Kadence Blocks is a great example of layout blocks that are actually better than the default WordPress Gutenberg blocks.
I’ve been using Kadence Blocks for a while and decided to review the plugin by answering some common questions. Have a look below!
What is Kadence Blocks?
Kadence Blocks is a widely used and flexible Gutenberg blocks plugin for WordPress. It allows you to create beautiful and functional websites without advanced knowledge of coding.
It includes a set of pre-made design blocks which you can use and adjust to create web pages. In other words, Kadence Blocks is a page builder based on native WordPress editor and features.
Are Kadence Blocks Good?
Definitely. Unlike other blocks available in the market, Kadence blocks have a modern design, offer superior customization options and are easy to use.
You can easily import pre-made templates created with Kadence Blocks and customize them right away. For that, you will need to install the Kadence Starter Templates plugin which is also free.
Also, the team is constantly releasing new blocks and features. For example, one of the latest additions is the Google Maps block, allowing you to quickly add and customize a map on your page.
Are Kadence Blocks Free?
Yes, you can download the plugin for free on their official website or on WordPress.org repository. Currently, more than 200,000 websites are using the free version of the plugin.
Are Kadence Blocks Fast?
Yes, as they’re integrated into WordPress core. The plugin only loads CSS and JavaScript files when you need them and only for the blocks that are present on a page.
There are also more than1,500 SVG icons available by default. They load fast as no font-family is used.
Does the Plugin Work With Other Themes?
Kadence Blocks works with most of the WordPress themes that support the native Gutenberg editor. For the best compatibility though, it’s better to use it with Kadence theme.
How Do I Install Kadence Blocks in WordPress?
Simply follow these steps:
- Log in to your WordPress admin
- Go to Plugins – Add New – Search for Kadence Blocks
- Click on Install Now and then on Activate
That’s it, you can now use the plugin directly in the default WordPress editor. The settings are available under Settings – Kadence Blocks in your admin area.
How Do I Use Kadence Blocks in WordPress?
Once you install the plugin simply create or edit any page/post and click on the + icon in the upper left corner to add a new block.
There you will see the available Kadence Blocks. Click on any block to add it to your page or post.
If you want to edit any block, click on it and adjust the settings from the right side panel. The adjustments are easy to use and self explanatory.
You can also define your color palette and default settings for all Kadence Blocks, so you can keep your style consistent and save time on customizations when creating new pages.
Kadence Blocks Free vs Pro Version
The free version of the plugin is pretty powerful by default. However, if you want to get access to some cool stuff, you should definitely upgrade to the Pro version.
Here are some premium options you get with Kadence Blocks Pro:
- On scroll animation
- Custom icons
- Custom fonts
- Dynamic content
- Custom scripts support
- All premium starter templates
- 10+ premium blocks
Premium blocks and dynamic content support are 2 of my favorite features. I would definitely consider the Pro version for these options alone.
Check the difference between free and pro version
| Features | Free | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design Library |  | |
| Intelligent Load | | |
| Responsive Controls | | |
| Layout Controls | | |
| Typography Controls | | |
| 1500+ SVG Icons | | |
| Color and Background Controls | | |
| Configurable Defaults | | |
| Setting Visibility Controls | | |
| Spacing Controls | | |
| Animate on Scroll |  | |
| Custom Icons | | |
| Dynamic Content | | |
| Custom Fonts | | |
| Pro Design Library Items | | |
| Page-Specific CSS and JS | | |
| Blocks | Free | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Row Layout | | |
| Advanced Heading | | |
| Advanced Gallery | | |
| Tabs | | |
| Accordions | | |
| Countdown | | |
| Table of Contents | | |
| Testimonials | | |
| Info Box | | |
| Posts | | |
| Icon List | | |
| Icons | | |
| Form | | |
| Advanced Button | | |
| Spacing/Divider | | |
| Post Grid/Carousel | | |
| Product Carousel | | |
| Portfolio Grid/Carousel | | |
| Image Overlay | | |
| Modal | | |
| Split Content | | |
| Video Popup | | |
| User Info | | |
| Advanced Slider | | |
| Pro Gallery Addons | | |
| Pro Countdown Addons | | |
| Pro Form Addons | | |
What are the Latest Features?
Both free and premium versions of the plugin get regular updates. The team is constantly releasing new and innovative features. You can view the changelog here.
Here are the latest versions:
- Kadence Blocks – version 3.0.21, released on March 2nd, 2022
- Kadence Blocks Pro – version 1.7.24, released on February 23rd, 2023
Some of my favorite latest additions are:
- Advanced Image Block – offers a wide range of design controls and advanced options like image filters, animate on scroll, conditional display and more
- Lottie Block – easily add Lottie animations to your page or post
- Meta Box support – allows you to add dynamic content with Meta Box
- Google Maps Block – easily embed and customize Google maps on your pages
Kadence Blocks 3.0
Update: in February 2023, the team launched a major new version – Kadence Blocks 3.0. It’s the biggest update yet and includes lots of powerful features like:
- Rebuilt and improved code of the core product
- A completely new block settings design
- Copy/paste styles – easily apply existing styles to new elements
- Improved Row block – CSS grid, new layout options, move sections within a row
- Better mobile responsiveness and performance
- Import/export block defaults
- Compatibility with older versions
I really like the new version of the plugin: it feels fast, is intuitive and is more visually oriented. It’s definitely better and more powerful than the default Gutenberg editor.
I’m pretty excited about this update and looking forward to seeing new blocks and options. These are expected to be released in the coming months:
- New blocks – advanced form, progress bar, advanced query
- New design library
- A new version of Kadence Blocks Pro – v2.0
Kadence Blocks Pro Pricing
The premium version of the plugin is really affordable, as you can use it on an unlimited numbers of websites and benefit from 1 year support and updates.
It’s priced at $89 / year, but you can get it for $69 / year – this is the introductory price for new users.
You can cancel your subscription at any time or upgrade to a higher plan. The renewals will be charged at the full price.
The bundle deals are even more attractive. With the Essential bundle you get the premium plugin + theme + all premium starter templates for $149 / year. With the Full Bundle you get access to everything that Kadence has to offer.
Here is the breakdown of pricing plans
| Kadence Blocks Pro | Essential Bundle | Full Bundle |
|---|---|---|
| $89/year | $149/year | $219/year |
| Use on unlimited sites | Use on unlimited sites | Use on unlimited sites |
| 1 year support and updates | 1 year support and updates | 1 year support and updates |
| 30 day satisfaction guarantee | 30 day satisfaction guarantee | 30 day satisfaction guarantee |
| Pro blocks | Pro blocks | Kadence Theme Pro |
| Pro addons | Pro addons | Kadence Blocks Pro |
| Dynamic content | Dynamic content | Pro Starter Templates |
| Custom icons | Custom icons | Kadence Cloud |
| Custom fonts | Custom fonts | Kadence Shop Kit |
| Pro starter templates | Pro starter templates | Kadence AMP |
| Kadence Blocks Pro | Access to all themes and plugins | |
| Pro Starter Templates | Access to all future products |
There is also a Lifetime Full Bundle priced at $699, for those who are interested in a one time payment for lifetime access to all existing and future products, updates and support.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Ease of use
Features
Customizations
Performance
Compatibility
Value for money
Is Kadence Blocks Pro Worth It?
For sure. Kadence Blocks Pro offers a wide set of powerful features and premium blocks, allowing you to create beautiful and functional websites without being a web developer.
