Would you rather go for a paid or free theme?

 

I think some free themes are cool so long as they're easy to customize.

I use paid themes on all the sites I have, they are easy to work with and most of the theme devs will work with you. :)

I tend to just modify the default theme for most software, both because I'm cheap and because I have fun tinkering :D

Free themes often lack functionality.

I prefer a paid theme customized to my own liking.

I usually get someone to do a design then I’ll implement myself, or at the very least get a paid theme.

 

For me it’s never about the functionality but simply whether it looks nice, because I can do all the dev work myself on it.

Paid them anything Premium is usually better in the long run

I usually pick up a paid theme. I use PixelExit for XenForo and Sultan Themes for vBulletin.

 

Most of the time, you can customize premium themes easier and make them feel like your own.

 

I considered getting a custom theme by PixelExit. It starts at $1,500 a theme, and that's not the amount I wish to pay. But I'm not knocking them. I'm sure it's worth that but I just don't want to invest that much into a forum when their regular premium themes are good enough.

 

I'd love to learn how to make a theme myself. I need to do that.

I paid for 2 themes over the past 15 years. Both were worth it, served us well and were much better than a lot of the free themes available at the time. Most free themes look good, but lack features here and there, as others have suggested.

 

Nowadays, I tend to stick to the default XenForo theme with a couple of tweaks. Mostly colors, icons and little details to keep my site's identity. It's way easier to maintain and ensure compatibility over the years, instead of relying on the theme developers to update their themes following a XF update.

I usually pick up a paid theme. I use PixelExit for XenForo and Sultan Themes for vBulletin.

 

Most of the time, you can customize premium themes easier and make them feel like your own.

 

I considered getting a custom theme by PixelExit. It starts at $1,500 a theme, and that's not the amount I wish to pay. But I'm not knocking them. I'm sure it's worth that but I just don't want to invest that much into a forum when their regular premium themes are good enough.

 

I'd love to learn how to make a theme myself. I need to do that.

I seen Prices worse when i was looking there were quotes starting at 2500. Jeeez why so much.

The last WP theme I did cost 10x that, just saying…

The last WP theme I did cost 10x that, just saying…

I jumped on board with DIVI lifetime, so I've not had to choose any sort of WP theme in ages.

I often go with paid themes for my forums, well at least with the forums using premium software. As for the forums I use free software, I just go with a free theme.

I often go with paid themes for my forums, well at least with the forums using premium software. As for the forums I use free software, I just go with a free theme.

I would probably be the same except for WordPress, I like DIVI and DIVI costs money or it used to but I did the lifetime payment. But to me a WP is a bit more than just a blog, it's what my whole website is based off of. With Divi, I can get more specific with my brand.

Free theme, because I can code one myself and my friend can design it. 😀

I try and create my own even though I'm not good with code. I have used both free and paid in the past, but it depends on if you like the theme or not.

Paid themes have always been great.

I tend to be on the lookout for what could be some of the best themes while they're crowdfunding and then get in on it with lifetime licenses for multiple domains. You never know if they'll come in handy. I've helped my high-school friends out by setting them up with something better in the past on these licenses, as they stand out from the rest, and doesn't cost me a thing to help friends build their first businesses.

 

As far as WordPress goes, I have StudioPress' Genesis Pro framework and all children themes for multiple domains for like $200, and now it's $360/year for I believe 1 site (?).

 

https://www.studiopress.com/genesis-pr

 

And ThemeCo's X Pro for like $89, now 50% off for $349/yr.

 

https://theme.co/pro#pricing

 

I have others too, but I'd have to dig through my dusty WP folder (haven't used it in a while, but those two still stand pretty tall).

It depends. I don't mind paying for a theme if it suits my needs, but I do prefer free themes. I also like to customize themes to make them fit better on my site.

I generally make my own themes.

 

Are they the most professional, polished themes available? No, but they're unique - and I have good fun making them :P .

I generally make my own themes.

 

Are they the most professional, polished themes available? No, but they're unique - and I have good fun making them :P .

As long as you’re making it your own, that’s what really matters.

 

 

It doesn’t have to be the most professional theme out there , what counts is that it’s your creation, and you’re having fun with it.

 

 

That personal touch is what makes it special.

A nice theme is like a nice car. You have people who like to drive nice cars and you have people who drive cars just for getting from point a to point b.

 

You have forum owners who like to customize their forum and you have forum owners who just care about the content and the people.

I'm using a free theme on my blog. I've found a paid theme on there that I like but I'd have to switch a purchased plan in order to be able to use that.

Ever since I've been blogging, I have never used paid themes. The ones I have been using are good for a starter and for those with a tight budget like me. I currently enjoy it, so I don't need to pay for anything. What's the need to pay when I can get it for free?