Kadence Theme FREE vs PRO Comparison: What is the Difference

Kadence Theme FREE vs PRO Comparison: Overview

Want to know what exactly is the difference between Kadence Free and Pro? If yes then in this article we have discussed all about Kadence Theme Free vs Pro.

First things first, we have been using Kadence Theme shortly after it was released and have an active Lifetime subscription.

This subscription includes all plugins and themes built by Kadence WP at a one-time cost and these can be used on unlimited websites.

Hence value for money.

Now coming to the Kadence Theme Free vs Pro comparison. Below we have shared a table that contains all the features included in both versions.

What is Kadence Theme

Kadence Theme is a highly versatile and user-friendly WordPress theme that has gained popularity for its exceptional features and flexibility.

It is known for its user-friendly interface and customization options, making it a preferred choice for many website owners.

Kadence Theme is built by Kadence WP which is a part of the StellarWP brand that belongs to Liquid Web and Nexcess family of brands.

This theme has 200,000+ active installations and has a near perfect rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Now coming to its features

Kadence Free Theme Features

Kadence is a theme that has quickly gained popularity and has become the go to theme for many website owners including us.

The main reason behind this growth is its features that are available in the free version. You can download the Kadence Theme for Free and use it to create a professional looking website easily.

Before investing in the Kadence Lifetime bundle, we were using the Free Kadence Theme and had no issues when it came to customization or using the other features available.

To our surprise this theme came with more features in the free version as compared to others.

Below we have discussed each of the Kadence Theme features briefly.

Global Color Palette

The Kadence theme boasts a sophisticated Global Color Palette, empowering users to effortlessly maintain design consistency across their WordPress websites.

Within the theme customizer, users can access a dedicated section for defining a unified color scheme. This intuitive feature allows seamless customization of primary, accent, and background colors, ensuring a harmonious visual identity.

Whether modifying text, links, or background elements, the Global Color Palette simplifies the process, eliminating the need for intricate coding.

Kadence WP’s commitment to user-friendly customization enhances the overall aesthetic appeal, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both flexibility and simplicity in crafting a compelling online presence.

Global Typography

Kadence theme’s Global Typography feature elevates the art of web design by offering a streamlined approach to font customization.

Seamlessly integrated into the theme customizer, this tool empowers users to define a consistent and visually pleasing typographic style across their WordPress sites.

From headings to body text, every element becomes a canvas for creative expression.

Users can effortlessly adjust font families, sizes, line heights, and letter spacing, ensuring a polished and cohesive look.

 Kadence Theme Global Typography feature simplifies the intricate process of fine-tuning text styles, allowing users to effortlessly create a visually engaging and professional website that reflects their unique brand identity

Before we move on to the next feature, it is important to know that Kadence Free Theme comes with Global Settings for Buttons as well and these allow users to define button styles for the entire site.

Header Builder

The Kadence theme’s Header Builder is a dynamic tool that revolutionizes website customization.

This feature empowers users to effortlessly design and tailor their site’s header to match their unique brand identity.

Intuitively integrated into the WordPress customizer, the Header Builder enables precise control over elements such as logos, navigation menus, and social icons.

With drag-and-drop simplicity, users can arrange, style, and fine-tune header components, ensuring a responsive and visually striking result.

Kadence’s Header Builder transcends traditional limitations, providing a user-friendly yet powerful solution for crafting distinctive and functional headers that captivate visitors and enhance overall site navigation.

Addons in Free Kadence Theme Header Builder

• Logo
• Primary Navigation
• Social
• Secondary Navigation
• Seach
• Button
• HTML

Footer Builder

Kadence theme’s Footer Builder is a game-changer in website customization, granting users unparalleled control over their site’s bottom section. 

The Footer Builder is seamlessly integrated into the WordPress customizer and it offers a drag-and-drop interface for effortless footer design.

Users can customize columns, widgets, and styling options, creating a visually appealing and functional footer that complements their brand.

Whether incorporating contact details, social links, or additional navigation, Kadence’s Footer Builder provides an intuitive and powerful solution.

This tool’s flexibility empowers users to craft a polished and cohesive website, ensuring a lasting impression as visitors scroll to the bottom of the page.

Addons in Kadence Free Theme Footer Builder

• Copyright
• Footer Navigation
• Social
• Widget 1
• Widget 2
• Widget 3
• Widget 4
• Widget 5
• Widget 6

Layout Controls

Kadence WP’s free theme impresses with its robust Layout Control, granting users unparalleled flexibility in shaping their WordPress websites.

