mobile header, etc.
You can use the Site Identity to change your site title, tagline, logo, logo width, etc.
Here’s what the Site Identity customization looks like;
As you can see above, you can change everything including the logo, logo width, retina logo, etc.
You can also set a different mobile header with a different logo of your site for those who are visiting your site from mobile devices. The best part? You can also make the mobile header sticky.
Here’s what the mobile header looks like;
You can also display a back-to-top button for easy navigation.
2.) Menu Option
The menu option functions similarly to other themes. In the Free version of GeneraPress, you have access to one navigation menu, whereas the Paid version provides you 3 navigation menus.
I’ve created multiple menus that I can switch between for my primary menu navigation, depending on my specific goals. For instance, during Black Friday sales, I modified my primary menu to highlight Black Friday-related deals.
3.) WidgetsOptions
You can manage various sections of your website, including the header bar, footer bar, sidebar, and top bar, using widgets.
You can see in the image above, that you can include up to 5 widgets in the footer section. This enables you to create multiple footer widgets that can incorporate various elements, such as links to important pages, affiliate disclosures, and popular posts.
GeneratePress provides multiple options, such as recent posts, calendars, categories, and custom HTML, to add to widgets.
All these widget options are accessible in both the free and premium versions of GeneratePress.
4.) Page-level controls
Page-level controls are a standard feature in most WordPress themes, and GeneratePress is no exception.
You have the option to customize elements such as the sidebar layout, footer layout, content container size, and the option to disable specific elements on a post. This control allows you to adjust your website’s look and features in detail as per your preferences.
Elements Module is the Main Highlight of a GeneratePress Premium Version
Remember I mentioned “Block Element” in the previous section. Well it was a sub part of the main “Element Module”
Mostly, free users upgrade to “GeneratePress Premium” specifically for its “Elements” module.
In simple language, It allows you to make changes to your site header, sidebar, hooks, footer, or any part of the site without being directly involved in the main theme coding files.
Also, there’s no limit to the number of things you can customize including Page Heros, sidebars, call to action, footers, etc.
If you need more layout control, then the Elements module of a GeneratePress would be your best buddy!
Block (you can create blocks and display them at any location on your website including posts, pages, 404 pages, footer, etc)
Header (you can use page heroes to create powerful headers for your WordPress website)
Hook (it helps you add custom code to any location on your website)
Layout (this feature helps you create custom layouts to display on specific posts, pages, categories, or tags)
A module like GeneratePress Elements is rarely found in other themes, and trust me, you can do endless things with it in real-life use cases.
For example, a few days ago, I created a customized “Author Box” on my site using GeneratePress Block Element without any coding, and then I used the Hook Element to display it at the end of every post.
On my site, I have created dozens of custom layouts (see image below) using the GeneratePress Elements module. It is impressive and definitely a money value module.
The Integration with WooCommerce is Useful too
GeneratePress has a dedicated module for WooCommerce.
If you ever installed a WooCommerce plugin, then you must know what WooCommerce default product pages look like. They are badly styled and you have to tweak styling in order to give a decent look.
This is where this WooCommerce module of the GeneratePress theme comes into action.
The WooCommerce module provides theme styling options for the Shop and Product Pages. It gives you layout, color, and typography options for your WooCommerce elements.
Quick Note: In order to activate the WooCommerce add-on from GeneratePress, you must have the WooCommerce plugin installed and activated.
Once it’s activated, you can customize your eCommerce store however you want.
Here’s what the customization looks like;
The GeneratePress is Made by Keeping “Beginners” in Mind
I have already mentioned that with GeneratePress having the “Block Element” and the GenerateBlocks plugin add-on, you can achieve any type of layout without coding.
This concept is quite beneficial for beginners.
Apart from this, is it easy to install and use GeneratePress? Does it have a good UI?
Well, let’s start with the installation process.
1.) How to Install GP Premium Theme
The process to install a GP is 100% manual as you find with other themes.
Firstly, you need to install and activate the GeneratePress free theme in order to use the GeneratePress Premium theme. Here’s the link to download the free version.
Once the payment is done, you’ll be able to download the zip file of the GP Premium plugin.
Then, you can upload the premium version of GeneratePress from the Plugins section on WordPress.
Click on the Install Now button to continue and then activate the plugin. Once activated, you’ll get access to all the modules where you can install individual modules if you want.
Here’s what it looks like;
That’s it, you’re ready to go!
I have faced zero difficulties so far!
