12 best WordPress block themes for FSE (most are completely free!)
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If you're interested in leveraging the new WordPress Site Editor feature to create your own WordPress site, this is the article for you.
Below, you'll find our top picks of the top 12 WordPress block themes. All of which are true block themes, which actually utilize the brand new WordPress Site Editor interface.
Best of all, almost every theme is available for free. This means that you can create your own website with blocks, and not break the bank.
In addition to revealing our top picks of the best block themes we'll also cover some other related information, such as what you can tell between classic and block themes as well as how you can get started with your first block theme.
Let's talk about it...
What exactly is what is a WordPress block-themed theme?
It is also common to see WordPress block themes being referred to as Full-Site Editing themes, or FSE themes in short. But, WordPress has moved away from calling the concept Full-Site Editing. Therefore, the concept isn't as popular anymore like it was in the past (and it's likely to decrease in popularity as time goes on).
WordPress block theme vs traditional themes
As an example, there are over 12,000 themes to choose from at WordPress.org, but only around 300 are block-themed. Most of them are traditional themes.
Some classic themes also use the theme's own customized settings area.
What is the best way to determine if a WordPress theme is a block theme
The easiest method to determine the difference between the block or traditional one is to determine whether your theme is compatible with the Site Editor.
If you're using a theme that blocks, you should see an editor option listed in the Appearance tab in your WordPress dashboard.
If you're using a classic theme, you will not see an editor option under Appearance. Instead, you'll just see options such as customizing, Widgets, Menu, Theme File Editor as well as other options.
The 12 most popular WordPress block themes, compared
Let's dive into our selections of the top 12 WordPress block themes.
These are not listed in any specific order, and we encourage you to read through the full listing, since all twelve themes are top-quality choices.
1. Ollie
Ollie is an extremely flexible WordPress block theme from Mike McAlister and Patrick Posner. Mike is a well-respected WordPress developer, who has been working in the themes industry for some time now, having previously created the Array Themes shop.
Ollie is a multi-purpose theme that you can use in many different methods, however the majority of the designs are centered in helping you design a business website or personal portfolio. For that reason, it's likely to be best-suited for those specific areas.
If you purchase Ollie Pro, you can access patterns for three different web designs:
- Startup Startupis a business website format.
Key features:
- A custom onboarding experience which is easy to create your website. However, you need to download the Ollie Dash plugin from GitHub because the designer had to remove the onboarding system in the template following some go-arounds.
- There are more than 10 different styles to choose from and a completely customizable design system via the Global Styles feature.
- More than 66 block patterns are included in the free version.
- Multiple patterns for crucial template elements, such as 6+ header patterns as well as 6 footer patterns as well as 4+ layouts of post listings (including the option of a card), and 7+ single page templates.
- Ollie Pro adds a cloud-based patterns library, which includes hundreds of patterns for multiple site designs, including Creator, Startup, and Studio designs.
Price:Free and available at WordPress.org. Ollie Pro starts at $69 and adds hundreds of additional layouts, but the core block theme is gratis.
2. Spectra One
The Spectra theme is a WordPress block theme from Brainstorm Force, which is exactly the same company that created the massively popular Astra WordPress theme.
While Spectra One can be described as a multipurpose theme, its main patterns are centered on helping to create a company or portfolio site. So, you'll get most value for your buck when you stick to these categories. As an example, you'll discover the patterns of pricing table, lists of team members, and so on.
Spectra One is designed to work to the developer's Spectra plugin, which extends the block editor by adding several innovative blocks and new features. However, you aren't forced to use the plugin in the event that you do not want to.
Key features:
- A tight integration with developers' Spectra plugin, which provides several enhancements to the editor for blocks. These include the addition of new blocks, patterns and design options, along with other features that are useful, including the option to upload custom fonts.
- Nine different styles.
- Over 80 included patterns including full-page layouts and patterns for parts of pages.
- Lots of patterns for template parts, including 8+ header designs and footer patterns that are 5+, and 4+ page template patterns.
Price is free at WordPress.org. There's a premium edition that comes with the Spectra plugin that starts at $49, which you might want if you're working with Spectra One. The block theme itself is absolutely free.
3. Frost
Frost Frost is a WordPress block theme spearheaded by Brian Gardener. If you're unfamiliar with Brian, he was the co-founder of StudioPress The company that developed the popular Genesis Framework for classic themes.
