Yes, Ascend is completely free to use. It is available on WordPress.org at no cost.

How many websites use Ascend?

Ascend has 2.0K+ active installations as tracked by WordPress.org.

What are the best Ascend alternatives?

Popular alternatives to Ascend include Astra, GeneratePress, OceanWP. You can compare them on our theme directory.

Does Ascend work with the latest WordPress?

Ascend requires WordPress false+ and PHP 5.6+. Check the theme's WordPress.org page for the latest compatibility information.

Ascend — Reviews, Rating & Alternatives (2026)

Name: Ascend
Rating: 4.9 (37 reviews)
Author: Kadence WP

As of April 2026, Ascend is a WordPress theme with 2.0K+ active installations and a 4.9/5 rating from 37 reviews. It has been downloaded 157K+ times in total. Requires WordPress false+ and PHP 5.6+. Available on WordPress.org since 2017. Actively maintained — updated within the last month. Top alternative: Astra.

4.9/537 reviews

2.0K+active installs

157K+total downloads

9 yearssince 2017

Overview

Ascend is a classic theme, built before the Gutenberg block editor was created. While some support has been added for the block editor it's a WordPress legacy theme. Ascend is amazingly versatile, easily customizable and loaded with features you will love. You can use with any page builder, like Elementor. We built this multipurpose theme with several fresh and original layout options for your website’s header and menus, including a very stylish vertical menu and a stunning transparent header that changes as you scroll.

Read full description on WordPress.org

Ratings & Reviews

4.937 reviews

5 ★

35

4 ★

1

3 ★

1

2 ★

0

1 ★

0

Recent Reviews

Fast and responsive wordpress theme

by deni_ru·3 years ago·1 reply

Fast and responsive wordpress theme, thank you

Please update this theme

by Muhammad Faizin·3 years ago·1 reply

I saw the last update was in 2021. I think all of users are waiting for update for now. Please update your theme.
Thanks a lot.

A+ theme with well executed development

by lcastonguay·4 years ago·1 reply

I redesigned my site using Ascend and page speeds increased immediately. My old theme relied totally on the sluggish WP Bakery Visual Composer. Kadence has built custom composer blocks that integrate with Gutenberg flawlessly. Gutenberg is the future of WordPress. Every theme developer should be designing in Gutenberg and getting away from using third-party content composers. The Free option of Ascend has TONS of styling features. I can’t be more satisfied with Ascend. Kadence, thank you for making this theme available.

Brilliant and best!

by CombineEssences·4 years ago·1 reply

I don’t understand why this theme hasn’t got a million plus users. It’s brilliant – totally customisable and versatile. I’ve used it for a small business e-commerce site, a health info site and a showcase site for an artist. Ascend’s predecessor was Virtue which has 40K+ active installations. I loved Virtue and Ascend is even miles better.
Thank you, Ben Ritner and Kadence WP for the brilliant work.
H

So Good Support

by Anonymous User 16900372·5 years ago·2 replies

So Good Support