This feature is integrated in the WordPress customizer, and it allows precise adjustments to site structure, including container widths, content spacing, and more. 

With user-friendly sliders and toggles, Kadence’s Layout Control facilitates effortless customization, ensuring a responsive and visually appealing design.

Along with this Kadence Theme comes with individual layout controls for Pages, Posts, Archives and Custom Post Types where users can choose from a range of options to display various elements on the website.

This feature empowers users with intuitive layout adjustments that provide a dynamic canvas for crafting a personalized online presence without the need for extensive coding expertise.

Scroll to Top

Kadence free theme enhances user experience with a convenient “Scroll to Top” feature.

This feature allows visitors to effortlessly navigate back to the page’s top with a single click, enhancing overall accessibility.

Positioned discreetly, often as a small arrow in the corner, the “Scroll to Top” in Kadence’s free theme ensures smooth and user-friendly navigation on lengthy pages.

We have done a complete series on Kadence Scroll to Top feature and with just one click you can activate it.

Social Links

Kadence theme prioritizes social connectivity with its seamless Social Links feature.

Integrated into the WordPress customizer, users can effortlessly configure and display links to their social media profiles.

This intuitive tool allows for easy customization of icons, placement, and styling within the website’s design.

With this feature, the Kadence free theme facilitates effective social engagement, contributing to a more dynamic and interconnected online presence for users.

The list of features that you will come across in Free Kadence Theme is quite extensive and below we have shared a few more.

• Transparent Header
• Sticky Header
• Sticky Sidebar
• Host Google Fonts Locally
• Support for LMS plugins
• Woocommerce Header Cart
• Woocommerce Product Layout Features
• Woocommerce Product Archive Image Swap
• Layout Controls for Custom Post types
• Lightbox
• Scroll to ID

And more

What is Kadence Theme Pro

Kadence Pro is the premium version of the Kadence WordPress theme, designed to elevate website customization and functionality.

It is an addon plugin that adds premium features to the free Kadence Theme. In other words, this plugin is dependent on Kadence Theme and will not work until it is installed.

On installing Kadence Theme Pro addon, users will be able to activate and use a new set of features and these can be found in Kadence Settings under Appearance in WordPress dashboard.

To use the Kadence Pro features, users will have to enable by clicking the toggle button under each feature and an option to Customize will appear clicking which will show additional related settings.

Now coming to its features.

Kadence Pro Theme Features

Kadence Theme Pro Addon extends the capabilities of the free version with an array of premium features, making it a powerful choice for users who require advanced design control.

This Pro Addon does the job of multiple premium plugins making the Kadence Theme a value for money and worth the investment.

Below we have touched on some of the features briefly.

Additional Pro Header Addons

In Kadence Theme, the Header Builder allows users to create dynamic and unique headers using the drag and drop functionality.

To create a header, you have to drag and drop the addons on to the header and then arrange them accordingly.

These addons or elements are available in both Kadence Free and Pro versions of the theme. 

And the difference is the number of addons available. In the Free version of Kadence Theme you get access to 7 addons and in Kadence Pro you have 20 new elements to choose from.

Below we have created a table to show the difference

Please note– Some of these addons will only be available if you activate related features.

For example, if you are using the Kadence Pro theme and Dark Mode addon in missing in Header addon list, then most likely you have the feature disabled.

Conditional Header

The Conditional Header feature in the Kadence Pro adds a layer of sophistication to website design.

This dynamic tool allows users to customize headers based on specific conditions, such as different headers for various pages, posts, or user roles.

Through the WordPress customizer, users can tailor headers to match diverse content and user experiences, enhancing overall site navigation and aesthetics.

Kadence Pro Theme’s Conditional Header feature provides a targeted approach to presenting information, ensuring a personalized and engaging browsing experience for visitors.

To use this feature, you need to enable Conditional Header in Kadence Settings inside your WordPress dashboard

Once done, a new option Conditional Header option will appear in the Header Builder in Kadence Theme customizer containing all the related settings.

Infinite Scroll

As the name suggests, Infinite Scroll feature in the Kadence theme transforms the user experience by seamlessly loading content as visitors scroll down the page.

Eliminating the need for traditional pagination, this dynamic feature ensures a continuous and engaging browsing experience.

This feature is available for archive pages and can be activated from Kadence Settings in the WordPress dashboard.

On enabling Infinite Scroll in Kadence, a new set of settings will appear in the Theme Customizer under the General settings.

Ultimate Menu

Kadence Pro Ultimate Menu feature represents a pinnacle in navigation customization.