Key features:
- Eight different styles.
- Patterns for 48+ are included which include templates for testimonials, pricing tables, calls to action and much more.
- Many patterns to use for the most important templates, including 4+ header patterns and 8+ footer designs, 4+ page patterns and 3+ post listing templates.
Price is free and can be found on WordPress.org.
4. Neve FSE
Neve FSE is the block-themed version of Themeisle's popular Neve theme. The initial Neve theme uses the classic Customizer approach. However, Themeisle developed Neve FSE to accommodate users who prefer using the Theme Editor.
In the end, Neve FSE doesn't give users the ability to access as many start-up websites as you have with the traditional design. Instead, Neve FSE's patterns are mostly focused on helping you create a business website as well as an individual portfolio.
It does come with a variety of patterns to help you present your blog's posts but you are able to enjoy a lot of flexibility for using Neve FSE for your blog.
Key features:
- It works well with developer's Otter Blocks extension Although you don't have to install the plugin. Once you've activated Neve FSE, it will prompt you to install Otter Blocks.
- Eight different styles.
- 48+ included patterns with many sections templates for call-to-actions prices table, features boxes team listings, service listings, and more.
- Patterns for important templates with 4 header variations, 5+ footer variations, 2+ pages, as well as a variety of post listing designs. In the case of post listing templates there are options for grids, cards and more.
Cost is free and accessible on WordPress.org. Although there's a premium version of the traditional Neve theme, Neve FSE has been made totally free. Optional Otter Blocks companion plugin has an unpaid version, and a premium version starting at $49.
5. Bricksy
Bricksy is an WordPress block theme developed by Anariel Design, an established WordPress theme shop based in Germany.
Unlike a lot of blocks, Bricksy includes pre-made patterns design templates that are suitable for four distinct blogging niches:
- Travel
- Food
- Fashion
- Wedding
This gives you a little greater flexibility to create diverse websites because many other block-themed themes have more general design templates for portfolio and business websites. It's crucial to be aware that you'll require the premium version if you want to access the entirety of the designs for all 4 sites.
The free version includes designs for each of the four niches, but only the most limited options. In other words, you can only find one pattern on the homepage for each area for the free version however, the premium version offers greater flexibility.
Features:
- Designs and patterns that are pre-made for various blogging nichesfood, travel, fashion, and wedding.
- 52+ includes block patterns with the free version, including patterns for all four use cases.
- Many patterns to cover crucial theme components even in the free version, including 4+ header patterns three footer patterns, and 5+ blog layout patterns.
- Bricksy Pro adds many more templates for all the starter site designs (if you're willing and able to pay).
- Nine different variations of style included in the version for free.
Price is Free and can be found at WordPress.org. Bricksy Pro starts at $59 and comes with a plethora of new patterns that are available to use.
6. Gutenify
Gutenify is not just a single block theme. It's actually a set of more than 40 different block themes all based around Gutenify, the companion Gutenify plugin that expands the block editor with innovative features.
Each individual theme has distinct niches -it is possible to browse through them all using the search term " Gutenify" on WordPress.org. As an example, you'll discover Gutenify themes that are suitable that are geared towards health clinics and fashion shops schools, educational institutions, photography portfolios, logistics businesses, architects, and lots more.
There's no legal requirement to use the Gutenify plugin to run one of the Gutenify block themes, however you'll have the greatest results by using both since they're made to function together. If, for instance, you want to import all of the demo content, then you'll require the Gutenify plugin.
The most important features:
- There are 40+ different niche-specific block themes that fall under Gutenify. Gutenify umbrella.
- Each theme has multiple different styles. Some only have two or three styles and others include 10+ various styles.
- Each theme is adorned with numerous blocks that are unique to the theme's specific niche.
- It is designed to integrate with The program is designed to integrate with Gutenify plugin. It extends the block editor with additional features.
Price The entire collection of 40+ Gutenify themes are available for free and are available on WordPress.org. Gutenify is a WordPress plugin. Gutenify plugin comes in both an affordable and premium edition priced at ~$60 for a one-year license or ~$180 for lifetime licensing.
7. Raft
Raft is a different WordPress block theme by Themeisle This is the same company responsible for the Neve FSE theme from earlier on this list.
