25 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
25 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

WP Themes: Genesis vs Thesis

by writeaway
21 replies
Anyone here using either Genesis or Thesis? Why did you pick one over the other? I am launching a new blog network and need feedback as to which framework to go with.
#genesis #themes #thesis
  • Profile picture of the author jeffreyhuan
    I would prefer Genesis. A lot of child themes to choose from.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8277124].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author salegurus
    There are some great comparrissons you could find by using Google.
    Like this: Thesis Theme vs Genesis Theme: A Wordpress Premium Theme Comparison
    Signature
    Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

    ― George Carlin
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8277167].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mary Stevens
    I found the learning curve for Thesis to be great. Your experience may differ.
    Signature
    Wholesale Makeup
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8277211].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Romeo90
    It was a close call for me - in the end, i went with genesis, simply because there is a lot of people out there saying that Thesis has gone downhill (esp with thesis 2.0) and the support is not that great.

    I am loving Genesis at the moment.
    Signature


    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8277213].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Unlock Real Results
      I am pretty theme/Wordpress savy...I found Thesis 2.0 to have A HUGE learning curve. Absolutely not worth it - I would go with a simpler theme.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8277381].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author webmarketingbiz
    Both are great themes. Thesis may be more powerful as far as customizations but if you want a theme that you can use straight away, I would choose Genesis.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8278117].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Shaun OReilly
      I've been a Thesis user for years.

      Thesis 1 had a learning curve and so does Thesis 2.

      I've been beta testing Thesis 2.1 and it's the dog's
      dangly bits.

      Originally Posted by Romeo90 View Post

      Thesis has gone downhill (esp with thesis 2.0) and the support is not that great.
      The support forum for Thesis is excellent and always
      has been. You can get rapid support for your custom
      questions - usually within hours.

      Dedicated to mutual success,

      Shaun
      Signature

      .

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8278136].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author agmccall
        Originally Posted by Shaun OReilly View Post


        I've been beta testing Thesis 2.1 and it's the dog's
        dangly bits.
        I am assuming this is Good?

        Al
        Signature

        "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8278205].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author varrie29
    I have Thesis and if you're not into some techie things then you should go for Genesis. I think in terms of speed, they're equally awesome but Thesis does not allow several WP plugins ( not sure as I am primarily referring to WordPress SEO by Yoast which you cannot integrate with Thesis as they're offering an SEO option within their framework.)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8278162].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joan Altz
    Forget about Thesis and definitely go with Genesis. And if you want to do some customization for Genesis, you can get Dynamik.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8278202].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Calum Jones
    Older incarnations of Thesis are fantastic. I still use Thesis 1.8.5.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8278212].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Radium
    I have never tried Thesis but I would think that Genesis has a better plugin support due to its popularity.
    Signature
    Web Design & Digital Marketing || I am not afraid of failure. I fail every day. My goal is simply to have more wins than failures. Failure is often one of the first parts of success.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8278223].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DerekGann
    I prefer using Thesis, I am kinda familiar with it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8278334].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Julius Minor
      I used Thesis for a long time before switching to Genesis.. It's much easier and saves you a lot of time for more important tasks...
      Signature
      Real.. Proven.. Money Making Methods
      juliusminor.com
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8278936].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    They're both great to be honest.

    I've bounced back and forth time and time again.

    Ultimately I bit the bullet and am now with Genesis. Full time. (That's just a saying, I'm not an employee or anything).

    My reason for loving Genesis?

    Well, there's a bunch.

    First; their code is super clean. (So is Thesis's).

    Second; their framework is easy to modify if you want to jump under the hood (So is Thesis's).

    Frequent updates. (So does Thesis).

    So you're probably thinking.. "Okay so what's the difference?"

    Well, the ONE THING that Genesis has that Thesis doesn't really have..

    Is the ability to load a TON of themes onto the framework.

    Genesis has like 50+ themes you can use to dress up the framework.

    Last time I checked.. Thesis only has like 2-3.

    So, that was the deciding factor for me.

    But, things change. Maybe Thesis is on top now.

    But, I'm happy with Genesis for the time being.

    //rant off
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8278978].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Julius Minor
      Originally Posted by Sarevok View Post

      They're both great to be honest.

      I've bounced back and forth time and time again.

      Ultimately I bit the bullet and am now with Genesis. Full time. (That's just a saying, I'm not an employee or anything).

      My reason for loving Genesis?

      Well, there's a bunch.

      First; their code is super clean. (So is Thesis's).

      Second; their framework is easy to modify if you want to jump under the hood (So is Thesis's).

      Frequent updates. (So does Thesis).

      So you're probably thinking.. "Okay so what's the difference?"

      Well, the ONE THING that Genesis has that Thesis doesn't really have..

      Is the ability to load a TON of themes onto the framework.

      Genesis has like 50+ themes you can use to dress up the framework.

      Last time I checked.. Thesis only has like 2-3.

      So, that was the deciding factor for me.

      But, things change. Maybe Thesis is on top now.

      But, I'm happy with Genesis for the time being.

      //rant off
      You forgot the "learning curve". Geneisis is much easier im my opinion.. It took me a good while to get fluent with thesis..
      Signature
      Real.. Proven.. Money Making Methods
      juliusminor.com
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8279021].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author taylormetric
    I'm a designer/developer on both frameworks.

    Thesis is great for power users, and can actually save you a boatload of time once you get your CSS, boxes, and stuff all set up. My only warning would be that I personally don't think Chris (founder) is going to be hitched onto WordPress forever.

    Genesis is decent for power users, but is also newbie friendly with their wide selection of well designed child themes and more standard approach to hooks/filters/customizations.

    Whichever you go with, just make sure you commit and learn it inside and out so you get most out of your site.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8279034].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author OnlineStoreHelp
      I have one client on Thesis and (IMO) I hate it. Their webhook system breaks the simplicity of wordpress. Certain plugins don't work. If you are comfortable with PHP, I bet Thesis is fantastic though. I really like the look and feel of Genesis (disclosure I have not used it myself). You might want to consider Canvas by Woothemes.
      Signature
      Learn how to set up a powerful, functional yet easy to use e-commerce website at cartprep.com.

      Not sure what ecommerce solution to use? Watch my video walk through of popular shopping carts.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8279563].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Steve B
        My blog is on the Genesis platform and I really like it. I have not used Thesis so I am certainly in no position to make a comparison.

        Genesis has served me well and I have used their support (forum) on a number of occasions, not because something "broke" but because I am dumb.

        Genesis is used by many large players and seems to handle the largest of sites well. As has already been stated, there are some wonderful child themes that you can customize and modify to whatever you want.

        Genesis gets my vote.

        The best to you,

        Steve
        Signature

        Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
        SteveBrowneDirect

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8283541].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Justin Wheeler
    I love Thesis especially the 2.1 version and find it unbelievably flexible.

    My only minor gripe about it as a developer is that for every client site we choose to use it on we need to pay an extra $40...

    But that's not a major issue.

    I use the Themedy Child Themes for Thesis, quite a lot, which also work with Genesis and was a great investment for us.

    I am debating getting Genesis 2.0 as well to add to our toolbox, so if I do will try and come back and give you all some more feedback!
    Signature
    I sell my own products and training via www.marketerspassport.com
    I review products and offer bonuses at www.wantabonus.com
    I blog personally, infrequently and a little randomly at www.justinwheeler.net
    And I run a Web Development and Social Media Consultancy at www.vashonmedia.com
    Look forward to knowing you... Drop by on Facebook
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8396774].message }}

Trending Topics