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11ty

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Strapi

11ty vs Strapi

11ty vs Strapi: which is right for your project? 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. Strapi is open-source headless cms built with node.js. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

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TL;DR — Our Recommendation

It depends — 11ty and Strapi serve different use cases well. Choose 11ty for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript. Choose Strapi for Developer teams wanting a self-hosted headless CMS with full control.

Official docs: Strapi Documentation

Feature by Feature Comparison

Feature11tyStrapi
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

Strapi

Pros

  • Fully open-source — self-host with no vendor lock-in
  • Auto-generated REST and GraphQL APIs from your content types
  • Intuitive admin panel with customizable content modeling
  • Active open-source community with frequent updates

Cons

  • Self-hosting requires DevOps knowledge and maintenance
  • Plugin ecosystem is growing but still smaller than established CMS
  • Large datasets can stress the default SQLite/PostgreSQL setup
  • Cloud hosting launched recently — less mature than competitors

Platform Details

Detail11tyStrapi
Language / Stack
JavaScript (multiple template languages)Node.js (JavaScript/TypeScript)
Type
ssgheadless cms
Pricing
Free (open-source)Free (self-hosted) / $29+/month (Cloud)
Open Source
YesYes
Best For
Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScriptDeveloper teams wanting a self-hosted headless CMS with full control
Export Method
N/A (destination framework)REST API, GraphQL API, or database export

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 Strapi if…

  • You need developer teams wanting a self-hosted headless cms with full control
  • Your team is comfortable with Node.js (JavaScript/TypeScript)
  • You want an open-source solution with full code ownership
  • Budget is a top priority — free (self-hosted) / $29+/month (cloud)
  • You want a low learning curve for non-technical team members

Which Should You Pick?

The right choice between 11ty and Strapi 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 Strapi is a headless cms built with Node.js (JavaScript/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 Strapi?
They're closely matched (25/30 vs 24/30). 11ty is best for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript, while Strapi excels for Developer teams wanting a self-hosted headless CMS with full control. Your choice should depend on your team's skills and project requirements.
Can I migrate from 11ty to Strapi?
Yes. Export your 11ty content via N/A (destination framework), then import it into Strapi. LeaveWP can help automate this process while preserving your SEO metadata and URL structure.
What are the main differences between 11ty and Strapi?
11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default, while Strapi is open-source headless cms built with node.js. Key differences: performance (11ty: 5/5, Strapi: 4/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free (self-hosted) / $29+/month (Cloud)), and scalability (11ty: 4/5, Strapi: 4/5).
How much does 11ty cost compared to Strapi?
11ty: Free (open-source). Strapi: Free (self-hosted) / $29+/month (Cloud). Both are open-source, so the main cost difference is hosting and infrastructure.
Which is easier to learn, 11ty or Strapi?
They're similarly approachable (both 4/5). 11ty uses JavaScript (multiple template languages), while Strapi uses Node.js (JavaScript/TypeScript). Your team's existing skills will determine which feels easier.
Which performs better, 11ty or Strapi?
11ty has the performance edge (5/5 vs 4/5). As a static site generator, 11ty pre-renders pages for near-instant load times. Strapi may require additional optimization for high-traffic sites.

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