WordPress is blessed with tons of developers creating plugins and themes for the platform. As a user, you benefit from the quick installation of the styles you need on your website.
Most WordPress plugins run on a freemium model, where you can access some features for free, but others are only available through a premium subscription or purchase.
In this article, I will quickly review the Festinger Vault platform, which serves as a marketplace to get WordPress items at a fraction of the price.
Note: Ensure you check out my collection of the best GPL themes and plugin websites to know Festinger’s current position in the industry.
Best GPL sites on LinkedIn (disregard :)).
Table of Contents
Understanding WordPress GPL Themes and Plugins
Before we can understand what Festinger Vault is, we first need to understand WordPress GPL.
What exactly is GPL on WordPress?
GPL is an open-source software license used mainly by open-source applications, including WordPress, to freely showcase their work and its derivatives.
The GPL (General Public License) gives users four main freedoms:
- Use the software for any purpose.
- Access and modify the software’s source code.
- Distribute the original software to help others.
- Share modified versions under the same GPL terms.
Let me carefully dissect these four freedoms that come with the GPL license.
The first freedom is the ability to use the software for any purpose. That’s self-explanatory.
The second freedom is to access and modify the software’s source code. This lets users of WordPress plugins and themes interact with the source code of the software and alter it however they want.
The third freedom is to distribute the original software to help others. This takes it a little further. Aside from interacting with and modifying the source code, users are also allowed to share any software from WordPress just like the actual developers do on their websites.
Normally, when a GPL product is shared, it retains the same privileges. The fourth freedom says that even when modified by users, the altered version will still fall under the same terms (i.e., the four freedoms being explained).
What do these freedoms mean for actual developers?
Unfortunately, if you want to build for WordPress, you must comply with the four freedoms that have made the platform what it is today.
As a developer, you agree to the fact that anything you’re releasing on WordPress isn’t only your own. Others can distribute your product in their name freely and legally.
What is Festinger Vault?
Festinger Vault is a popular GPL (General Public License) site that provides access to a vast collection of WordPress themes and plugins at a fraction of their original price.
Unlike traditional marketplaces where you pay for each theme or plugin individually, Festinger Vault offers these products under GPL, allowing users to download, modify, and use them freely, all within the legal framework of WordPress’s open-source philosophy.
The platform boasts an extensive library of over 25,000 WordPress items, making it a go-to resource for WordPress users who are looking for a cost-effective way to enhance their websites without breaking the bank.
With Festinger Vault, users can access premium WordPress products that are regularly updated and supported by a team dedicated to ensuring the quality and security of each file.
Yes, AI did well for the definition. Now let’s put Festinger Vault through its paces, judging it against what it claims to be.
We’ll review Festinger Vault based on two main concerns. Later, we’ll explore its standout features and why they are important when choosing the best GPL site.
- How safe is it?
- Are the products on Festinger Vault up-to-date?
How Safe is Festinger Vault?
To determine if Festinger Vault hosts GPL-only themes and plugins, we downloaded a bunch of software from them and put them to the test.
We used VirusTotal for this.
We ran several files through the scan, and 99% of the time, we didn’t detect any threats. Out of 100 tests, only one had a minor threat.
Regarding the GPL-only files, the platform also passed the test.
At least, from what we tested, none of the solutions are non-GPL. In terms of modification, there was none, except that they do bypass the premium license field so that software is accessible to everyone.
In short, Festinger Vault is a legitimate platform that hosts unmodified GPL products with zero threats most of the time.
Are the Products on Festinger Vault Up-to-date?
Another question to address in our comprehensive review of Festinger Vault is whether they actually have up-to-date solutions.
Before I go any further, I want to make it clear that no GPL platform can be in the same phase as the actual developers.
Festinger Vault seems to be playing its game well.
At least for popular themes and plugins, updates come on a steady basis, although not immediately after the developers release them.
The likelihood of a plugin or theme being current depends on the demand rate. The higher the demand, the sooner the updates are provided.
To avoid giving random or generalized information, it’s a good idea to compare its update frequency with the competition.
On a scale of 1 to 10, after comparing it with platforms like Pluginsforwp, Festinger Vault fluctuates between level 7 and 8 for the most downloaded software.
For GPL plugins and themes with fewer downloads, it can go as low as 3 or 4.
This is one of the reasons why crediting actual developers is important.