Similar to Neve FSE, Raft pairs nicely with the creator's Otter Blocks plugin and encourages users to install it once you activate the theme. You aren't required to use Otter Blocks to use the Raft theme.
Features:
- 16+ different style variations, which is a lot more than other themes offer.
- 52+ came with block patterns. It also included numbers for different commercial uses, such as testimonials and pricing tables.
- A somewhat limited selection of templates for part patterns that includes just two header patterns as well as 2+ footer designs.
- WooCommerce is ready to go if you wish to create an online store.
- It works well with the developer's Otter Blocks plugin, though there is no requirement to use it.
Cost:Free and available at WordPress.org.
8. UniBlock
You'll still need to buy UniBlock Pro to use a lot of the theme's patterns, so it might not be the best choice when you're looking specifically for a no-cost WordPress blocks theme.
Key features:
- There are 6 different variations of style.
- WooCommerce compatibility, which makes it a good option in the event you're looking to purchase a WooCommerce block theme.
- 18+ patterns included with the trial version. many of which focus on building a business website.
- UniBlock Pro adds more patterns to your website's templates such as the footer, header, and template pages.
Cost Available for free through WordPress.org. UniBlock Pro gives you access to more patterns at $69 and allows you to use it for unlimited websites.
9. YITH Wonder
There's hardly any specific WooCommerce block themes that focus on blocks, so this singular focus will definitely help YITH Wonder to stand out. If you're in search of an appropriate block theme for your WooCommerce store, this is probably one of the best alternatives to look into.
The most important features:
- Created specifically to be used in WooCommerce stores.
- There are 8 different variations of style.
- 33+ block patterns in total.
- Patterns for 6+ headers and 3 footer patterns.
- There are 4 pre-designed homepage templates and a lot of page templates that can be used for other pages that WooCommerce stores will require.
Price: Free and available through WordPress.org.
10. Basti
Basti is another WordPress block theme by Anariel Design, the same firm responsible for the Bricksy theme that was featured earlier on the list. Anariel Design has really embraced the Site Editor and it's not surprising to see their two most popular themes that are on this list.
Similar to the YITH Wonder theme above, one of the things that distinguishes Basti is the fact that it was designed specifically to work with WooCommerce. It is what makes Basti an ideal choice to those looking for the perfect WooCommerce block theme. Basti also comes with patterns for four different ecommerce-focused designs, which gives an abundance of freedom when it comes to the design of your store.
- Fashion
- Marketplace
- Yoga
- Outdoors
Basti only comes as a premium theme However, Basti isn't the best choice if you're looking for a block-themed theme that is free.
Key features:
- Made especially for WooCommerce stores.
- Four different starter site designs for various ecommerce niches.
- Over 85 patterns, including multiple patterns to use for your store's header, footer, and other templates.
- Custom-designed onboarding wizards to assist you set up your site.
Cost is $79 per a year's support and updates or $179 for lifetime support as well as updates. Both licenses allow you to apply the Basti theme on up to 10 websites.
11. Bjork
Anders offers several quality free block themes, but Bjork appears to have gained the greatest amount of interest. The minimalist design could be a good choice for personal sites or blogs. It includes multiple patterns that let you decide how you display your blog's posts as well as other patterns for elements like testimonials and an "work with me" CTA.
Features:
- Created for personal blogs and websites. Designed for blogs and personal.
- There are 8 different variations of style.
- 15+ included patterns.
- There are four different designs for your site's blog listing page. This includes two different styles for your blog listing with a two-column grid and a 3-column grid.
Cost: Free and available through WordPress.org.
12. GreenShift
GreenShift GreenShift a WordPress block theme, created to be used in conjunction to the GreenShift block-based plugin although you're not required to use GreenShift to make use of the theme.
The theme is multi-purpose and is suitable for every type of site, though most of the patterns focus on building a website for businesses. For example, you'll find multiple patterns for feature/service lists, pricing tables, reviews/testimonials, and so on.
Key features:
- Although it's a stand-alone theme, it's designed to be used in conjunction with the GreenShift plugin.
- 5+ built-in style variations with light and dark styles.
- 46+ block patterns, including patterns for important section areas such as FAQs, feature or service lists, pricing tables, and more.
- Multiple block patterns for important template parts, including seven different header patterns and 6 footer patterns as well as 9+ query patterns to use on your blog listing page.
