Thrive Themes vs X Theme.
I get it. You are undecided on two of the best premium WordPress themes on the market. Lucky for you, you will find the complete review on both Thrive Themes vs X Theme in this post.
And if you wonder why I do so, it is simple. I’ve been in the same position as you in the past, and it is hard to decide. As for the record, I ended up buying both the themes!
Being an avid WordPress user myself, I totally understand how it felt like when it comes to choosing the best WordPress theme for your blog. On the one hand, you have the popular Thrive Themes, and on another, you have the X Theme which was rated as the best WordPress theme in 2015 on CodeCanyon.
Don’t worry. In this post, you will find the complete review of Thrive Themes vs X Theme — all under one roof.
Of course, if you like this WordPress builder review, I would appreciate if you can share it with your friends!
If you are looking for comparison between Thrive Themes and other WordPress builders instead, here are some links you should take a look at:
What is a WordPress builder theme?
WordPress builder allows you to do a heck lot of things, especially when it comes to customizing your WordPress theme. In most WordPress themes development, a single project can costs at least $200.
If you are feeling adventurous (and tight on budget), getting yourself a WordPress builder theme such as Thrive Themes or X theme is a great alternative.
Developing a WordPress theme is time-consuming and in most cases, you are required to have a certain expertise in coding. This is where WordPress builder theme comes into play.
A good WordPress builder helps you to create awesome themes without any coding knowledge. In most cases, you are just required to drag and drop different columns to create the ultimate theme of your choice. And yes, all the above is done without any coding skills.
What are the requirements of a good WordPress builder theme?
The market is saturated with dozens of WordPress builders. Sadly, not many make the mark!
So, here are some of the requirements of a good WordPress builder theme:
- Mobile responsive
- An array of typography
- Search engine friendly (and optimized)
- Fast loading speed
- Affordability
- All year round support (email or forum)
- Integration with other important plugins
- Low learning curve
- Automation upgrading
Lucky for you, both Thrive Themes and X Theme have pretty similar similarities with the above requirements (which we will dive deeper in this post).
Thrive Themes review
You can read my up-to-date Thrive Themes review, and I am firm with my stance; Thrive Themes is one of the best drag and drop builder in the market.
But wait! What should you know about Thrive Themes?
The theme doesn’t have tons of bloatware, and all the Thrive Themes are built with the focus on speed and converting visitors into paying customers (or email subscribers).
As a blogger or marketer, you’ll understand how important getting leads through your blog. And that’s exactly what Thrive Themes can help you to achieve! Every part of the theme created is focused heavily on getting conversions; email subscribers, inquiries, etc.
For one, I’m a huge fan of StudioPress themes and personally, I have used it for over ten years. When I decided to use Thrive Themes on one of my websites, I was worried and to be extremely honest, I was not convinced on Thrive Themes.
However, I read many blog posts talking about the advantages of Thrive Themes, and I was tempted to try it. After all, what’s the worst case that can happen, right?
My experience using Thrive Themes
As an experienced WordPress user, I skipped the manual and went directly into installing the premium theme.
(a) Installation of Thrive Themes
My verdict for this part is that Thrive Themes is easy to use. It doesn’t take long to install, and it is very easy as well.
(b) Using Thrive Themes
A full copy of Thrive Themes comes with inbuilt Thrive Leads and Thrive Content Builder. With the combination of both plugins, you get a complete, all-in-one premium theme that takes away all the hard work and leave the nice results for you.
(c) Thrive Leads integration
Thrive Leads is pretty much the most advanced version for any lead generation plugin. As a huge fan of OptinMonster, Thrive Leads easily surpass what most common lead generation plugin could do.
You can integrate custom lead forms or choose from the huge library of pre-made forms seamlessly into your blog or website.
A huge plus point for Thrive Themes users is that Thrive Leads can integrate into dozens of email marketing providers. Seriously, you will be surprised on how many plugins who face multiple issues when it comes to integration!
Side note: I use Convertkit for my email marketing, and there is absolutely no problem using it with Thrive Leads! You can also read my post on why I left MailChimp for Convertkit.
(d) Thrive Content Builder
Thrive Content Builder or TCB, in short, is a powerful plugin that comes along with Thrive Themes. Instead of the traditional blog writing, Thrive Content Builder allows you to create powerful and highly effective content through drag-and-drop option.
