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11ty

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Prismic

11ty vs Prismic

11ty vs Prismic: which is right for your project? 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. Prismic is headless cms with slice machine for component-based content. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

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TL;DR — Our Recommendation

It depends — 11ty and Prismic serve different use cases well. Choose 11ty for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript. Choose Prismic for Frontend developers wanting component-based content editing aligned with their code.

Migrate Prismic → 11ty

Feature by Feature Comparison

Feature	11ty	Prismic
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

Prismic

Pros

Slice Machine maps CMS slices directly to frontend components
Generous free tier (1 user, unlimited documents)
Good Next.js and Nuxt integrations with dedicated packages
Content relationships and scheduling built in

Cons

Slice Machine adds build-step complexity to development
Custom types have some restrictions compared to Sanity or Contentful
Smaller community and fewer third-party tutorials
Limited webhook and integration options on lower plans

Platform Details

Detail	11ty	Prismic
Language / Stack	JavaScript (multiple template languages)	API-based (any frontend)
Type	ssg	headless cms
Pricing	Free (open-source)	Free / $7+/month per user
Open Source	Yes	No
Best For	Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript	Frontend developers wanting component-based content editing aligned with their code
Export Method	N/A (destination framework)	Document API or Migration API

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 Prismic if…

You need frontend developers wanting component-based content editing aligned with their code
Your team is comfortable with API-based (any frontend)
Budget is a top priority — free / $7+/month per user
You want a low learning curve for non-technical team members

Which Should You Pick?

The right choice between 11ty and Prismic 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 Prismic is a headless cms built with API-based (any frontend). 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 Prismic (Free / $7+/month per user) 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 Prismic → 11ty migration tool that preserves your URLs, metadata, and content structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 11ty better than Prismic?

They're closely matched (25/30 vs 23/30). 11ty is best for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript, while Prismic excels for Frontend developers wanting component-based content editing aligned with their code. Your choice should depend on your team's skills and project requirements.

Can I migrate from 11ty to Prismic?

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

What are the main differences between 11ty and Prismic?

11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default, while Prismic is headless cms with slice machine for component-based content. Key differences: performance (11ty: 5/5, Prismic: 4/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free / $7+/month per user), and scalability (11ty: 4/5, Prismic: 4/5).

How much does 11ty cost compared to Prismic?

11ty: Free (open-source). Prismic: Free / $7+/month per user. 11ty is open-source and free to self-host, while Prismic is a paid platform.

Which is easier to learn, 11ty or Prismic?

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

Which performs better, 11ty or Prismic?

11ty has the performance edge (5/5 vs 4/5). As a static site generator, 11ty pre-renders pages for near-instant load times. Prismic may require additional optimization for high-traffic sites.

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