Astra vs Divi
Astra and Divi are the two giants of modern WordPress site creation, but their goals vastly differ. Astra prioritizes lightning-fast performance and flexible integration with external builders you love. Divi is a complete, powerful visual framework designed to replace dozens of disjointed plugins. Your choice depends on whether speed or deep design control is your absolute priority.
Speedy theme with amazing support.
We find Astra combines top-tier performance with exceptional user support, clearly setting it apart from competitors. Its flexible, lightweight code makes professional website development accessible and efficient for users of all skill levels. Overall, Astra is a leading choice for anyone building on the WordPress platform.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight architecture ensuring very fast load times.
- Customer support is consistently described as prompt, helpful, and professional.
- Support often provides personalized guidance, including video screencasts.
- High degree of flexibility and extensive customization options.
Cons
- Introductory pricing means renewal rates are notably higher.
- The free version is perceived by some as being overly restrictive.
- The premium version has minor limitations in deep styling options (e.g., author box alignment).
Powerful Visual Framework, Unmatched Support.
We find Divi provides tremendous value, especially for agencies needing an unlimited-use license combined with premium features like AI and cloud storage. Overall, this visual builder stands out due to its superior front-end editing capabilities and industry-leading customer support.
Pros
- Allows unlimited website usage on all license types (Annual and Lifetime).
- Exceptional 24/7 customer support with reported response times often under 10 minutes.
- Acts as a complete framework, replacing the need for dozens of disjointed plugins.
- Visual editor enables deep customization without requiring code knowledge.
Cons
- The sheer volume of features and options can create a steep learning curve.
- Some highly specific layout elements may still require custom CSS adjustments.
AboutAstra
Astra is recognized as the world's most popular WordPress theme. It functions as a complete digital toolkit for anyone who builds on WordPress. This includes everything from the core theme and pre-built templates to advanced AI integrations. Astra focuses on delivering exceptional speed and reliability 💡. It’s perfect for solo freelance creators, busy web pros, and growing agencies alike.
AboutDivi
Divi is the world’s most popular premium WordPress theme and their flagship visual page builder. It is more than just a theme; it’s a robust website building framework. This tool replaces the standard WordPress post editor with a highly advanced visual editor. 💡
Whether you are a seasoned design professional or a complete newcomer, Divi gives you the power to create beautiful designs with surprising ease. Freelancers, agencies, and website owners can all jump right into the visual interface.
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Core Performance & Speed
Astra is ruthlessly optimized for speed; Divi prioritizes visual building efficiency.
Astra's core code is famously lean, utilizing less than 50 KB of resources. Websites built with Astra can achieve load times as fast as 0.5 seconds. Astra uses lightweight Vanilla JavaScript, maximizing stability and performance. Divi performs well but focuses on being a feature-rich visual framework. Its core goal is giving users extensive, immediate design control. Divi necessarily loads more components to power its immersive builder experience. Astra is the clear winner if raw Lighthouse scores and speed are your highest priorities. Choose Astra if you must have the fastest possible starting point for SEO performance. This speed advantage helps Astra websites rank higher and reduces visitor bounce rates due to fast loading.
Website Licensing Model
Divi offers true unlimited usage; Astra restricts licenses by the number of sites.
Astra offers licenses for 3, 10, or 1000 websites, scaling with your production needs. You must upgrade your license tier as your business grows. This model limits how many sites you can actively manage. A single Divi membership, Annual or Lifetime, allows installation on unlimited websites. This creates immense long-term value for agencies and freelancers. You never worry about hitting a cap on site count. Astra is slightly cheaper initially for 1-2 sites with their introductory pricing. However, Divi becomes dramatically more cost-effective if you plan to launch 10 or more client sites. Freelancers who build a high volume of websites will see huge savings by choosing Divi for its infinite scalability.
Visual Builder System
Divi uses an integrated front-end builder; Astra integrates with Elementor/Spectra Pro.
Astra functions as a super-fast foundation theme that integrates with all major page builders. Users often pair Astra with their builder of choice, like Elementor, Gutenberg, or the bundled Spectra Pro. This flexibility allows rapid site assembly using templates. Divi *is* the builder, replacing the standard WordPress editor with an advanced visual interface. Designing directly on the front end feels similar to using professional graphic design software. Divi offers a deeper, more granular visual control over all elements within a single interface. Astra offers more flexibility regarding which third-party building tool you decide to use. The integrated visual control in Divi means fewer plugin conflicts and a smoother design flow for complex custom layouts.
AI and Automation
Divi offers feature-integrated, unlimited AI; Astra bundles limited AI tools as bonuses.