You can easily add content, images, videos, maps and other interactive ‘˜materials’ within the blog post with using any codes. All you need to do is to select the option available and start writing!
(e) Thrive Themes loading speed
Makes no mistake. Thrive Themes is excellent when it comes to website loading speed. I am always keen on making my website load under 1 second, and that’s why I use WP Engine to host my websites.
With StudioPress themes, I can load my website under 1 second, and when I use another theme builder, it usually takes a whole 2 seconds or more!
When I use Thrive Themes with WP Engine, my website loads around 1.2 seconds which is superb!
X Theme Review
I came across X Theme two and a half years back. Back then, I was hunting for another premium theme apart from StudioPress. Adam Connell (founder of Blogging Wizard) introduced me to X Theme, and I was instantly ‘wow-ed.’
At that time, X Theme was still new in the market, and it was okay. It provides tons of features and is probably one of the best I ever used.
Fast forward to now, X Theme has come a long way. Now, it can integrate to dozens of plugins and add-ons, including Cornerstone which is awesome!
For me, X Theme is a great choice for both beginners and experienced WordPress users simply because it offers a lot of features under its hood.
For starters, X Theme can integrate to multiple plugins such as email opt-in forms, lead generation, under construction and social sharing. Instead of buying a truckload of plugins, you can find nearly everything with X Theme.
My experience using X Theme
Similar to the above, I installed the X Theme and here’s my honest review about X Theme.
(a) Simplicity in using X Theme
X Theme is way easier to use now than previously. After installing the theme, you can select to import designs or pre-made layouts from the option. Alternatively, you can create your theme from scratch.
X Theme also comes with Expanded Demos which you can import directly into your WordPress website. Here’s a short video of it.
(b) Using X Theme
Do you want an honest answer? X Theme is great, and there’s a lot under its hood. However, it is not that straightforward (if you are comparing Thrive Themes vs X Theme).
But it makes all the sense, though. X Theme offers more features and is often very ‘˜heavy.’ Compared to Thrive Themes, you can do more with X Theme.
The downside? There’s a learning curve, and it can be annoying if you skip the manual altogether (like me).
(c) X Theme integration with Cornerstone
X Theme nearly lost the entire battle when it comes to the premium plugin, but thankfully for Cornerstone integration, it is now back on track.
So, what is Cornerstone?
Cornerstone is a drag and drop plugin that allows you to do pretty much anything with the X Theme. With it, you will get WYSIWYG, and you can easily customize your website in real time.
Pretty awesome, right?
(d) Multiple visual effects using X Theme
If you are the type that loves powerful and engaging visual effects on your blog, you got to try on X Theme.
Personally, X Theme is very good when it comes to creating 3D buttons and effects. In most cases, you will not be able to have such features easily on most premium WordPress themes. You would either need to have some serious coding work needed or installing a few more plugins to get the desired results.
With X Theme, all you need is to select the option for 3D effect and you are good to go — all under 10 seconds, or less!
Thrive Themes vs X Theme review
Trust me, I put a lot of thought into this and to be honest, I can’t make a solid decision (literally speaking). Both are equally good and to make the decision much easier, carry on reading the below.
Thrive Themes vs X Theme: Simplicity, ease of use and fast loading speed
The winner got to be Thrive Themes. Sure, X Theme is good, but Thrive Themes excels much more in this category.
It is easy to use, very straightforward and more importantly, it has a fast loading speed (around 1.2 seconds compared to X Theme at around 1.8 seconds).
Want to see Thrive Themes in action? Click here for the complete demo!
Thrive Themes vs X Theme: Design, features, and future integration/upgrades
When it comes to design, I am an avid believer that X Theme still has the upper hand compared to Thrive Themes. The designs on X Theme is often more intuitive and flexible, while Thrive Themes is very much ‘˜by default.’
Also, X Theme has always been adding new features and upgrades since day one. Therefore, X Theme may one day be the top player in the industry especially if they continue to add more integration into the theme.
Summary: Thrive Themes vs X Theme review
I don’t believe there is a clear winner when it comes to comparing Thrive Themes vs X Theme. It boils down to exactly what you need as a blogger/writer and how these themes can be used in your daily usage.
If you are looking for a fast loading website with leads conversion focused, Thrive Themes is the one you should be using.
If you are more towards custom theme and building a theme from scratch, consider using X Theme as it offers a wide range of features to help you customize your blog.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think.
