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Astro

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11ty

Astro vs 11ty

Astro vs 11ty: which is right for your project? Astro is content-focused framework that ships zero javascript by default. 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

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TL;DR — Our Recommendation

It depends — Astro and 11ty serve different use cases well. Choose Astro for Content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal JavaScript. Choose 11ty for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript.

Official docs: Astro Documentation

Feature by Feature Comparison

FeatureAstro11ty
Ease of Use
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Flexibility
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost Value
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scalability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ecosystem
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros & Cons

Astro

Pros

  • Ships zero JS to the client by default (Islands Architecture)
  • Use React, Vue, Svelte, or any framework in the same project
  • Content collections with type-safe Markdown/MDX
  • Purpose-built for content sites — blogs, docs, marketing pages

Cons

  • Not ideal for highly interactive apps (designed for content sites)
  • Smaller ecosystem than Next.js — fewer integrations available
  • SSR support is newer and less battle-tested
  • Island architecture requires thinking differently about interactivity

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

Platform Details

DetailAstro11ty
Language / Stack
JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic)JavaScript (multiple template languages)
Type
frameworkssg
Pricing
Free (open-source)Free (open-source)
Open Source
YesYes
Best For
Content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal JavaScriptPerformance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript
Export Method
N/A (destination framework)N/A (destination framework)

When to Choose Each Platform

Choose Astro if…

  • You need content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal javascript
  • Your team is comfortable with JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic)
  • 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 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

Which Should You Pick?

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

These platforms take fundamentally different approaches. Astro is a framework built with JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic), while 11ty is a ssg built with JavaScript (multiple template languages). 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 Astro better than 11ty?
They're closely matched (25/30 vs 25/30). Astro is best for Content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal JavaScript, while 11ty excels for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript. Your choice should depend on your team's skills and project requirements.
Can I migrate from Astro to 11ty?
Yes. Export your Astro content via N/A (destination framework), then convert it to Markdown or import into a headless CMS. LeaveWP can help automate this process while preserving your SEO metadata and URL structure.
What are the main differences between Astro and 11ty?
Astro is content-focused framework that ships zero javascript by default, while 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. Key differences: performance (Astro: 5/5, 11ty: 5/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free (open-source)), and scalability (Astro: 4/5, 11ty: 4/5).
How much does Astro cost compared to 11ty?
Astro: Free (open-source). 11ty: Free (open-source). Both are open-source, so the main cost difference is hosting and infrastructure.
Which is easier to learn, Astro or 11ty?
They're similarly approachable (both 4/5). Astro uses JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic), while 11ty uses JavaScript (multiple template languages). Your team's existing skills will determine which feels easier.
Which performs better, Astro or 11ty?
Both score equally on performance (5/5). The real difference depends on your setup: Astro uses JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic), 11ty uses JavaScript (multiple template languages). Proper caching and CDN configuration matters more than the platform itself at this tier.

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