- Full WooCommerce compatibility, including optimized loading for WooCommerce-related scripts.
Cost: Free and available at WordPress.org. If you're using the companion GreenShift plugin, it comes in a free version at WordPress.org as well as an upgraded version starting with a yearly license, or $ 140 for a lifetime license.
How to choose a block theme to use on your site(s)
Because block themes use a different approach to classic themes, you'll need to employ a slightly different approach to choosing the ideal WordPress block theme to host your site.
In addition, since blocks are all built using the Site Editor, it's a lot simpler to modify your theme templates without code. Therefore, it's not quite essential that the theme includes the exact design you require, because you can always alter things by using the Site Editor.
That being said, here are a few of the most crucial things to consider before deciding on a theme for your block:
- Theme template templates-- with multiple themes template patterns (header, footer, blog listing page and so on.) can save you time if you'd like to alter parts of your theme, even if they don't technically "need" these templates.
- Support for developers and long-term viability due to the fact that blocks are fresh, many developers are testing them. If the theme is considered to be experimental, that increases the chance that a developer might abandon it once the experiment is finished. For that reason, you should pay close focus on the person who created your theme block and whether you think they'll stick around for the long term.
Which host should you choose? WordPress host that can set you up for the best success
In addition to choosing the appropriate block theme you'll also want to make sure you select an WordPress hosting service that can set the block-powered website up to be successful.
With the help of's managed WordPress hosting, you'll be able to ensure that you are getting quick, secure and reliable hosting for your WordPress website.
This means that you'll have the ability to work efficiently using the Site Editor while you're customizing your theme. This means that, once you're finished the site is going to load in the same speed whenever people go to it.
Where to look for WordPress block themes
Although we've tried our best to showcase the top WordPress block themes within this post, you still may want to look through more of our library to see what else is available.
Then, where do you look for other WordPress block-themed themes?
The ideal place to start is the WordPress.org Theme Directory. When you opt for the Block theme option, WordPress.org will only show themes that utilize this method. It is possible to refine your search by adding keywords or applying the additional filters that are available.
What is the best way to utilize the block theme of WordPress block theme
To finish things out, let's go through a quick rundown on how to use the WordPress block theme. It's because it's a little bit distinct from the more traditional "classic" way of working that many WordPress users have come to know.
We're not going to cover every single step here -only the essentials to let you know the steps to take in order to start.
The Bjork theme from Anders Noren for our illustration However, the same principles are applicable to any block theme.
How do I open the Site Editor?
When you've activated and installed your block theme, you'll alter almost everything via the Website Editor interface. It is possible to launch the Site Editor using Appearance - Editor in your WordPress dashboard.
If you don't see the Editor option under the Appearance it's likely that you're using a classic WordPress theme. You will only see this user interface if you've installed a block theme on your site.
What should you consider when choosing the theme's design
One of the most important things you're likely to want to take care of is to choose the style variant you'd like to incorporate into your web site.
To get access to them, click on the Styles option in the Editor for Sites.
On the next screen, you can choose from the various styles. It is also possible to click the pencil icon in order to modify the styles you have selected in the complete editor.
How can you personalize your template templates for themes
To customize each of your template templates such as header, footer, blog listing page, single post template, and so on -Click on the Templates option from the sidebar of your Site Editor.
This will open a list of all of the templates for your chosen design. Then, you can alter any of the templates, or design your own template, by pressing on the Add New Template button in the top-right corner.
How can you personalize your menu of navigation
With a block theme, you can no longer manage your navigation menus using the classic WordPress Menu interface ( Appearance - Menus). Instead, you'll have to choose to do this by selecting the navigation option on the Editor sidebar. Editor sidebar.
By default, WordPress is able to automatically include every page on your site to your menu. If you'd like to change this feature, simply select"Edit" or click the "3 dots" icon and then choose edit to alter your navigation menu.
After that, you are able to modify your menu navigation through the complete block editor interface.
Summary
That wraps up our big list of the most popular WordPress block themes. We'll also provide you with some other tips about how you can select and implement block themes on your site.
Jeremy Holcombe
Senior Editor at WordPress Web Developer as well as Content Writer. Apart from everything related to WordPress I love golf, the beach, as well as movies. Also, I have height difficulties.