Using this feature comes with options such as

• Adding icon in menu item label
• Creating multi-column drop-down menus
• Custom Content for drop downs
• Custom background for drop downs

You can activate this feature by visit Kadence settings in WordPress dashboard.

On doing so, new Menu Item Settings will appear on clicking the menu items in Menus inside WordPress dashboard.

Here you will find all the options to customize including the option to enable Mega Menu dropdown.

The gist of the story is Ultimate Menu feature in Kadence Theme Pro allows users to create visually striking menus without having to write a single line of code or use 3rd party plugins.

Hooked Elements

Kadence Pro theme’s Hooked Elements feature is a dynamic tool that empowers users to inject custom content into specific areas of their WordPress site.

This advanced feature utilizes hooks—strategic points within the theme’s structure—allowing users to add diverse elements like promotional banners, contact forms, or additional content, enhancing the overall functionality and aesthetics of their website

You will find the option to activate Hooked Elements in Kadence Settings in WordPress dashboard.

Once enabled, a new option named Elements can be seen under Appearance in WordPress dashboard.

You can click this option and add hooked elements easily.

Header and Footer Scripts

Header and Footer Scripts feature in the Kadence theme provides a gateway to seamless integration of custom code snippets.

Users can effortlessly inject scripts, such as tracking codes, analytics, or third-party services, into the header or footer of their WordPress site.

This advanced customization ensures optimal placement for scripts without altering the theme files directly.

Whether you want to add specialized features or integrate external tools, Kadence Pro Theme’s Header and Footer Scripts feature offers a straightforward yet powerful solution. 

To enable Header and Footer scripts feature in Kadence Pro, you need to visit Kadence Settings in WordPress dashboard where under Pro addons you will find the option.

On activating, it will add a new custom scripts option in theme customizer. Clicking this option will show you the space where you will be able to add custom scripts in Header, Footer and Body.

Dark Mode

Kadence Pro’s Dark Mode is a sleek and user-friendly feature that transforms the website’s appearance for a visually comfortable and contemporary experience.

Easily activated within the theme settings, Dark Mode offers an alternative color scheme, reducing eye strain in low-light environments.

Users can seamlessly toggle between light and dark modes, ensuring a personalized and accessible browsing experience.

You can enable Dark Mode in Kadence Theme by visiting the Kadence Settings in WordPress dashboard.

Once enabled, a new Color Switch (Dark Mode) option will be available in the Kadence Theme customizer under General Settings.

Clicking this option will show you all the Kadence Theme Dark Mode related settings.

The list of premium Kadence Theme features is quite extensive and below we have shared a few more 

• Custom Fonts
• Custom 404 Page
• Fixed Elements
• Local Host Gravatar
• Archive Custom Settings
• Woocommerce Addons
• Woocommerce Sticky Add to Cart
• Woocommerce Ajax Add to Cart
• Woocommerce Side Cart Open on Add to Cart

And more

Kadence Theme FREE vs PRO: Which is Better

Choosing between Kadence Theme Free and Pro depends on individual needs and the level of customization desired.

The free version provides a solid foundation, offering a user-friendly interface and essential customization options. It’s suitable for those who prefer a straightforward yet effective theme for basic websites.

On the other hand, Kadence Theme Pro introduces advanced features that significantly enhance design capabilities.

The additional Header addons Builders, Woocommerce addons,  Color Palette Switch (Dark Mode), Custom Fonts and more provide a higher level of customization, making it ideal for users looking for more control and features.

The Pro version’s performance optimization and ultimate menu features are a huge plus.

Ultimately, the decision depends on the complexity of your project.

If you’re building a simple website and prefer to keep things uncomplicated, the free version may suffice.

However, if you require advanced customization, more design control, and additional features, investing in Kadence Theme Pro can offer a more comprehensive and tailored solution.

It’s essential to evaluate individual needs, budget considerations, and the desired level of control over design elements to determine which version better aligns with your goals and preferences.

Why Choose Kadence Free

• Ease of Use: Kadence Free Theme is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced WordPress users.
• Responsive Design: The theme is built to be responsive, ensuring your website looks great and functions well across various devices and screen sizes.
• Customization Options: Kadence Free Theme provides a good level of customization options, allowing you to personalize colors, fonts, and layout settings to align with your brand or style preferences.
• Page Builder Compatibility: It seamlessly integrates with popular page builders like Gutenberg and Kadence Blocks, offering flexibility in crafting diverse and visually appealing page layouts.
• Performance Optimization: The theme is optimized for performance, contributing to faster loading times and a smoother browsing experience for your visitors.
• Accessibility: Kadence Free Theme emphasizes accessibility, ensuring that your website is usable and navigable by a diverse audience.
• Regular Updates: The developers consistently release updates to ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress versions, security patches, and improved features.
• Active Community: Being a popular free theme, Kadence has an active community where users can find support, share experiences, and access helpful resources.
• Search Engine Friendly: Kadence Free Theme follows best practices for SEO, helping your website rank well on search engines and increasing its discoverability.
• Starter Templates: It comes with a variety of starter templates that serve as a great starting point for different types of websites, saving you time and effort in the initial setup.

