StudioPress offer two types of premium WordPress theme packages

StudioPress sell their own theme designs, and themes designed by third party designers. Mai Themes by Biz Budding are an example of third party designers.

These are three StudioPress designed themes

WP Engine hosting customers

If you have a hosting subscription from WP Engine the 36 themes designed by StudioPress are included. However, if you want to use one of the third party themes such as a Mai Theme, you’d have to buy the theme separately.

Genesis Pro subscribers

Genesis Pro includes the 36 themes designed by StudioPress. But, like WP Engine hosting, the third party themes are not included. Genesis Pro also includes 26 pre-built full-page layouts and 56 pre-built page sections.

StudioPress designed themes are bundled with other products

So, StudioPress designed themes are bundled with WP Engine hosting and Genesis Pro subscriptions.

Third party themes sold on the StudioPress site are not included in those bundles.

How do you get third party themes such as Mai Themes?

You can buy a third party designed theme outright via StudioPress for a one off payment. Or you can by a third party theme from the theme shop that designed it.

With so many options, what should you do?

This is what I recommend…

If you own a small business and what to build your own website using the Genesis Framework, consider using WP Engine hosting which includes a free theme. I recommend Monochrome Pro. But you have many more themes to choose from.

If you’re a freelancer, or you own an agency, consider the Genesis Pro package. But remember, Genesis Pro does not include hosting.

If you want as much choice as possible, and you already have your own hosting, browse through all of the themes, including the those provided by third parties to find the one that’s best for you.

Next… what is Genesis Pro?