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Astro

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Framer

Astro vs Framer

Astro vs Framer: which is right for your project? Astro is content-focused framework that ships zero javascript by default. Framer is design-to-production website builder with react components. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

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TL;DR — Our Recommendation

Astro wins overall, but Framer is better for designers creating marketing sites with polished animations. Choose Astro for Content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal JavaScript. Choose Framer for Designers creating marketing sites with polished animations.

Official docs: Astro Documentation

Feature by Feature Comparison

FeatureAstroFramer
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

Framer

Pros

  • Stunning animations and interactions with no code
  • Ships real React components — not just visual mockups
  • Excellent performance with static generation
  • CMS with localization and scheduling built in

Cons

  • Limited CMS capabilities for complex content structures
  • Proprietary hosting — cannot self-host or export code
  • Smaller community and fewer resources than established builders
  • Complex logic still requires React code components

Platform Details

DetailAstroFramer
Language / Stack
JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic)React (custom components)
Type
frameworkwebsite builder
Pricing
Free (open-source)Free / $5-15/month
Open Source
YesNo
Best For
Content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal JavaScriptDesigners creating marketing sites with polished animations
Export Method
N/A (destination framework)No code export — API for CMS content only

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 Framer if…

  • You need designers creating marketing sites with polished animations
  • Your team is comfortable with React (custom components)
  • Budget is a top priority — free / $5-15/month
  • You want a low learning curve for non-technical team members

Which Should You Pick?

The right choice between Astro and Framer 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 Framer is a website builder built with React (custom components). That architectural difference shapes everything from daily content editing workflows to deployment and hosting costs. If your team includes non-developers who need to publish content frequently, Framer's familiar editing interface may save you onboarding time.

From a cost perspective, Astro is open-source (Free (open-source)), while Framer (Free / $5-15/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 supports migration between 60+ platforms, so you're never locked in regardless of which you pick today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Astro better than Framer?
Astro scores higher overall (25/30 vs 20/30) thanks to better performance. However, Framer is the better choice for Designers creating marketing sites with polished animations.
Can I migrate from Astro to Framer?
Yes. Export your Astro content via N/A (destination framework), then import it into Framer. LeaveWP can help automate this process while preserving your SEO metadata and URL structure.
What are the main differences between Astro and Framer?
Astro is content-focused framework that ships zero javascript by default, while Framer is design-to-production website builder with react components. Key differences: performance (Astro: 5/5, Framer: 4/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free / $5-15/month), and ecosystem size (Astro: 3/5, Framer: 2/5).
How much does Astro cost compared to Framer?
Astro: Free (open-source). Framer: Free / $5-15/month. Astro is open-source and free to self-host, while Framer is a paid platform.
Which is easier to learn, Astro or Framer?
They're similarly approachable (both 4/5). Astro uses JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic), while Framer uses React (custom components). Your team's existing skills will determine which feels easier.
Which performs better, Astro or Framer?
Astro has the performance edge (5/5 vs 4/5). As a framework, Astro pre-renders pages for near-instant load times. Framer may require additional optimization for high-traffic sites.

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