Table of contents

  1. What to check before choosing
  2. Cassiopeia and Astroid Three
    1. Cassiopeia
    2. Astroid Three
  3. Templates built on Helix
    1. Helix Ultimate
    2. Helix3
    3. LT Corporation
  4. JoomlArt: T4 and T3
    1. JA Purity IV
    2. JA Stark
    3. JA Campaign
    4. Purity III
  5. Gantry: Helium and JoomLead
    1. Helium
    2. Besto
    3. Lead
    4. Minima
  6. Templates no longer included
  7. Which free Joomla template should you choose?

Looking for a free template for Joomla 6 or 5? This selection covers 13 options for blogs, business websites, portfolios and one-page sites. Each entry explains the framework, compatibility, free download terms and Quickstart availability, so an attractive demo does not turn into an unexpected purchase.

What to check before choosing

Information was checked on 12 October 2026 against official developer pages and download catalogues. At the time of the review, the current releases were Joomla 6.1.4 and 5.4.9. Prefer Joomla 6 for a new website. If you are keeping a project on Joomla 5, check compatibility across your entire extension stack.

  • A free template is not the same as a free demo package. The basic edition may exclude a page builder, particles, support or an installer containing the demo data.
  • Quickstart is a complete package for a new website. Do not install it over an existing Joomla site as if it were a normal template. For an existing site, choose the template installer and the required plugins.
  • Check the date of the package you need. The template, framework and Quickstart may have different release dates. A recent Joomla bundle does not mean the design or CSS foundation has been completely rewritten.
  • Check dependencies. Template compatibility does not guarantee that every component in the demo is compatible. Test the package on a staging copy with your PHP version before deploying it.

The buttons lead to official download pages or product descriptions. Some free downloads require registration. Paid plans and features are identified separately. Images show the top section of a real demo or an official screenshot. Demo styling and features may differ from the free package.

Cassiopeia and Astroid Three

These options address different needs: Cassiopeia comes with Joomla and needs no third-party framework, while Three provides a ready-made design built on Astroid.

Cassiopeia template for Joomla 6

Cassiopeia

A standard Joomla template for a blog, an information site or a project with a custom layout. A good choice when predictable updates and fewer external dependencies matter.

Joomla 6Joomla 5Free

  • Developer: Joomla Project.
  • Framework: No third-party framework required.
  • CSS foundation: Bootstrap 5 and CSS Grid.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: Updated with Joomla.
  • Quickstart: No separate Quickstart. Joomla includes sample blog data.

The demo shows Cassiopeia on Joomla 4. The template is also included in Joomla 5 and 6.

DemoDownload
Astroid Three template for Joomla 6

Astroid Three

A free template with understated typography for a blog, personal website or portfolio. This is the ready-made Three theme, not just the Astroid framework.

Joomla 6Joomla 5FreeQuickstart

  • Developer: TemPlaza.
  • Framework: Astroid Framework.
  • CSS foundation: Bootstrap 5.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: The download page lists template version 1.0.1 without a release date.
  • Quickstart: A separate Quickstart 1.0.1 is available.
DemoDownload

Templates built on Helix

Helix lets you configure website layouts and styling from the administrator interface. Helix Ultimate is a sensible starting point for a new multipurpose project.

Helix Ultimate template for Joomla 6

Helix Ultimate

A versatile foundation for a business website, blog or portfolio. Layout, menu, colour and font settings let you create your own design without buying a ready-made theme.

Joomla 6Joomla 5FreeQuickstart

  • Developer: JoomShaper.
  • Framework: Helix Ultimate.
  • CSS foundation: Bootstrap 5.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: 2.2.10, 27 August 2026.
  • Quickstart: Free Quickstart for Joomla 6. The template and plugin are also available separately.
DemoDownload
Helix3 template for Joomla 6

Helix3

A familiar layout builder for existing Helix3 projects. This branch still receives updates and supports modern Joomla versions, but the developer recommends Helix Ultimate for new projects.

