Kadence Theme Review: Is This the Best WordPress Theme for Your Website?

If you have been looking around for a good WordPress theme for your website, then you have probably heard about the Kadence Theme already. This theme has amassed a sizeable number of followers in the WordPress community for its impeccable features in a relatively short time. If you are curious about the theme and want a comprehensive and unbiased review of it, then read till the end.

In this ultimate Kadence Theme review, we will dive into what makes this theme so special, from its history and target audience to its design and layout. We will also take a closer look at the features of both the free and pro versions of Kadence Theme, as well as its pricing plans. By the end of this review, you’ll have a better understanding of whether Kadence Theme is right for your website’s needs. So let’s get started!

How I have reviewed the theme

I have been developing WordPress websites since 2014 and have seen a fair bit of development on the theme front as well. Certain themes have come and gone, while others have truly stood their ground over the years.

While reviewing a theme, apart from looking at the theme’s features, compatibility, and support, I also look at the developer’s commitment to it. This is important because if they do not resolve your queries and stop developing the theme midway, your website will face severe challenges. You will then be forced to shift to another theme or, in some cases, re-develop the website from the ground up.

Kadence Theme Review Summary

After extensively testing the Kadence WP Theme, I found it to be an exceptional theme that is highly customizable, user-friendly, and perfect for creating stunning websites with minimal effort. In this review, I will break down the unique features and benefits of the Kadence Theme that set it apart from its competitors.

So, if you want to learn how the Kadence WP Theme can help you create a visually appealing and highly functional website, keep reading.

Product Overview

The Kadence WP Theme is a versatile WordPress theme designed to cater to the needs of various niches, including bloggers, e-commerce stores, and business websites.

The theme is very flexible and scalable. It offers a friendly theme panel through which it can be customized very easily, even by those who do not have any knowledge of coding. This will enable you to get the perfect design for your site quite easily.

In addition, the theme is lightweight and optimized for speed, ensuring your website loads quickly and performs well across all devices.

The theme supports the WordPress Block Editor, Beaver Builder, Elementor Page Builder, and Kadence Blocks, the page builder developed by the Kadence team itself. It also supports and integrates with a range of plugins, which we will discuss later in the review.

A brief history of the Kadence Theme

The Kadence Theme was developed by Kadence WP LLC, a web design and development company based in Idaho, USA. Kadence WP has in the past produced very successful themes like Virtue and Ascend. In 2021, KadenceWP was acquired by iThemes Media LLC, a leading provider of WordPress plugins, themes, and training.

The Kadence theme was first released in 2018 and has since gained popularity among WordPress users for its user-friendly interface, range of customization options, and fast loading speed. The theme’s development team has continued to update and improve the theme, releasing regular updates and adding new features such as Kadence Starter Templates and Kadence Blocks.

The Kadence Theme has received positive reviews from users and has been featured in various WordPress publications as a top theme for its flexibility and reliability. Overall, the Kadence Theme has become a popular choice for WordPress users looking to create a professional and effective website.

Versions Available

A free version of Kadence Theme is available for download from the WordPress Theme Repository. It also has a pro version that unlocks even more potential.

For this review, we’ll separate our discussion into two primary sections, focusing on the free and pro versions of Kadence.

What Does the Free Version of the Kadence Theme Offer?

Kadence is a standout among free themes, as it is not only lightweight and fast-loading but also provides an extensive range of design and customization options. These features truly set Kadence apart from the competition.

Generally, many free themes in the WordPress Theme Repository lock down some features. This limits the ability of the developers to customize those themes. However, that is not the case with the free Kadence Theme. It provides a robust set of tools that will be enough if you want to develop a simple but beautiful site with all the usual functionalities a website must have.

Theme Settings Overview

Upon installing the free theme, you can access the theme settings by clicking on the “Kadence” link under the “Appearance” tab in the WordPress Admin.

