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Astro

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Strapi

Astro vs Strapi

Astro vs Strapi: which is right for your project? Astro is content-focused framework that ships zero javascript 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 — Astro and Strapi serve different use cases well. Choose Astro for Content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal JavaScript. Choose Strapi for Developer teams wanting a self-hosted headless CMS with full control.

Official docs: Astro Documentation · Strapi Documentation

Feature by Feature Comparison

FeatureAstroStrapi
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

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

DetailAstroStrapi
Language / Stack
JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic)Node.js (JavaScript/TypeScript)
Type
frameworkheadless cms
Pricing
Free (open-source)Free (self-hosted) / $29+/month (Cloud)
Open Source
YesYes
Best For
Content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal 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 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 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 Astro 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. Astro is a framework built with JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic), 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 Astro better than Strapi?
They're closely matched (25/30 vs 24/30). Astro is best for Content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal 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 Astro to Strapi?
Yes. Export your Astro 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 Astro and Strapi?
Astro is content-focused framework that ships zero javascript by default, while Strapi is open-source headless cms built with node.js. Key differences: performance (Astro: 5/5, Strapi: 4/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free (self-hosted) / $29+/month (Cloud)), and scalability (Astro: 4/5, Strapi: 4/5).
How much does Astro cost compared to Strapi?
Astro: 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, Astro or Strapi?
They're similarly approachable (both 4/5). Astro uses JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic), while Strapi uses Node.js (JavaScript/TypeScript). Your team's existing skills will determine which feels easier.
Which performs better, Astro or Strapi?
Astro has the performance edge (5/5 vs 4/5). As a framework, Astro pre-renders pages for near-instant load times. Strapi may require additional optimization for high-traffic sites.

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