Kirki Customizer Framework vs Gantry 5 Framework (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Kirki Customizer Framework
500K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Gantry 5 Framework has a higher user rating (4.6/5 from 32 reviews) while Kirki Customizer Framework leads in active installations (500K+ vs 8.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Kirki Customizer Framework has accumulated 12M+ total downloads while Gantry 5 Framework has 330K+. Kirki Customizer Framework has a higher support resolution rate (60% vs 0%).
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Kirki Customizer Framework | Gantry 5 Framework | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | ► | 4.6/5 |
| Total Reviews | 78 | ◄ | 32 |
| Active Installs | 500K+ | ◄ | 8.0K+ |
| Total Downloads | 12M+ | ◄ | 330K+ |
| Support Resolution | 60% | ◄ | 0% |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ► | 1 month ago |
| First Released | 2014 | 2015 | |
| Age | 12 years | 11 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.3+ | 5.2+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | 8.1.0+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 5.2.2 | 5.6.0 |
Rating Breakdown
Kirki Customizer Framework
Gantry 5 Framework
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Kirki Customizer Framework averaged approximately 3,174 daily downloads while Gantry 5 Framework averaged 71.
Recent Reviews
Kirki Customizer Framework Reviews
Version 5.1.1, no corresponding ChangeLog update.
I’d like to know the specific changes that are being applied to my website with each plugin update. It seams that the author forgot to add a corresponding changelog entry for the version 5.1.1 update
Great plugin!
Great plugin!
Slider Not working
I migrated a domain / new client that had kirki customizer slider – doesn’t look like it’s been working for quite some time. No updates to php/plugins/WP or otherwise was able to fix this issue – Fina
Gantry 5 Framework Reviews
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
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
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.