If you‘re in the market for a comprehensive set of tools to build and manage WordPress websites, you‘ve probably come across Elegant Themes. Founded by Nick Roach in 2008, Elegant Themes has become one of the leading WordPress theme and plugin providers, serving over 767,118 customers to date.
In this extensive review, we‘ll dive deep into the Elegant Themes membership, examining the features, pricing, support, and overall value proposition. By the end, you‘ll have a clear understanding of whether Elegant Themes is the right investment for your WordPress needs.
Overview of Elegant Themes
Elegant Themes positions itself as a one-stop-shop for WordPress users, providing a comprehensive package of themes, plugins, and support. Their flagship products, the Divi theme and page builder, are widely recognized as industry leaders in terms of design flexibility and ease of use.
Over the past 15 years, Elegant Themes has released 91 WordPress themes and 6 plugins, attracting a large and loyal customer base. The company prides itself on beautiful design, powerful features, and exceptional customer support.
WordPress Themes
Divi Theme
Divi is the crown jewel of Elegant Themes and the most popular WordPress theme in the world with over 3 million downloads. First released in 2013, Divi has undergone continuous improvements and updates to become the ultimate all-purpose theme.
The standout feature of Divi is its integrated visual page builder, which we‘ll cover in more detail later. With Divi, you can create virtually any type of website, from blogs and portfolios to e-commerce stores and business sites.
Some key features of Divi include:
- 200+ pre-made layout packs and 2,000+ individual page templates
- 40+ customizable content elements
- Global elements and styles
- Custom CSS control
- Dynamic content
- WooCommerce integration
- A/B testing
Divi‘s versatility is unmatched, making it a top choice for both DIY users and professional web designers.
Extra Theme
Extra is Elegant Themes‘ magazine-style theme, built on the Divi framework. With Extra, you can create stunning online publications with advanced features like category layouts, post carousels, review systems, and more.
Some notable features of Extra include:
- Category Builder to create custom archive layouts
- Post Builder to design single post templates
- Custom post types and taxonomies
- Built-in review system
- Ad management
- WooCommerce integration
If you‘re looking to create a content-rich website like a news magazine, blog, or online community, Extra is an excellent choice.
Other Themes
In addition to Divi and Extra, Elegant Themes has created 89 other WordPress themes over the years. While some of these legacy themes are now retired, many are still actively supported and updated.
The themes span a wide range of niches and styles, including:
- Business and corporate themes
- Portfolio and photography themes
- E-commerce and retail themes
- Blog and magazine themes
- Landing page themes
Theme Features
All Elegant Themes products are built to a high standard, with a focus on design, functionality, and user experience. Some common features found in most themes include:
- Responsive design
- Customizable layouts
- Extensive theme options
- Custom widgets
- SEO optimization
- Translation ready
- Fast loading times
- Cross-browser compatibility
- Developer-friendly code
WordPress Plugins
Divi Builder
The Divi Builder is a game-changing page builder plugin that comes bundled with the Divi and Extra themes, but can also be used with any other WordPress theme. It allows you to create custom page layouts using a visual drag-and-drop editor, without writing any code.
Some key features of the Divi Builder include:
- 40+ customizable content modules
- 800+ pre-made layouts
- Inline text editing
- Custom CSS control
- Mobile-responsive editing
- Undo, Redo & Revision history
- A/B testing
- WooCommerce integration
With Divi Builder, you have complete control over your site‘s design and can create unique layouts for each page or post.
Bloom
Bloom is a powerful email opt-in plugin that helps you grow your email list with beautiful forms and targeted displays. With Bloom, you can create pop-ups, fly-ins, in-line forms, and more with just a few clicks.
Some notable features of Bloom include:
- 100+ customizable templates
- 6 display types
- 16 email marketing integrations
- Targeting and trigger options
- A/B testing
- Detailed statistics
Monarch
Monarch is a social media plugin that lets you add social sharing buttons and follow links to your website. With support for over 35 social networks, Monarch covers all the major platforms and more.
