Updated 20 October 2026. Theme-directory versions and requirements checked on this date.
A theme needs to support the pages your customers use: a clear homepage, useful service pages, proof of your work and an easy route to contact you. This is a business-focused shortlist, not a claim that one theme is best for every site.
Our WordPress website team can help match the theme to your editing needs. If the structure and visual direction need planning first, our Figma UI/UX design service can establish the page layouts before the build.
Start with the workflow, not the demo
List the pages, forms and integrations the business needs. Decide whether staff will edit with the WordPress block editor or a separate page builder. Then test the header, navigation, service-page layout and contact journey with real content. A polished demo does not establish that your own long headings and project photographs will fit.
The directory provides a free download for the themes below. Some have commercial upgrades, so confirm the edition used by any starter design before estimating the total build cost. No speed ranking or paid-feature equivalence is claimed here.
1. Astra
Compare its layout controls with the editor or page builder you intend to use. Confirm the free theme supplies the particular header and page layout shown in your chosen design.
Directory version checked: 4.14.1. Listed requirements: WordPress 5.3; PHP 5.3. Directory categories: Custom colors, Custom menu, E-commerce, Translation ready. Review the official theme listing.
2. GeneratePress
Compare its layout controls with the editor or page builder you intend to use. Confirm the free theme supplies the particular header and page layout shown in your chosen design.
Directory version checked: 3.6.1. Listed requirements: WordPress 6.5; PHP 7.4. Directory categories: Custom colors, Custom menu, E-commerce, Translation ready. Review the official theme listing.
3. Kadence
Compare its layout controls with the editor or page builder you intend to use. Confirm the free theme supplies the particular header and page layout shown in your chosen design.
Directory version checked: 1.5.2. Listed requirements: WordPress 6.3; PHP 7.4. Directory categories: Accessibility ready, Custom colors, Custom menu, E-commerce. Review the official theme listing.
4. Blocksy
Compare its layout controls with the editor or page builder you intend to use. Confirm the free theme supplies the particular header and page layout shown in your chosen design.
Directory version checked: 2.1.60. Listed requirements: WordPress 6.7; PHP 7.0. Directory categories: Accessibility ready, Block editor patterns, Custom colors, Custom menu. Review the official theme listing.
5. Neve
Compare its layout controls with the editor or page builder you intend to use. Confirm the free theme supplies the particular header and page layout shown in your chosen design.
Directory version checked: 4.2.16. Listed requirements: WordPress 5.5; PHP 7.0. Directory categories: Accessibility ready, Block editor patterns, Custom colors, Custom menu. Review the official theme listing.
6. OceanWP
Compare its layout controls with the editor or page builder you intend to use. Confirm the free theme supplies the particular header and page layout shown in your chosen design.
Directory version checked: 4.2.7. Listed requirements: WordPress 5.9; PHP 7.4. Directory categories: Accessibility ready, Custom colors, Custom menu, E-commerce. Review the official theme listing.
7. Hestia
Compare its layout controls with the editor or page builder you intend to use. Confirm the free theme supplies the particular header and page layout shown in your chosen design.
Directory version checked: 3.3.8. Listed requirements: WordPress False; PHP 5.4.0. Directory categories: Custom colors, Custom menu, E-commerce, Portfolio. Review the official theme listing.
8. Sydney
Compare its layout controls with the editor or page builder you intend to use. Confirm the free theme supplies the particular header and page layout shown in your chosen design.
Directory version checked: 2.72. Listed requirements: WordPress False; PHP 7.2. Directory categories: Block editor patterns, Custom colors, Custom menu, E-commerce. Review the official theme listing.
9. Hello Elementor
Consider this when Elementor is central to the build. Plan the theme, page builder and any required Pro features together rather than expecting the theme alone to provide a finished business website.
Directory version checked: 3.5.1. Listed requirements: WordPress 6.0; PHP 7.4. Directory categories: Accessibility ready, Custom colors, Custom menu, Translation ready. Review the official theme listing.
10. Twenty Twenty-Five
The directory identifies this as a block theme. Include the Site Editor, patterns and template editing in your trial workflow.
Directory version checked: 1.5. Listed requirements: WordPress 6.7; PHP 7.2. Directory categories: Accessibility ready, Block editor patterns, Custom colors, Custom menu. Review the official theme listing.
Test the shortlist on a copy of your site
Use the same content when comparing themes. Check one long service page, the blog, a contact form and the main navigation on desktop and mobile. Confirm that links remain visible, headings fit and form confirmations are understandable. Evaluate accessibility with the finished page, not simply a label in a directory.
If you are replacing an existing theme, retain a backup and review any shortcodes, widgets or custom templates that the old theme supplied. Keep existing URLs and metadata when the change is visual, and test redirects separately if a genuine content move is part of the project.
For more on the decision, read how to choose a WordPress theme for your business.