Astra Toolkit plans include valuable services like ZipWP Pro for 3 months to instantly generate a full website. OttoKit is also included for 6 months to handle workflow automation and app integration. These are excellent, time-limited bonuses. Divi Pro includes unlimited Divi AI generation for layouts, text, images, and code. Divi AI is a core feature, directly integrated into the builder itself on the Pro subscription plan. For ongoing, seamless, and unlimited AI assistance within the builder, Divi Pro is the standout choice. Astra provides strong tools for a powerful, quick start, but they expire over time. Divi AI allows agencies to generate numerous layout drafts and bespoke content instantly, accelerating production for client projects.
Agency Workflow Tools
Astra includes built-in client feedback and white labeling; Divi focuses on team access.
Astra's Business Toolkit includes crucial agency tools like White Label functionality for professional re-branding. It also features SureFeedback to facilitate direct, on-page client comments, eliminating messy email chains. These features streamline revision cycles. Divi Pro includes Divi Teams access, allowing up to four members under one subscription. However, Divi does not include native white-labeling or a dedicated client feedback tool. External plugins are needed. Astra provides a more comprehensive, integrated workflow package for managing clients and revisions. Divi focuses more on the design team collaboration aspect. Agencies managing sensitive clients prefer Astra for the ability to provide a fully white-labeled final product.
E-commerce Integration
Astra optimizes for speed and conversions; Divi optimizes for design customization.
Astra is widely recognized as the #1 WooCommerce theme, built for conversion performance. It offers optimized, customizable checkouts and features like off-canvas sidebars. The focus is on fast, reliable shopping experiences. Divi integrates deeply with WooCommerce, extending its visual builder to every corner of your shop. This allows unique visual customization of product and shop pages. You can make truly unique storefronts. Choose Astra for unmatched e-commerce speed that helps reduce cart abandonment rates. Choose Divi for visually complex, uniquely branded product layout designs. Both Astra and Divi offer robust WooCommerce integration, ensuring you can build a powerful online store with either platform.
Customer Support
Both offer excellent support, but Divi guarantees significantly faster response times for Pro users.
Astra receives stellar reviews for its prompt and helpful support team. They often provide personalized video screencasts to solve complex issues completely. Quick help is consistently reported by users. Divi offers 24/7 Premium Support with response times frequently under 10 minutes. The Divi VIP support (Pro plan) guarantees a maximum 30-minute response time around the clock. This is industry-leading. Agency users who need immediate assistance for client emergencies will appreciate Divi's guaranteed 30-minute VIP response. Both options are highly professional. Astra users praise individual support agents who are dedicated and patient during complicated transitions or setups.
Our Verdict
This is a choice between two powerful philosophies: speed versus design control. Don't choose Astra or Divi; choose the model that fits your scaling needs. Both Astra and Divi offer exceptional value and professional support. Astra’s superpower is performance and flexibility within the WordPress ecosystem. Astra is the leanest theme available, keeping resources under 50 KB for blazing-fast load times. It integrates perfectly with your favorite page builders like Elementor or Gutenberg. Divi's superpower is its completely integrated, all-in-one visual framework. Divi replaces external plugins with a superior visual editor, native AI, and powerful marketing tools. For designers who want pixel-perfect customization on unlimited websites, Divi is a game changer. The deciding factor is primarily scalability and site count. If you build five or more websites for clients, Divi's unlimited license structure is highly cost-effective. However, if you must have the fastest load times and rely heavily on client feedback tools, Astra is the superior foundation. In short: If you prioritize raw speed or agency feedback tools, choose Astra. If you want unmatched design control and unlimited use for numerous clients, Divi is the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for core speed: Astra or Divi?
Astra is specifically built to be lightweight and fast, loading in under 0.5 seconds. Its core code is tiny, less than 50 KB. While Divi performs well, Astra is the clear winner for raw core speed metrics.
Does Divi offer an unlimited license like Astra?
Actually, Divi offers unlimited website usage on all its paid licenses. Astra limits licenses to maximum counts of 3, 10, or 1000 sites. Divi is far more cost-effective for agencies building many client sites.
Does Astra have a dedicated visual page builder like Divi?
Astra is a flexible, lightweight theme designed to integrate with builders you already use. This includes Elementor, Gutenberg, and the bundled Spectra Pro. Divi is a unified theme and visual builder framework.
Which tool is better for managing client workflow?
Astra's Business Toolkit includes crucial agency tools like White Labeling and SureFeedback for direct, on-page commenting. Divi requires external plugins for these specific client revision efficiencies.
Is Divi's Lifetime license a better deal for professionals than Astra's?
For anyone building multiple sites, yes. Divi's one-time fee of $249 covers unlimited websites forever. Astra's lowest Lifetime plan costs more and is restricted to only three sites.
Which has better integrated marketing tools for lead generation?
Divi includes integrated marketing features like the Bloom email plugin and the Divi Leads A/B testing tool. Astra focuses on site building, using OttoKit for third-party automation integration instead.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.