Some key features of Monarch include:
- Customizable button designs and layouts
- Floating sidebar and inline placement
- Pop-up and fly-in triggers
- Automatic & manual share counts
- Link shortening
- Detailed analytics
Other Plugins
Elegant Themes membership also includes access to several other plugins:
- HandHeld Mobile – Create mobile-friendly versions of non-responsive themes
- Anticipate Maintenance Mode – Customizable "coming soon" and "under construction" pages
- Elegant Shortcodes – Insert buttons, sliders, icons, and more via shortcodes
While these plugins are not as feature-rich as Bloom and Monarch, they still provide value and extend the functionality of your WordPress site.
Elegant Themes Membership Options
Pricing
Elegant Themes keeps its pricing structure simple and straightforward, with two membership options:
- Yearly Access – $89 per year
- Lifetime Access – One-time payment of $249
Both plans include access to all themes and plugins, unlimited website usage, premium support, and updates for the length of your membership.
Compared to other premium WordPress clubs, Elegant Themes‘ pricing is very competitive. For example, StudioPress themes start at $59.95 each, while the Genesis Pro membership costs $360 per year. Similarly, a single Themify theme costs $59, while the Themify Ultra membership is $139 per year.
Free Divi Layout Packs
In addition to the paid membership, Elegant Themes offers a selection of free Divi layout packs. These packs include pre-designed page templates and modules that you can use with the Divi theme and builder.
Some popular free layout packs include:
- Restaurant Layout Pack
- Fitness Layout Pack
- Fashion Layout Pack
- Travel Agency Layout Pack
These free layout packs are a great way to test out Divi before committing to a paid membership.
License Details
An Elegant Themes membership entitles you to use their products on an unlimited number of websites, both personal and commercial. This is a standout feature compared to other theme shops that often limit usage to a single site or charge extra for additional licenses.
The license also allows you to use Elegant Themes products on client websites, as long as you are the primary developer. If you want to transfer the license to your client, you‘ll need to purchase a separate membership for them.
Money-back Guarantee
Elegant Themes offers a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee on all memberships. If you‘re not satisfied with their products or service, you can request a full refund within the first 30 days of your purchase.
Customer Support & Documentation
Support Channels
All Elegant Themes members get access to premium support via a dedicated support forum. The support team is available 24/7/365 and typically responds to inquiries within 24 hours.
In my experience, the support team is knowledgeable, friendly, and quick to resolve issues. They go above and beyond to help troubleshoot problems and provide guidance on using their products effectively.
Documentation & Blog
Elegant Themes maintains an extensive documentation library covering all their themes and plugins. The docs include written tutorials, step-by-step guides, and video walkthroughs.
In addition to the docs, the Elegant Themes blog is a valuable resource for WordPress tips, tricks, and industry news. The blog is updated regularly with high-quality content authored by WordPress experts.
Community
The Elegant Themes community is active and engaged, with over 67,000 members in the support forums. The forums are a great place to connect with other users, share ideas, and get help with technical issues.
Elegant Themes also maintains a presence on social media, with active accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Following these accounts is a good way to stay up-to-date with new product releases, promotions, and helpful WordPress content.
Performance & Updates
History of Innovation
Over the years, Elegant Themes has consistently pushed the boundaries of what‘s possible with WordPress themes and plugins. They were one of the first companies to release a true multi-purpose theme (Divi) and have continued to innovate with features like the visual page builder, dynamic content, and A/B testing.
Elegant Themes‘ commitment to innovation has kept them at the forefront of the WordPress ecosystem and cemented their reputation as a leader in the space.
Update Frequency
Elegant Themes is committed to keeping all its products updated and compatible with the latest version of WordPress. They release regular updates for Divi, Extra, Bloom, and Monarch, which include new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes.
