10 Most Popular WordPress Templates of All Time
WordPress has powered millions of websites for over two decades, and its ecosystem of themes (commonly referred to as templates) has become one of the main reasons for its success. Whether you’re building a personal blog, a business website, or an online store, the right WordPress template can dramatically reduce your setup time while giving you professional-grade design and features. Some templates have stood the test of time, becoming household names in the WordPress world and being used by hundreds of thousands—sometimes even millions—of websites.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 most popular WordPress templates of all time, why they’ve become so widely used, and what makes them stand out in terms of design, flexibility, and performance.
Why WordPress Templates Matter
Before diving into the list, it’s worth remembering why templates are such a powerful feature of WordPress. Templates (or themes) give you an immediate design framework, complete with layout options, typography, color schemes, and built-in functionalities. Instead of starting from scratch, you can install a theme, make customizations, and launch your site in a fraction of the time. The popularity of certain themes comes from their ease of customization, strong support, responsive design, and versatility.
1. Divi
Divi, developed by Elegant Themes, is one of the most famous WordPress templates of all time. It’s not just a theme—it’s also a visual page builder. Users love Divi because it allows you to drag and drop elements to create pages without needing to know a single line of code. With its endless customization options and massive library of pre-built layouts, Divi appeals to beginners and advanced developers alike.
Why it’s popular:
- Visual drag-and-drop builder
- Huge community and support system
- Regular updates with new design packs
2. Astra
Astra is known for being one of the fastest and most lightweight WordPress templates. It’s a go-to choice for those who want speed, SEO-friendliness, and compatibility with page builders like Elementor and Beaver Builder. Astra comes with a large selection of starter templates that make building a business site, blog, or eCommerce store incredibly simple.
Why it’s popular:
- Lightning-fast performance
- Extensive starter sites for various niches
- Works seamlessly with WooCommerce
3. Avada
Avada proudly carries the title of being the best-selling WordPress theme of all time on ThemeForest. What makes Avada special is its “do everything” approach. It comes with its own Fusion Builder and countless design options that allow you to create virtually any type of website. From agencies and businesses to personal portfolios, Avada has templates for everyone.
Why it’s popular:
- All-in-one theme with unmatched flexibility
- Built-in page builder
- Massive community and documentation
4. OceanWP
OceanWP is another powerhouse template loved by freelancers and developers. Its free version is already feature-rich, while its premium extensions unlock advanced customization. It’s responsive, eCommerce-ready, and optimized for SEO. OceanWP is particularly popular among designers who need a flexible template to build multiple client websites.
Why it’s popular:
- Feature-rich free version
- WooCommerce compatibility
- Developer-friendly with custom hooks
5. GeneratePress
GeneratePress has gained a loyal following for its focus on performance and clean coding standards. Many developers and agencies choose it as their base template because of its lightweight structure and modular design. It works exceptionally well with page builders and is considered one of the most stable WordPress templates available.
Why it’s popular:
- Lightweight and fast-loading
- Accessibility-ready and SEO-optimized
- Stable foundation for custom build
6. Enfold
Enfold is known for its user-friendly interface and versatility. It includes a drag-and-drop layout editor and plenty of pre-built demo content. Many business websites and portfolios use Enfold because it offers polished designs with little setup time. It has been consistently updated for years, keeping it relevant in a competitive theme market.
Why it’s popular:
- Reliable and consistently updated
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor
- Well-designed demo sites
7. Neve
Neve is a modern multipurpose WordPress template that has exploded in popularity thanks to its minimal design and speed optimization. It integrates seamlessly with popular page builders and is especially well-suited for mobile-first design. Neve is widely used by bloggers, small businesses, and startups.
Why it’s popular:
- Lightweight and fast
- Great for mobile responsiveness
- Compatible with AMP and WooCommerce
8. The7
The7 is another giant from ThemeForest with a reputation for flexibility. It’s packed with design elements and comes pre-integrated with WPBakery Page Builder and Ultimate Addons. The7 is great for creatives and businesses that want highly customizable websites with minimal effort.
Why it’s popular:
- Tons of design elements
- Flexible for agencies and creative portfolios
- Strong integration with premium plugins
9. Twenty Twenty Series (Default Themes)
No list of the most popular WordPress templates would be complete without mentioning the official default themes like Twenty Twenty, Twenty Seventeen, and Twenty Ten. These free templates come pre-installed with WordPress, and millions of beginners have launched their first sites using them. While not as flashy as premium themes, they’ve played a massive role in WordPress history.
Why it’s popular:
- Free and pre-installed
- Reliable coding from the WordPress core team
- Simple and beginner-friendly
10. Flatsome
Flatsome is the most popular WordPress template for eCommerce stores. Built with WooCommerce in mind, it combines a sleek design with powerful customization features. It’s especially loved by online shop owners who want a modern, conversion-focused storefront.
Why it’s popular:
- Tailor-made for WooCommerce
- Intuitive UX builder
- Clean, modern, and optimized for sales
A Few Thoughts on Choosing a Template
Looking at these most popular WordPress templates of all time, one thing becomes clear: there’s no “one-size-fits-all” theme. Divi shines if you want drag-and-drop design freedom, Astra and GeneratePress dominate for speed, and Flatsome is unbeatable for eCommerce. When I built my very first blog, I chose a simple free theme, only later realizing how much easier my life would have been with a template like Astra or OceanWP. A well-structured design isn’t just about appearance—it saves time, improves performance, and lets you focus on creating content instead of fighting with code.
If you’re starting fresh, consider what matters most to you: speed, flexibility, design, or eCommerce. The right template can feel like a secret weapon, turning your website into something you’re proud to share with the world.