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11ty

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Directus

11ty vs Directus

11ty vs Directus: which is right for your project? 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. Directus is open-source data platform that wraps any sql database. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

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TL;DR — Our Recommendation

It depends — 11ty and Directus serve different use cases well. Choose 11ty for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript. Choose Directus for Teams with existing databases wanting an instant admin panel and API layer.

Feature by Feature Comparison

Feature11tyDirectus
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

Directus

Pros

  • Wraps any existing SQL database — works with your current data
  • Auto-generates REST and GraphQL APIs from your database schema
  • Beautiful admin app that non-technical users enjoy
  • Extremely flexible — works as CMS, BaaS, or data dashboard

Cons

  • Jack-of-all-trades approach can make CMS features feel less focused
  • Self-hosting requires database and Node.js server management
  • Community is smaller than Strapi despite similar feature set
  • Cloud pricing jumps significantly above free tier

Platform Details

Detail11tyDirectus
Language / Stack
JavaScript (multiple template languages)Node.js / TypeScript
Type
ssgheadless cms
Pricing
Free (open-source)Free (self-hosted) / $99+/month (Cloud)
Open Source
YesYes
Best For
Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScriptTeams with existing databases wanting an instant admin panel and API layer
Export Method
N/A (destination framework)REST API, GraphQL API, or direct database access

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 Directus if…

  • You need teams with existing databases wanting an instant admin panel and api layer
  • Your team is comfortable with Node.js / TypeScript
  • You want an open-source solution with full code ownership
  • Budget is a top priority — free (self-hosted) / $99+/month (cloud)
  • You want a low learning curve for non-technical team members

Which Should You Pick?

The right choice between 11ty and Directus 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 Directus is a headless cms built with Node.js / TypeScript. 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, both platforms are open-source, so the real cost difference is hosting and operational overhead. 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 supports migration between 60+ platforms, so you're never locked in regardless of which you pick today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 11ty better than Directus?
They're closely matched (25/30 vs 23/30). 11ty is best for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript, while Directus excels for Teams with existing databases wanting an instant admin panel and API layer. Your choice should depend on your team's skills and project requirements.
Can I migrate from 11ty to Directus?
Yes. Export your 11ty content via N/A (destination framework), then import it into Directus. LeaveWP can help automate this process while preserving your SEO metadata and URL structure.
What are the main differences between 11ty and Directus?
11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default, while Directus is open-source data platform that wraps any sql database. Key differences: performance (11ty: 5/5, Directus: 4/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free (self-hosted) / $99+/month (Cloud)), and ecosystem size (11ty: 3/5, Directus: 2/5).
How much does 11ty cost compared to Directus?
11ty: Free (open-source). Directus: Free (self-hosted) / $99+/month (Cloud). Both are open-source, so the main cost difference is hosting and infrastructure.
Which is easier to learn, 11ty or Directus?
They're similarly approachable (both 4/5). 11ty uses JavaScript (multiple template languages), while Directus uses Node.js / TypeScript. Your team's existing skills will determine which feels easier.
Which performs better, 11ty or Directus?
11ty has the performance edge (5/5 vs 4/5). As a static site generator, 11ty pre-renders pages for near-instant load times. Directus may require additional optimization for high-traffic sites.

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