If you are a total beginner and you don’t have a basic knowledge of WordPress elements like Blog, Spacing, Typography, etc.
Then you need to read GeneratePress documents. They have explained each module they have.
2.) The User Interface & Customization Process
Once you install the GP theme, customizing the basic settings is really simple. All you need to open the customizer from the WordPress dashboard.
Inside the GeneratePress customizer, you get all the customization settings organized into their main tabs: Site Identity, Layout, Colors, Typography, etc.
If you haven’t been introduced to these types of settings before, there’s no need to worry because once you explore these settings one by one and play around, you’ll automatically understand what each setting does.
Every change you make, it will reflect on the right window (your website) in real time.
And remember, there is no coding required in the GP theme customizing process.
Styling Controls are Advanced
Typography
I appreciate GeneratePress’ typography feature, which stands out as more advanced than those offered by some other WordPress themes.
You can choose from over 200 font styles, including some popular Google fonts, to customize your website’s typography.
Additionally, you have the flexibility to adjust font size, weight, text transformation, line spacing, and paragraph margins to achieve your desired visual style.
You can also modify the heading text for H1, H2, and H3 along with the body text content.
Color Options
GeneratePress offers customization for multiple color elements, including backgrounds, text, links, link hover colors, and blog title hover effects.
I am using the GeneratePress premium version, which grants access to a global color palette, enabling me to fine-tune the colors for more specific elements of my website.
These options empower me to establish a distinct visual identity for BloggerPassion. I have customized the colors using my brand’s signature “blue” shade for crucial elements such as links, button backgrounds, and navigation text, aligning them with my brand identity.
The GeneratePress Support Team Always Helps & Being Responsive to Me
GeneratePress probably has the BEST support and documentation in place.
Even if you’re using the FREE version of GeneratePress, you’ll find great support in the form of a support forum.
If you’re a premium user, you can directly log into your account to post a topic to receive responses quickly.
Whenever I have questions, I first search inside their documentation. 9 out of 10 times, I find solutions in the threads where other users have already asked the same questions.
When it comes to theme customization, documentation plays a KEY role. GeneratePress offers a HUGE knowledge base where you’ll find documentation for every template.
You get extensive documentation from general queries to customization to modules.
For users looking for phone support or live chat support, this facility is currently not available from GeneratePress.
They Keep the Things Up-to-date
A WordPress theme is good only if it is updated and improved continuously. On the Changelog page, you can see how frequently the GeneratePress team updates the theme.
On average, you will see a major update every 2-3 months. They take customer feedback seriously and regularly fix bugs and introduce new features.
What I Don’t Like About GeneratePress?
1.) The Free Version is Not Worthy (GeneratePress Free vs Premium)
I am not denying that you cannot build a site with a GeneratePress free version.
For example, there is no “Hook” element so if you want to embed a script into the header, footer, or any section of the site then you have to do it manually by tweaking theme files which is dangerous. Or you have to install an external plugin like Insert headers and footers.
This is just one example. Unnecessary plugins make your site heavy, which impacts performance.
Before GP premium, our site has more than 30+ plugins. However we realized the need for the premium version functionality. By getting the “Elements” module in the paid version, we are able to eliminate the 16 unnecessary plugins.
Apart from this, GeneratePress doesn’t offer any pre-made site templates inside the free version. So you have to build your theme from scratch. Other themes like Astra are ahead in terms of this aspect.
GeneratePress Free Version Features:
Mobile responsive
Lifetime free access
Basic support in the form of a WordPress theme forum
Use on unlimited sites
GeneratePress Premium Version Features:
Access to block-based theme builder
Provides site library access to website templates
Priority support
More styling options including color, typography, spacing, etc
Copyright control
Archived columns
Premium modules
Advanced layout system
Overlay off-canvas panel and much more
2.) The Lifetime Plans is No Longer Available
The 2025 Summer is hard as GeneratePress has discontinued its lifetime plans. Yes, that’s the latest!
Although the yearly pricing is still the same, lifetime plans are the best. I am not sure if they will bring back the lifetime plans in the near future or in the Black Friday sale.
Previously, they have offered the GenerateBlocks paid plugin within the theme pricing but now users have to pay for both which ultimately increases the expense.
GeneratePress Premium: You get a theme only – $59/year
GeneratePress One: You get all GP products – $149/year
GenerateBlocks Pro: You get a GB plugin only – $99/year
You get 500 website installations, a site library, 1 year of updates, 1 year of form support, and 30 days money back policy in all the GeneratePress plans.