The free version of Kadence offers six distinct sections:

1. Global Colors

This section allows you to easily define a color palette for your website. By choosing your colors once, you can make site-wide changes with just a few clicks, ensuring a consistent look throughout.

2. Branding

The branding section helps you establish your website’s identity by allowing you to upload your logo and favicon. You can also control the display settings, ensuring your brand is well represented on all devices.

3. Typography

Customize your site’s fonts with ease in the typography section. You can select from a wide range of Google or Websafe fonts and adjust the size, style, and text transformations to suit your preferences.

4. Header Layout

Design a custom header for your website using the header layout section. This feature offers a variety of options for the placement and appearance of your menu, logo, social icons, and more, ensuring a visually appealing and functional header.

5. Page and Post Layout

You can gain full control over your site’s pages and posts with the page layout section. The theme has five pre-defined layouts:

• Normal: The default layout, which has a standard content area with no sidebar.
• Narrow: A layout with a narrower content area and no sidebar, ideal for a minimalist design.
• Fullwidth: A layout with no sidebar and a full-width content area, perfect for showcasing large images or videos.
• Left Sidebar: A layout with a sidebar on the left side of the content area, providing additional space for widgets and other content.
• Right Sidebar: A layout with a sidebar on the right side of the content area, providing additional space for widgets and other content.

You can choose a layout that will make your content look the best.

6. Footer Layout

Craft the perfect responsive footer using the footer layout section. You can add various elements like copyright information, additional navigation links, and social icons to guide users through your site and keep them engaged.

The free Kadence Theme is very comprehensive, easily customizable, and feature-rich. If you are just starting out and on a shoestring budget, then it is right for you.

However, if you want to experience the full power of the Kadence Theme with all the features and customization options, then I highly recommend that you choose the Pro addon, which starts at just $59 per year.

What Does the Pro Version of Kadence Offer?

Upgrading to Kadence Pro unlocks more features and customization options, empowering you to create an even more unique and professional-looking website.

Kadence Pro comes with an annual or lifetime license, which grants you access to premium support, updates, and additional features.

After upgrading to the Pro version, you will see a variety of new options available in the Kadence panel.

Here are some of the key features of the Pro version:

1. Enhanced Header Addons

Choose from 20 new elements such as account icons, contact elements, and search bars to create a visually appealing, user-friendly header that improves navigation and captures visitors’ attention.

2. Flexible Hooked Elements

Effortlessly add blocks or page builder content anywhere on your site for better visitor engagement, higher conversions, and targeted content placement.

3. Customizable 404 Page

Design a consistent and helpful 404 error page that aligns with your website’s branding, directing visitors to relevant content, and reducing bounce rates.

4. Advanced Ultimate Menu

Utilize intuitive menu options like mega sub-menus, highlight tags, and icons to create an attractive and easy-to-navigate website, increasing user satisfaction and on-site duration.

5. Attention-Grabbing Fixed Elements

Showcase important information or calls-to-action with fixed footers and banners, driving visitor engagement and encouraging desired actions such as newsletter sign-ups or product purchases.

6. Seamless Header/Footer Scripts Integration

Expand your site’s capabilities with effortless third-party tool integrations and custom functionalities, delivering a feature-rich and personalized user experience.

7. WooCommerce Addon for a Superior Shopping Experience:

Enhance your online store with advanced customization options like auto-open side carts and custom shop pages to streamline the shopping experience and boost sales.

Kadence Pro offers an exceptional blend of premium features and tangible benefits that elevate your website’s aesthetics, functionality, and effectiveness, ensuring a standout online presence.