Benefits of Upgrading to Kadence Pro

• Conditional Headers: Tailor your website headers based on specific conditions such as different pages or user roles, providing a personalized and dynamic user experience.
• Infinite Scroll Feature: Enhance user engagement with the Infinite Scroll feature, allowing seamless loading of content as visitors scroll down the page, eliminating the need for traditional pagination.
• Ultimate Menu Feature: The Ultimate Menu feature allows for comprehensive customization of website menus, including icons and styling options, providing a unique and visually appealing navigation experience.
• Hooked Elements: Kadence Pro introduces Hooked Elements, enabling users to inject custom content into specific areas of their website, enhancing functionality and design.
• Dark Mode: Kadence theme’s Dark Mode feature enhances user experience with a sleek and eye-friendly alternative color scheme for low-light environments.
• Header and Footer Scripts: Easily integrate custom code snippets, tracking scripts, or third-party services into the header or footer of your site for enhanced functionality and analytics.
• Custom Fonts: Kadence theme’s Custom Fonts feature empowers users to uniquely define and integrate personalized font styles, adding a distinctive touch to their website’s typography.
• Woocommerce Addons: Kadence theme’s WooCommerce addons seamlessly extend functionality, providing a streamlined and customizable e-commerce experience for users.
• Dedicated Support and Updates: With Kadence Pro, users receive dedicated support and regular updates, ensuring compatibility with the latest WordPress versions and addressing any queries or concerns promptly.
• Unlimited Usage- Unlike other themes, Kadence Theme Pro is value for money as you can use it on unlimited sites without having to buy multiple subscriptions

Kadence Theme Pro vs Free : Pricing

Now that you are familiar with Kadence Theme Free vs Pro, it is important to know that Kadence WP offers 4 plans and using our SPECIAL LINK along with Kadence coupon code WIREFRAME you will get a discount

• Kadence Free- $0
• Kadence Pro- $79
• Kadence Essential Bundle- $149
• Kadence Full Bundle- $219
• Kadence Lifetime Full Bundle- $799

What’s included in Kadence Theme Pro

• Header Addons
• Hooked Elements
• Woocommerce Addon
• Ultimate Menu
• Custom Fonts
• Header/Footer Scripts
• Unlimited sites
• One year of support & updates
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee

And more

What’s included in Kadence Essential Bundle

• Unlimited sites
• One year support & updates
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee
• Kadence Blocks Pro
• Kadence Theme Pro
• Pro Starter Templates
• Kadence Custom Fonts

And more

What’s included in Kadence Full Bundle

• Header Addons
• Hooked Elements
• Use on unlimited sites
• One year support and updates
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee
• Kadence Blocks Pro
• Kadence Theme Pro
• Pro Starter Templates
• Kadence Cloud
• Kadence Conversions
• Child Theme Builder
• Kadence Shop Kit
• Kadence AMP
• Includes all other themes and plugins
• Access to all future products
• Woocommerce Addon
• Ultimate Menu
• Custom Fonts
• Header/Footer Scripts
• Unlimited sites
• One year of support & updates
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee

And more

What’s included in Kadence Lifetime Bundle

• Use on unlimited sites
• One-Time payment
• Lifetime of support and updates
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee
• Kadence Blocks Pro
• Kadence Theme Pro
• Pro Starter Templates
• Kadence Cloud
• Kadence Conversions
• Child Theme Builder
• Kadence Shop Kit
• Kadence AMP
• Includes all other themes and plugins
• Access to all future products

And more

FAQs on Kadence Free vs Pro Comparison

Is Kadence WordPress Theme Free?

• Kadence is a freemium WordPress theme which means it has both free and pro versions.

Is Kadence Theme Free fully functional for a basic website?

• Yes, Kadence Theme Free version provides ample features for a basic website, including customization options and responsiveness.