Now if you want just a GP theme, then you can live with the “GP Premium” plan.
But if you want a pro version of the GenerateBlocks plugin as well I suggest you go with the “One” plan because it gets you everything + premium email support is the extra advantage here.
Buying a GenerateBlocks plugin separately is a foolish thing and a waste of money.
If you wish to cancel the GP subscription, your website won’t crash or break. You can use the theme but the theme won’t get new updates at all.
Top 3 GeneratePress Alternatives
Here are 3 handpicked WordPress themes you can try as an alternative to GeneratePress.
1. Astra
Astra theme is one of the popular GeneratePress alternatives which is used by over 1.6 million people around the world. Its paid version pricing starts from $49/year.
Compared to GeneratePress, you’ll find Astra free version much better as it offers dozens of pre-made site templates. Plus, Astra offers lifetime plans which can be quite cost-effective.
Divi is not only a theme but it’s a complete design framework that helps you customize every part of your website including header, footer, single post templates, 404 error pages, etc.
It also offers a visual editor along with over 800 premade website layouts to create any type of website. You need an Elegant Themes membership to use the Divi theme.
Compared to GeneratePress, Divi offers a robust drag & drop page builder which is designed especially for beginners.
What is the difference between GeneratePress free vs premium?
GeneratePress free version comes with limited customization options whereas GeneratePress Premium offers you every feature that helps you change anything on your website (from header to footer to 404 pages).
How much does the GeneratePress Premium cost?
GeneratePress Premium plans start from $59/year.
How many sites can I use GeneratePress on?
If you’ve access to the GeneratePress Premium, you can use it on up to 500 websites, whether they’re for you or your clients.
What if I’m not happy with the GeneratePress premium?
If you’re not happy with GeneratePress Premium, you can ask for a full refund within 30 days of your purchase and you’ll get your money back!
Who created GeneratePress?
Tom Usborne is the creator of GeneratePress.
Is GeneratePress Premium worth it?
The value of GeneratePress Premium depends on your needs. If you want advanced customization, a theme builder, and extra features, it’s worth the investment. For basic sites, the free version may be enough.
Is GeneratePress free?
Yes, GeneratePress offers a free version with basic features that you can use to build and customize your website.
GeneratePress is one of the fastest WordPress themes available, offering excellent features such as pre-made templates, powerful blocks, and a theme editor to kickstart your website. The theme also provides a free version that can be used on unlimited sites.
Did you find our GeneratePress review 2025 helpful? Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comments.
Anil Agarwal is the Founder of Bloggerspassion. He is a full-time blogger and SEO expert who has been helping people build profitable blogs for over a decade Now. He has been featured in Over 100 Publications including Forbes, The HuffPost, HubSpot, Shopify, Semrush, Kinsta, Bluehost, Hostinger and G2.com etc. Know more about Anil Agarwal from here.
Great review! I appreciate the in-depth look at GeneratePress, especially the pros and cons for site speed and customization options. It’s helpful to see real user insights on both the free and premium versions. The details on theme compatibility with page builders like Elementor and WP Bakery also stood out—perfect for anyone considering the theme for their own projects. Thanks for breaking down the key features so well!
Hey Anil, thanks for this awesome piece of generatepress review article, I also use this theme since from last 2 years. I love to use generatepress. You cover almost every details which need to know before buying generatepress theme.
Well, Nice One! and the reason why I use generate press as the theme for my website is that it’s a very lightweight and fast theme. And, if we talk about SEO then we all know that site speed does matter in SEO.
![GeneratePress Review 2025 [Pros, Cons, Theme Features, Pricing & Verdict]](https://bloggerspassion.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/generatepress-testimonials-884x588.png)
Great review! I appreciate the in-depth look at GeneratePress, especially the pros and cons for site speed and customization options. It’s helpful to see real user insights on both the free and premium versions. The details on theme compatibility with page builders like Elementor and WP Bakery also stood out—perfect for anyone considering the theme for their own projects. Thanks for breaking down the key features so well!
Hey Anil, thanks for this awesome piece of generatepress review article, I also use this theme since from last 2 years. I love to use generatepress. You cover almost every details which need to know before buying generatepress theme.
Well, Nice One! and the reason why I use generate press as the theme for my website is that it’s a very lightweight and fast theme. And, if we talk about SEO then we all know that site speed does matter in SEO.