The Kadence Theme is compatible with a wide range of WordPress plugins, allowing users to add new features and expand the functionality of their website. Here are some of the popular plugins that work well with the Kadence Theme:

• Gutenberg: With Kadence Theme, users can bring globally linked styles to their pages, ensuring design consistency across their website.
• Elementor: Kadence Theme keeps users’ colors in sync for design consistency and automated page settings when using Elementor.
• BeaverBuilder: Kadence Theme works seamlessly with BeaverBuilder, the reliable page builder plugin, allowing users to build their content with ease.
• WooCommerce: Kadence Theme is fully compatible with WooCommerce, the popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress. This allows users to create high-converting product pages and optimize the checkout flow for their online store.
• LearnDash: With the Kadence Theme, users can create courses that are beautifully in sync with their brand colors when using LearnDash.
• LifterLMS: Kadence Theme allows users to fully customize the look and feel of their course grid, course pages, and lesson pages when using LifterLMS.
• Give: Users can create donation pages or forms that match their brand colors, which is particularly useful for nonprofit starter templates.
• The Events Calendar: Users can create and manage events, sell tickets, and track RSVPs, all while maintaining their brand colors.
• Restrict Content Pro: With Kadence Theme, users’ membership websites will have beautiful styling and features.
• Tutor LMS: Kadence Theme allows users to add custom designs to their course pages and lesson pages when using Tutor LMS.
• bbPress: Kadence Theme allows users to add a beautiful user form to their site, bringing their community together.

In addition to these popular plugins, Kadence Theme also works well with:

• Give: Users can create donation pages or forms that match their brand colors, which is particularly useful for nonprofit starter templates.
• The Events Calendar: Users can create and manage events, sell tickets, and track RSVPs, all while maintaining their brand colors.
• Restrict Content Pro: With Kadence Theme, users’ membership websites will have beautiful styling and features.
• Tutor LMS: Kadence Theme allows users to add custom designs to their course pages and lesson pages when using Tutor LMS.
• bbPress: Kadence Theme allows users to add a beautiful user form to their site, bringing their community together.
• Contact Form Plugins: The Kadence Theme works well with popular contact form plugins like WPForms and Contact Form 7.
• Performance Optimization Plugins: Kadence Theme is also compatible with performance optimization plugins like WP Rocket and Autoptimize, which can help improve website speed and loading times.
• SEO Plugins: Kadence Theme works well with popular SEO plugins like Yoast SEO and All in One SEO Pack. These plugins can help users optimize their websites for search engines and improve their search engine rankings.

Kadence Starter Templates

Kadence Starter Templates is a feature of the Kadence Theme that provides users with pre-designed website templates that can be imported directly into a new website.

Kadence Starter Templates include a variety of templates for different types of industries and niches, including business websites, blogs, portfolios, and online stores. The templates are visually appealing and optimized for user experience, with features like responsive design and easy navigation.

Kadence Starter Templates are available as a separate plugin. You need to install it from the WordPress Repository. After this, you will be presented with a dashboard full of starter templates.

You can preview them one by one, select a design you like, and then import the starter site into your WordPress installation. Thereafter, you can modify and customize the design as per your needs.

Overall, Kadence Starter Templates is a great feature of the Kadence Theme that can help users save time and effort in designing a professional-looking website. However, using the Starter Templates is optional. You always have the option to develop your website from the ground up using the tools, widgets, and customization options provided by the Kadence theme if you want.

Speed Test

The speed of a website is an important factor in the user experience and can have a significant impact on a website’s search engine ranking. To test the speed of the Kadence Theme, we conducted a speed test on a demo site of the free version of the theme available in Kadence Starter Templates.

Using a speed testing tool, we found that the default demo of the Kadence Theme had an impressive loading time of ~2 seconds, which is considered fast and desirable for a website. The website also had a high score on a variety of speed testing metrics, including page size, number of requests, and time to first byte. Overall, the site scored 96/100 in the Google Page Speed Test.

These results indicate that the Kadence Theme is well optimized for speed and can provide users with a fast and efficient website experience. This is especially important for users who want to provide a high-quality experience For Their Audience And Rank Well On Search Engine Results Pages.

Kadence Pricing Plans

Kadence offers a variety of pricing plans designed to cater to different requirements, ensuring a perfect fit for your website’s needs. You can choose a plan according to your budget and the features or level of support you need.

