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Core Framework vs Gantry 5 Framework (2026)

Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.

Core Framework

Core Framework

5(41)

10K+ active installs

Free

Updated 1 week ago
View Core Framework
VS
Gantry 5 Framework

Gantry 5 Framework

4.6(32)

8.0K+ active installs

Free

Updated 1 month ago
View Gantry 5 Framework

Quick Verdict

As of April 2026, Core Framework has a higher user rating (5/5 from 41 reviews) and leads in active installations (10K+ vs 8.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Core Framework has accumulated 160K+ total downloads while Gantry 5 Framework has 330K+.

Detailed Comparison

Rating
5/5Core Framework
◄
Gantry 5 Framework4.6/5
Total Reviews
41Core Framework
◄
Gantry 5 Framework32
Active Installs
10K+Core Framework
◄
Gantry 5 Framework8.0K+
Total Downloads
160K+Core Framework
►
Gantry 5 Framework330K+
Support Resolution
N/ACore Framework
Gantry 5 Framework0%
Last Updated
1 week agoCore Framework
◄
Gantry 5 Framework1 month ago
First Released
2024Core Framework
Gantry 5 Framework2015
Age
2 yearsCore Framework
Gantry 5 Framework11 years
WP Requires
6.0+Core Framework
Gantry 5 Framework5.2+
PHP Requires
8.0+Core Framework
Gantry 5 Framework8.1.0+
Business Model
FreeCore Framework
Gantry 5 FrameworkFree
Latest Version
1.10.2Core Framework
Gantry 5 Framework5.6.0

Rating Breakdown

Core Framework

5/5(41 reviews)
5
95%
4
5%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%

Gantry 5 Framework

4.6/5(32 reviews)
5
84%
4
6%
3
0%
2
3%
1
6%

Recent Reviews

Core Framework Reviews

by Martin Sauter

Love it!

Invaluable for any WordPress site without a page builder.

by lanxalot

Best in class – no lock-in – great support – we love Core

I have used ACSS and other Frameworks. I love Core as it is intuitive, lightm it has the right ammount of features for me, and you can easily remove the builder plugin (if you choose to use one) by si

by groggy72

Excellent Investment

This is a massive productivity investment. I bought the bricks addon and it’s a game changer.

Gantry 5 Framework Reviews

by Andrea Scarfo'

Very good opensource and free framework

I made many websites using Gantry5 + Helium + Child theme It was not manteined for long time, but now that it was taken by tiger12 it supports php 8.1 We can hope it will be developed as well as

by kuldaoo

Great, advanced

I use it since my joomla days. I created at least 30 quite comlicated webs with this framework. Not so easy for the first time but complex. Advanced features. Thanks

by DrLightman

I wonder why.

Another wrapper framework theme takeover buildt on top of WordPress core APIs. And then behold, a templating system, twig, one of the many which failed such as Smarty and so on which adds to confusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Core Framework or Gantry 5 Framework more popular?
Core Framework has 10K+ active installations while Gantry 5 Framework has 8.0K+. Core Framework is the more widely-used plugin as of April 2026.
Which has better ratings — Core Framework or Gantry 5 Framework?
Core Framework has a 5/5 rating from 41 reviews, while Gantry 5 Framework has a 4.6/5 rating from 32 reviews.
Are Core Framework and Gantry 5 Framework free?
Core Framework is free and Gantry 5 Framework is free. Both can be downloaded from the WordPress.org plugin directory.
Which plugin has better support — Core Framework or Gantry 5 Framework?
Support resolution data is not available for all plugins. Check each plugin's WordPress.org support forum for current response quality.
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Core Framework was last updated 1 week ago and Gantry 5 Framework was last updated 1 month ago.

Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.