Gone are the days when people needed to hire professionals to create custom websites. Today, there are multiple design templates present through which any non-technical person can design a website each. And when we talk about it, HTML templates and WordPress themes are the two prominent options.
Both offer different features, making it difficult for the user to select one. The same is why we have developed this guide, which will be discussing all the significant differences between HTML templates and WordPress themes to help you decide better.
What is an HTML Template?
An HTML template is a pre-designed website layout with a definite structure. These templates are static. That means they don’t come with a built-in backend and require manual editing.
What is a WordPress Theme?
A WordPress theme is a design layout for websites that uses the WordPress CMS. It provides both front-end design and backend functionality. Hence allowing you to manage content easily without touching the code.
Top 6 Difference Between HTML Templates and WordPress Themes
Now that we understand both platforms, here are some of the significant differences you must know to make a choice:
1. Speed and Performance
Users don’t like to wait for a site to load for more than a few seconds. As HTML templates do not rely upon the CMS, they offer a faster loading speed.
On the other hand, WordPress themes require plugins and a CMS to function, which can slow down the site’s speed. However, the themes are great to optimize your page according to the search engine’s algorithm to improve performance.
2. Design Pricing
HTML templates are not connected to any backend server. The same is the reason you can get them at lower pricing upfront. Some templates are available for free also. However, the pricing for WordPress themes varies depending on their design and features.
3. Sourcing
WordPress is an open-source platform. The community develops it and allows anyone to modify the CMS by adding plugins and themes. Conversely, HTML is a close source platform.
Their templates are static and do not allow the users and developers to make changes right away. To alter the layout, you need to code the backend, which can only be done through the professionals.
5. Security
Security is one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a platform. HTML templates are considered safe as they don’t require any plugin or CMS. Hence, it becomes difficult for the hackers to target a site.
WordPress is generally considered a safe platform. However, as it is used by billions of people globally, it is more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Nevertheless, you can use the plugins and regularly update your site to decrease the threat of such attacks. In addition, choosing reliable hosting can also help to increase safety.
6. Themes and Templates
The WordPress files are called themes. You can manage these through the WordPress admin panel displayed on the dashboard. A theme has multiple pages that store a single database and link them together to form a site. Hence, you can change style with just a few simple clicks,
Similarly, the design files for HTML are known as templates. You can edit it through the HTML editor. However, it is important to note that these templates are not meant to be downloaded. Instead, you need a WP Content Management System in its structure to make changes in the design.
7. Flexibility in Design
You can adjust the WordPress themes in any resolution. In addition, you can make changes to the basic layout, add customized sections, change color schemes, etc, to tailor the theme according to your requirements.
On the other hand, you have to check out the feature of responsiveness in the list of features when choosing a template. Most of the HTML templates come with a responsive layout, known as a Bootstrap template, which helps you make slight customizations.
8. Software Requirements
An HTML template is composed of web languages such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. The same is why these templates are simple to use and do not require any software to run. You can open them directly into a browser or upload them to a basic web server.
The WordPress themes, however, are a bit complex to understand. They use PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Furthermore, you need a WordPress Content Management System (CMS) to ensure the proper working of the site. That means you can not just open and upload the theme in a browser. Instead, you need to install WordPress first to access its features.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, HTML templates and WordPress themes are two significant options to consider when developing a site without coding knowledge. However, choosing an option among both can be tough. The same is why we have formed the guide above, which discusses all the differences between both platforms to help you decide better.