A. Free Version

The free Kadence theme is ideal for beginners and small projects. The free version of Kadence gives you access to an impressive range of design and customization options, allowing you to create beautiful, responsive websites without breaking the bank.

B. Premium Versions (Yearly Plans)

Kadence Theme offers three pricing plans, each designed to cater to different website requirements and budgets. Here’s a simplified review of each plan:

1. Kadence Theme Pro

Kadence Theme Pro is suitable for those looking to enhance their website with premium features.
Top Features: Header Addons, Hooked Elements, WooCommerce Addon, Ultimate Menu, Custom Fonts, and Header/Footer Scripts.

Price: $59 for the first year, $79 annually (renewal)

2. The Essential Bundle

The Essential Bundle is ideal for users who want a complete set of tools for design and functionality.

It includes: Kadence Blocks Pro, Kadence Theme Pro, Pro Starter Templates, and Kadence Custom Fonts.

Price: $129 for the first year, $149 annually (renewal)

3. Full Bundle

The Full Bundle is perfect for those seeking advanced features and access to future products.

Features: Kadence Blocks Pro, Kadence Theme Pro, Pro Starter Templates, Kadence Custom Fonts, Kadence Cloud, Kadence Conversions, Kadence WooCommerce Shop Kit, Child Theme Builder, Kadence Recaptcha, access to all plugins, and exclusive access to future products.

Price: $199/first year, $219 annually (renewal)

C. Lifetime Full Bundle

The Lifetime Full Bundle of Kadence allows you to pay a lump sum fee only once and enjoy the theme forever. For a one-time payment of $599, you’ll receive lifetime access to all premium Kadence products, updates, and priority support, ensuring long-term value and peace of mind.

Each Kadence pricing plan is designed to cater to different website needs and budgets, allowing you to select the perfect option that aligns with your project goals and requirements. All plans come with unlimited sites, one year of support and updates, and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. With the right plan in place, you can unlock the full potential of Kadence and create a stunning, high-performance website that leaves a lasting impression.

Kadence Theme Alternatives

If you’re considering other options, here are three alternatives to the Kadence WP Theme:

Astra Theme

Astra is a lightweight, fast, and customizable WordPress theme that is similar to the Kadence theme. It offers a range of customization options and is optimized for fast loading times. Astra is also compatible with popular page builders like Gutenberg and Elementor.

OceanWP Theme

OceanWP is another lightweight and fast WordPress theme that offers a range of customization options. It is also optimized for fast loading times and is compatible with popular page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder. OceanWP also offers a range of free and premium demos that you can use as a starting point for your website’s design.

GeneratePress Theme

GeneratePress is a lightweight and fast WordPress theme that offers a range of customization options. It is also optimized for fast loading times and is compatible with popular page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder. GeneratePress also offers a range of free and premium demos that you can use as a starting point for your website’s design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final verdict

Upon reviewing the Kadence theme, I have found that it is a well-designed and reliable WordPress theme suitable for a variety of users. It is a wonderful option for you if you want to build a professional website with zero coding involved.

Kadence Theme’s user-friendly interface, diversity of customization options, responsive design, and quick loading speed have earned it a 4.9 rating from its users in the WordPress Theme Repository. It also has over 2,00,000 installations as of April 2023.

Other than that, the theme’s compatibility with popular page builders like Gutenberg, Elementor, and Beaver Builder makes developing a website with it very easy. If you have an existing site that has been developed with any of these page builders, then switching to the Kadence theme will be even easier. You can just switch the theme without having to redevelop the site from scratch.

Kadence Pro provides advanced features and additional customization options that can add a lot of extra features to your website. The annual subscription to the Pro version starts at $59 per year.

Overall, we believe that the Kadence Theme is a solid option for anyone looking for a high-quality WordPress theme for creating a professional and reliable website, blog, or online store.

If you’re ready to experience the power and flexibility of the Kadence WP Theme for yourself, click on the button below to purchase and start building your dream website today.