Joomla 6Joomla 5FreeQuickstart

  • Developer: JoomShaper.
  • Framework: Helix3.
  • CSS foundation: Bootstrap 5.1.3.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: 3.1.4, 31 August 2026.
  • Quickstart: Free Quickstart for Joomla 6.
DemoDownload
LT Corporation template for Joomla 6

LT Corporation

A corporate design for companies, consultants and service businesses. The free edition has a limited feature set, so compare it with the demo before starting your project.

Joomla 6Joomla 5Free edition

  • Developer: LTheme.
  • Framework: Helix Ultimate. The demo uses SP Page Builder.
  • CSS foundation: Bootstrap, version not specified on the product page.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: No individual release date is shown on the template page.
  • Quickstart: Quickstart and the complete demo site are part of PRO.
DemoLearn more

JoomlArt: T4 and T3

Check JoomlArt’s download catalogue: it contains recent Joomla 6 packages even when a product overview shows an older date. Purity IV, Stark and Campaign use T4, while Purity III uses T3.

JA Purity IV template for Joomla 6

JA Purity IV

A flexible foundation for a company website, blog or publishing project. Among JoomlArt’s T4 templates, it is a useful starting point for a new multipurpose site.

Joomla 6Joomla 5FreeQuickstart

  • Developer: JoomlArt.
  • Framework: T4 Framework.
  • CSS foundation: Bootstrap 5.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: Template 1.3.0, 24 October 2025. Joomla 6 Quickstart: 10 February 2026.
  • Quickstart: Free Quickstart packages for Joomla 6 and 5. A JoomlArt account is required to download them.

The live demo returned a PHP error when checked. The design button links to the official screenshots and template overview.

View designDownload
JA Stark template for Joomla 6

JA Stark

A restrained corporate template for a studio, agency or small business. Suitable for introducing your team, services and completed projects.

Joomla 6Joomla 5FreeQuickstart

  • Developer: JoomlArt.
  • Framework: T4 Framework.
  • CSS foundation: Bootstrap 4, according to the developer’s description.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: Template 2.2.0 and Joomla 6 Quickstart: 10 February 2026.
  • Quickstart: Free Quickstart packages for Joomla 6 and 5. A JoomlArt account is required.
DemoDownload
JA Campaign template for Joomla 6

JA Campaign

A specialised option for campaigns, initiatives and offer directories. The demo focuses on community support, but its structure can be adapted to your own project.

Joomla 6Joomla 5FreeQuickstart

  • Developer: JoomlArt.
  • Framework: T4 Framework.
  • CSS foundation: The Bootstrap version is not specified in the current download information.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: Template 2.1.1: 28 March 2024. Joomla 6 Quickstart: 10 February 2026.
  • Quickstart: Free Quickstart packages for Joomla 6 and 5. A JoomlArt account is required.
DemoDownload
Purity III template for Joomla 6

Purity III

A previous-generation multipurpose template for content websites. Recent packages confirm Joomla 6 support, while the underlying T3 and Bootstrap 3 architecture remains unchanged. For a new project, compare it with Purity IV first.

Joomla 6Joomla 5FreeQuickstart

  • Developer: JoomlArt.
  • Framework: T3 Framework.
  • CSS foundation: Bootstrap 3.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: Template 2.1.1: 28 March 2024. Joomla 6/5 Quickstart: 17 November 2025.
  • Quickstart: Free Quickstart packages for Joomla 6 and 5. A JoomlArt account is required.
DemoDownload

Gantry: Helium and JoomLead

Gantry lets you build pages using module positions and particles. Helium provides a free foundation, while JoomLead offers themed designs with separate free and PRO editions.

Helium template for Joomla 6

Helium

A free theme for getting started with Gantry: visual layouts, module positions and particles for page content. Suitable for a blog, a presentation website or a custom layout.