In 2022, Elegant Themes released 26 updates across its product line, with a major focus on expanding the Divi Builder‘s capabilities. Some notable updates include:
- Divi 4.18: Custom Post Type Builder
- Divi 4.17: Dynamic Link & Button Elements
- Divi 4.16: Dynamic Text & Image Elements
- Divi 4.15: Popup Builder
- Divi 4.14: Performance Improvements
- Extra 5.2: Category Post Modules & Customizer Controls
With an average of 2 updates per month, Elegant Themes ensures that its products are always up-to-date and optimized for performance.
Elegant Themes Compared to Competitors
To give you a sense of how Elegant Themes stacks up against other WordPress theme and plugin providers, let‘s compare some key factors:
Pricing
As mentioned earlier, Elegant Themes‘ pricing is very competitive. Here‘s a quick comparison of yearly membership costs:
- Elegant Themes: $89
- StudioPress: $360
- Themify: $139
- Thrive Themes: $228
- Iconic Themes: $359
In terms of value for money, Elegant Themes is hard to beat. For less than $100 per year, you get access to a premium theme, three powerful plugins, and a host of other resources.
Product Breadth
Elegant Themes‘ product catalog is not as extensive as some other WordPress clubs. For example:
- StudioPress offers 100+ themes and 6 plugins
- Themify has 58+ themes and 14 plugins
- ThemeIsl: 122 themes and plugins
However, what Elegant Themes lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Divi and Extra are consistently rated among the best WordPress themes, while Bloom and Monarch are top choices in their respective categories.
Unique Selling Propositions
Elegant Themes differentiates itself from competitors in several ways:
- Divi Builder: The most advanced visual page builder for WordPress
- Unlimited usage: Use products on an unlimited number of sites
- Lifetime access: Get updates and support for life with a one-time payment
- Excellent support: Knowledgeable and responsive support team
These unique selling points, combined with the company‘s reputation for quality and innovation, make Elegant Themes a compelling choice for WordPress users.
Who Should Consider the Elegant Themes Membership?
Given the breadth and depth of Elegant Themes‘ offerings, their membership is suitable for a wide range of WordPress users, including:
- DIY website owners who want a versatile theme and page builder to create professional-looking websites without hiring a developer.
- Bloggers and content creators who need a reliable theme and useful plugins to grow their online presence.
- Web designers and agencies who want a flexible toolset to create custom client websites efficiently.
- Entrepreneurs and small businesses who need a cost-effective way to build and manage their online platforms.
If you fall into any of these categories and value design, functionality, and support, the Elegant Themes membership is definitely worth considering.
Tutorial: Getting Started with Divi
To give you a taste of what it‘s like to work with Elegant Themes‘ products, let‘s walk through the process of creating a simple page layout with Divi and the Divi Builder.
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Install and activate the Divi theme.
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Create a new page and launch the Divi Builder.
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Choose a pre-made layout or start with a blank canvas.
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Add modules to your page by dragging them from the left-hand panel into your layout.
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Customize each module‘s content, design, and settings using the visual editor.
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Adjust your page‘s global settings, including background, typography, and spacing.
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Save your changes and preview your page.
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Publish your page when you‘re satisfied with the design.
With Divi and the Divi Builder, creating custom page layouts is intuitive and straightforward. The visual editor allows you to see your changes in real-time, while the modular design system makes it easy to create complex layouts without writing code.
Conclusion
After an in-depth evaluation of Elegant Themes‘ products, pricing, support, and overall value proposition, I can confidently recommend their membership for WordPress users of all skill levels.
The combination of Divi, Extra, Bloom, and Monarch provides a comprehensive toolkit for building and managing WordPress websites. The Divi theme and page builder, in particular, are standout products that offer unparalleled design flexibility and ease of use.
Elegant Themes‘ pricing is very competitive, especially considering the unlimited usage license and lifetime access option. The 30-day money-back guarantee also makes it a risk-free investment.
In terms of support and documentation, Elegant Themes excels. Their team is knowledgeable and responsive, while the docs and blog provide a wealth of helpful resources.
While no WordPress club is perfect, Elegant Themes comes close. If you‘re looking for a one-stop-shop for your WordPress needs, Elegant Themes is an excellent choice.
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