What is the difference between Kadence Theme Free and Pro

• There are 2 major differences between Kadence Free Theme and Pro. The first one is Kadence Free version is a WordPress theme and on other hand Kadence Pro is an addon plugin.
• When you install this plugin on your site using Free Kadence Theme and activate its license, it upgrades it to premium or in other words adds Pro features. Apart from this free version of Kadence Theme is available at no cost but for the Pro version you will have to pay depending on the Kadence Pro plan you will select.
• Below is a complete comparison table of features for Kadence Theme Pro vs Free

What additional features does Kadence Pro offer that the free version doesn’t?

Kadence Pro Theme offers quite a few feature that are not included in the free version and below is a complete list.

Please Note- If you will opt for any of the Kadence WP bundles then depending on your selection you will get access to other plugins as well such as Kadence Blocks, Kadence Shop Kit, Kadence Cloud and more.

Which Theme to Choose between Kadence Free vs Pro

• As mentioned above, Free Kadence Theme is packed with features and these are further enhanced in the Pro version of Kadence.
• If you are looking to stay away from any complication and want to create a basic website then Kadence Free is for you.
• In case you are looking for more control and advanced customization features then the Pro versions of Kadence Theme is for you.
• Personally speaking, once you get the premium version, you won’t be looking back or switching to another theme as this theme is excellent.

Can I use Kadence Theme Free for an e-commerce site?

• While the free version supports basic e-commerce, Kadence premium Theme offers enhanced WooCommerce integration and additional features tailored for robust online stores.

Is the performance similar between Kadence premium Theme and free version?

• Both versions prioritize performance, but Kadence Theme Pro includes advanced settings like hosting Gravatars locally for optimized speed.

Do I get dedicated support with Free version of Kadence?

• Kadence Theme Free offers community support, while Kadence Theme Pro provides dedicated support for premium users.

Are there limitations on customization with Kadence Theme Free?

• Kadence Theme Free offers a good level of customization, but the Pro version unlocks advanced features for more intricate design control.

Can I switch from Kadence Theme Free to Pro easily?

• Yes, transitioning from the free to the pro version is typically straightforward and seamless. To upgrade from Kadence Free Theme to Pro, you need to click our SPECIAL LINK and it will take you Kadence WP website where you will have to select a plan and pay.
• In the next step you need to download Kadence Pro addon, install it on your WordPress site and activate license.

Are there specific industries where Kadence Theme Pro is more beneficial?

• Kadence Theme Pro’s advanced features make it suitable for a wide range of industries, especially those requiring intricate design and e-commerce functionality.

Are there regular updates for both versions?

• Yes, both Kadence Theme Free and Pro receive regular updates to ensure compatibility and security.

Can I test Kadence Theme Pro before purchasing?

• Kadence offers a money-back guarantee, allowing users to try Kadence Theme Pro risk-free for a specified period. You read more on this by visiting Kadence WP.

Can I get a deal on Kadence Theme

• Yes, you can get up to $120 OFF using our SPECIAL LINK along with coupon WIREFRAME,

In case you are looking for bigger offers than this then you will have to wait for

• Kadence WP Black Friday Sale
• Kadence Stellar Sale

Get Started With Kadence Theme

By now you know the difference between the Free Kadence Theme and the Pro version.

Depending on your requirements, if you are looking to get started with Kadence Free Theme then you will have to download and install it on your WordPress site.

The process to install free Kadence Theme is very straight forward.

For this you need to head over to Theme under Appearance in your WordPress dashboard and search for Kadence. 

Once you have found the theme, you just have to click Install and then Activate.

And this will install the theme for you.

On the other hand if want to buy Kadence Pro addon then you will have to purchase one of the subscriptions and then install and activate it on your site.

Below we have discussed process

Buy Kadence Theme Pro

To buy Kadence Theme Pro, the first step is to visit Kadence WP and then select Kadence Theme under Pricing on the homepage.

This will take you to the Kadence Pro landing page where you will have to click Buy Pro

On clicking Buy Pro, it will show you all the Kadence Theme plans and here you will have to choose one.

We recommend that you pick Kadence Lifetime Bundle as it is value for money.

Once you are done selecting a Kadence WP plan, it will take you to the checkout page where you need to add the Kadence Pro discount code WIREFRAME in have a promo code option and then pay.

And that’s it you now have access to Kadence Theme Pro.

Before we move forward, it is important to know that using the above mentioned Kadence Theme coupon code, you will be able to claim Kadence WP Lifetime discount as well.

Having said that,

I hope you will find this article helpful and are now familiar with Kadence Theme Free vs Pro Comparison.

In case you have any queries, feel free to reach out.

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