Joomla 6Joomla 5Free

  • Developer: Gantry / RocketTheme.
  • Framework: Gantry 5.
  • CSS foundation: Gantry styles built with SCSS.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: Helium 5.6.4, 3 September 2026.
  • Quickstart: The current Joomla download page offers the theme and Gantry separately. No current Joomla Quickstart is listed.

Use an up-to-date Gantry release for Joomla 6. Support for this Joomla branch was added in Gantry 5.6.2.

DemoDownload
Besto template for Joomla 6

Besto

A template for consulting and business services with a prominent hero section. The free basic edition can serve as a starting point, but the demo includes features from the commercial package.

Joomla 6Joomla 5Free edition

  • Developer: JoomLead.
  • Framework: Gantry 5.
  • CSS foundation: UIkit 3.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: 2.0.10, 8 September 2026.
  • Quickstart: Quickstart is not included in the free plan. It is available with PRO.
DemoLearn more
Lead template for Joomla 6

Lead

A business design for law firms, consultants and professional services. Restrained typography and service sections help introduce a company. The free edition has functional limitations.

Joomla 6Joomla 5Free edition

  • Developer: JoomLead.
  • Framework: Gantry 5.
  • CSS foundation: UIkit 3.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: 2.1.3, 10 September 2026.
  • Quickstart: Quickstart is not included in the free plan. It is available with PRO.
DemoLearn more
Minima template for Joomla 6

Minima

A one-page template for a studio, independent professional or small company. Useful when services, projects and contact information need to fit on a single page. The demo shows the expanded package.

Joomla 6Joomla 5Free edition

  • Developer: JoomLead.
  • Framework: Gantry 5.
  • CSS foundation: UIkit 3.
  • Compatibility: Joomla 6 and 5.
  • Update: 2.1.3, 10 March 2026.
  • Quickstart: Quickstart is not included in the free plan. It is available with PRO.
DemoLearn more

Templates no longer included

JA Simpli, SJ Basic4 and SJ Remoz have been removed from the main selection because the checked pages do not state Joomla 5/6 support. SJ Plus and Photographer Portfolio list Joomla 5 compatibility, but their displayed releases date back to 2023 and Joomla 6 support has not been confirmed. This does not mean they have stopped working on Joomla 5, but there are clearer choices for a new Joomla 6 site.

JF Simone is excluded because a current package and its compatibility could not be confirmed from accessible official information. Morph’s current product page lists Joomla 4/5 and T4, while its demo describes the older T3 foundation. Until Joomla 6 compatibility is clarified, it is not part of the main selection. Qubic is not included because download access is tied to a paid JoomShaper plan.

Which free Joomla template should you choose?

Choose according to your website’s needs and your preferred tools, rather than an arbitrary ranking.

  • Fewest third-party dependencies: Cassiopeia. Develop the design using Joomla features and your own styles.
  • A multipurpose website: Helix Ultimate. Consider Helix3 mainly when retaining a familiar architecture.
  • Gantry: Helium as a free foundation. For a themed design, compare Besto, Lead and Minima, taking the free editions’ limitations into account.
  • T4: JA Purity IV for a multipurpose project, JA Stark for a company or agency, and JA Campaign for campaigns and offers.
  • Astroid: Astroid Three, a ready-made free template with a modern framework.
  • Business: JA Stark, Besto, Lead or LT Corporation. If you want to reproduce the demo quickly without buying a Quickstart package, consider JA Stark first.
  • One page: Minima, if you are comfortable configuring the free edition yourself.
  • Portfolio: Astroid Three for a restrained presentation of your work, or Helix Ultimate for a custom layout.

Before making your final choice, download the actual free edition, test it on a staging site and compare it with the demo features you need. This helps you assess both the appearance and the future effort involved in configuration and updates.

Terms used:

Demo, Quickstart, Package, Template, Bootstrap, CSS, PHP, Menu, Cassiopeia, Helix Ultimate, SP Page Builder