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11ty

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DatoCMS

11ty vs DatoCMS

11ty vs DatoCMS: which is right for your project? 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. DatoCMS is graphql headless cms with image optimization built in. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

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TL;DR — Our Recommendation

It depends — 11ty and DatoCMS serve different use cases well. Choose 11ty for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript. Choose DatoCMS for JAMstack teams wanting a GraphQL CMS with best-in-class image handling.

Migrate DatoCMS → 11ty

Feature by Feature Comparison

Feature	11ty	DatoCMS
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Flexibility	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost Value	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Scalability	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ecosystem	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

Pros & Cons

11ty

Pros

Ships zero JavaScript to the browser by default — pure HTML
Supports 10+ template languages (Nunjucks, Liquid, Markdown, etc.)
Framework-independent — use any or no JS framework
Fast builds and simple mental model

Cons

No built-in client-side JS framework for interactive components
Smaller ecosystem of plugins and starters than Next.js or Gatsby
Less intuitive for developers coming from React/Vue backgrounds
Documentation can be hard to navigate

DatoCMS

Pros

Built-in image optimization and responsive image API
Real-time content updates with subscription-based GraphQL API
Modular content with structured text and block records
Excellent static site generator integrations (Next.js, Gatsby, Astro)

Cons

GraphQL-only can be a barrier for teams unfamiliar with it
Free tier is limited; mid-tier pricing is expensive
Smaller community compared to Contentful or Strapi
Content migration to/from DatoCMS requires custom tooling

Platform Details

Detail	11ty	DatoCMS
Language / Stack	JavaScript (multiple template languages)	API-based (GraphQL-first)
Type	ssg	headless cms
Pricing	Free (open-source)	Free / $99+/month
Open Source	Yes	No
Best For	Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript	JAMstack teams wanting a GraphQL CMS with best-in-class image handling
Export Method	N/A (destination framework)	Content Management API (GraphQL)

When to Choose Each Platform

Choose 11ty if…

You need performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side javascript
Your team is comfortable with JavaScript (multiple template languages)
You want an open-source solution with full code ownership
Budget is a top priority — free (open-source)
You want a low learning curve for non-technical team members
You want maximum performance with static or server-rendered pages

Choose DatoCMS if…

You need jamstack teams wanting a graphql cms with best-in-class image handling
Your team is comfortable with API-based (GraphQL-first)
You want a low learning curve for non-technical team members

Which Should You Pick?

The right choice between 11ty and DatoCMS depends on three things: your team's technical skills, your project timeline, and your long-term content strategy.

These platforms take fundamentally different approaches. 11ty is a ssg built with JavaScript (multiple template languages), while DatoCMS is a headless cms built with API-based (GraphQL-first). That architectural difference shapes everything from daily content editing workflows to deployment and hosting costs. Both platforms require some technical comfort — consider which tech stack aligns better with your team's existing skills.

From a cost perspective, 11ty is open-source (Free (open-source)), while DatoCMS (Free / $99+/month) carries ongoing license costs. Factor in plugin or extension costs, developer rates for each tech stack, and whether you need managed hosting or can self-host.

Whichever you choose, migrating between them is straightforward. LeaveWP offers a free DatoCMS → 11ty migration tool that preserves your URLs, metadata, and content structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 11ty better than DatoCMS?

They're closely matched (25/30 vs 23/30). 11ty is best for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript, while DatoCMS excels for JAMstack teams wanting a GraphQL CMS with best-in-class image handling. Your choice should depend on your team's skills and project requirements.

Can I migrate from 11ty to DatoCMS?

Yes. Export your 11ty content via N/A (destination framework), then import it into DatoCMS. LeaveWP can help automate this process while preserving your SEO metadata and URL structure.

What are the main differences between 11ty and DatoCMS?

11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default, while DatoCMS is graphql headless cms with image optimization built in. Key differences: performance (11ty: 5/5, DatoCMS: 5/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free / $99+/month), and scalability (11ty: 4/5, DatoCMS: 5/5).

How much does 11ty cost compared to DatoCMS?

11ty: Free (open-source). DatoCMS: Free / $99+/month. 11ty is open-source and free to self-host, while DatoCMS is a paid platform.

Which is easier to learn, 11ty or DatoCMS?

They're similarly approachable (both 4/5). 11ty uses JavaScript (multiple template languages), while DatoCMS uses API-based (GraphQL-first). Your team's existing skills will determine which feels easier.

Which performs better, 11ty or DatoCMS?

Both score equally on performance (5/5). The real difference depends on your setup: 11ty uses JavaScript (multiple template languages), DatoCMS uses API-based (GraphQL-first). Proper caching and CDN configuration matters more than the platform itself at this tier.

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