Features that set Festinger Vault apart
1. Automatic updates from their Plugin Manager right on WordPress
Festinger Vault is one of the few GPL platforms that provides the capability to perform automatic updates directly on WordPress. This is made possible thanks to its plugin manager, which you can download from the platform.
2. Version control
Out of the 100 GPL themes and plugins websites, less than 2% allow users to revert back to older versions. This feature is particularly important when you consider the nature of GPL products distributed by these sites.
Sometimes, the latest version may not work properly. In this case, you can use the older versions until the issue is resolved.
3. VirusTotal scan to ensure 100% security
Earlier, we scanned several plugins and themes we downloaded from the platform using VirusTotal.
But did you know that Festinger Vault offers a built-in scanner?
You can use it to check whether a file is free from threats before downloading or installing it on your site.
This kind of feature saves you the time it takes to switch tabs.
4. White-labeling for Reselling
If you are planning to run your own GPL site, then Festinger Vault is perhaps the only one that has you fully covered.
White labeling means that anything you download from the platform won’t contain their watermark. This allows your products to be unique to you.
Festinger Vault Pricing Breakdown
Festinger Vault has three plans designed to fit various needs, from subscription to pay-as-you-go and their lifetime deal.
Pricing
- $19/month (10 downloads/day)
- $39/month (30 downloads/day)
- $299 lifetime (unlimited downloads)
Pay-as-you-go
- $39 one-time for 12 downloads
- $59 one-time for 30 downloads
- $79 one-time for 60 downloads
Festinger Vault is perhaps the only GPL site that supports a pay-as-you-go option. This works well for folks like me who seldom use new plugins and aren’t into web development.
Festinger Vault Alternatives and Competitors
There are countless alternatives to Festinger Vault. GPL sites pop up every day. Here are the best ones currently available:
- Pluginsforwp, best overall GPL site for WordPress themes and plugins (10,000+ products) | Visit site
- Srmehranclub, a GPL site that offers solutions beyond WordPress (33,500+ products) | Visit site
- WorldPressIT, the best GPL site for single-download preferences (3,500+ products) | Visit site.
Festinger Vault Pros and Cons
Let’s explore where the platform excels and where it falls short.
Festinger Vault Pros
- Premium WordPress plugins and themes at 97% off
- Great for short-term usage and testing of products without paying the original price
Festinger Vault Cons
- No option for single downloads
- Unpopular products don’t receive updates as frequently as they should
- Delays in updates are common
Is the Festinger Vault a ThemeForest Replacement?
Festinger Vault could be considered a replacement for ThemeForest, but with a different approach.
While ThemeForest charges per item, Festinger Vault offers a vast library of over 25,000 premium WordPress themes and plugins for a fixed monthly fee.
This makes it a more cost-effective and convenient option for WordPress users looking to access a wide variety of resources without paying for each individual item.
Conclusion
One of the things to consider before deciding which GPL site to make your go-to is the overall website design.
Festinger Vault, as you can see from its user-friendly design, is a good place to obtain GPL plugins and themes at a great price.
From what we have seen so far, it’s the largest place to get WordPress GPL products. With its huge library of 25,000 (and still growing) solutions, you’re likely to find what you are looking for.
It’s also perhaps the only platform in this industry that offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model.
Overall, the platform is reliable, and its files are typically free from threats.
While platforms like Festinger Vault exist, it’s advisable to credit actual developers because they are the reason WordPress remains top-notch today.
FAQs
Why are the products so cheap on Festinger Vault?
Festinger vault offers GPL-licensed products, which allows them to legally distribute premium themes and plugins at a lower cost without providing official support or licenses from the original developers.
Are GPL plugins and themes legal?
Yes, GPL plugins and themes are legal. The GPL license permits redistribution, modification, and use of software, as long as it remains under the same license.
Which GPL site is best?
The best GPL site depends on individual needs, such as the variety of products offered, features, and pricing structure. Festinger Vault is highly rated for its extensive library and pay-as-you-go pricing.
To explore more GPL sites and to compare them with Festinger Vault, check out the best GPL sites.
What is the best GPL site for Themes?
Festinger Vault is a popular choice due to its vast collection of WordPress themes, unique features, and affordable pricing.
What is the best GPL site for Plugins?
Festinger Vault is also highly regarded for its wide array of WordPress plugins, easy access, and updates (even if they are not immediate), making it a reliable option for GPL plugins.
