Kirki Customizer Framework vs Cryout Serious Theme Settings (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
Cryout Serious Theme Settings
40K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Kirki Customizer Framework has a higher user rating (4.5/5 from 78 reviews) and leads in active installations (500K+ vs 40K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Kirki Customizer Framework has accumulated 12M+ total downloads while Cryout Serious Theme Settings has 859K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Kirki Customizer Framework | Cryout Serious Theme Settings | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | ◄ | 4.3/5 |
| Total Reviews | 78 | ◄ | 16 |
| Active Installs | 500K+ | ◄ | 40K+ |
| Total Downloads | 12M+ | ◄ | 859K+ |
| Support Resolution | 60% | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 1 month ago | ◄ | 2 months ago |
| First Released | 2014 | 2015 | |
| Age | 12 years | 11 years | |
| WP Requires | 5.3+ | 4.5+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 5.2.2 | 0.5.17 |
Rating Breakdown
Kirki Customizer Framework
Cryout Serious Theme Settings
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Kirki Customizer Framework averaged approximately 3,174 daily downloads while Cryout Serious Theme Settings averaged 114.
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
Cryout Serious Theme Settings Reviews
Great and reliable over a long period of time
I’ve been using Nirvana theme from this developer for over a decade now on several sites, and used this plugin in tandem with it since it became necessary in order to retain the existing theme functio
No support for paying customer
I have used their Mantra theme for many years. Now support does not reply despite me having a current subscription (made several attempts to create a ticket on their website and also sending email and
Seems to work well.
I’ve had this installed for a few years now and it seems to work just fine.
More Theme Worth Comparing
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.