LeaveWP
📦

Ghost

VS
📦

11ty

Ghost vs 11ty

Ghost vs 11ty: which is right for your project? Ghost is modern publishing platform built for professional content creators. 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

Start Migration

TL;DR — Our Recommendation

11ty wins overall, but Ghost is better for professional writers, journalists, and newsletter creators who want to monetize content. Choose Ghost for Professional writers, journalists, and newsletter creators who want to monetize content. Choose 11ty for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript.

Official docs: Ghost Documentation

Migrate Ghost → 11ty

Feature by Feature Comparison

FeatureGhost11ty
Ease of Use
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Flexibility
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost Value
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scalability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ecosystem
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros & Cons

Ghost

Pros

  • Beautiful, focused writing experience (Markdown + rich editor)
  • Built-in membership and subscription payment system
  • Newsletter/email delivery built right into the platform
  • Fast Node.js architecture — much faster than WordPress

Cons

  • Limited to blogs and newsletters — not a general CMS
  • Small theme ecosystem compared to WordPress
  • Self-hosting requires Node.js server expertise
  • Managed hosting (Ghost Pro) is relatively expensive

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

DetailGhost11ty
Language / Stack
Node.jsJavaScript (multiple template languages)
Type
bloggingssg
Pricing
Free (self-hosted) / $9-199/month (managed)Free (open-source)
Open Source
YesYes
Best For
Professional writers, journalists, and newsletter creators who want to monetize contentPerformance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript
Export Method
Built-in JSON export or Content APIN/A (destination framework)

When to Choose Each Platform

Choose Ghost if…

  • You need professional writers, journalists, and newsletter creators who want to monetize content
  • Your team is comfortable with Node.js
  • You want an open-source solution with full code ownership
  • You want a low learning curve for non-technical team members

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 Ghost 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. Ghost is a blogging built with Node.js, 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 offers a free Ghost → 11ty migration tool that preserves your URLs, metadata, and content structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ghost better than 11ty?
11ty scores higher overall (25/30 vs 19/30) thanks to better performance. However, Ghost remains the better choice for Professional writers, journalists, and newsletter creators who want to monetize content.
Can I migrate from Ghost to 11ty?
Yes. Export your Ghost content via Built-in JSON export or Content API, 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 Ghost and 11ty?
Ghost is modern publishing platform built for professional content creators, while 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. Key differences: performance (Ghost: 4/5, 11ty: 5/5), pricing (Free (self-hosted) / $9-199/month (managed) vs Free (open-source)), and ecosystem size (Ghost: 2/5, 11ty: 3/5).
How much does Ghost cost compared to 11ty?
Ghost: Free (self-hosted) / $9-199/month (managed). 11ty: Free (open-source). Both are open-source, so the main cost difference is hosting and infrastructure.
Which is easier to learn, Ghost or 11ty?
They're similarly approachable (both 4/5). Ghost uses Node.js, while 11ty uses JavaScript (multiple template languages). Your team's existing skills will determine which feels easier.
Which performs better, Ghost or 11ty?
11ty has the performance edge (5/5 vs 4/5). As a static site generator, 11ty pre-renders pages for near-instant load times. Ghost may require additional optimization for high-traffic sites.

Related Comparisons

Explore more comparisons featuring Ghost or 11ty

GhostvsWordPress

Compare Ghost and WordPress for blogging. Find out which is faster, easier, and better for your needs.

Hugovs11ty

Compare Hugo and 11ty for building static websites. Find the best SSG for your project.

WordPressvs11ty

WordPress vs 11ty: which is right for your project? WordPress is php-based cms powering 43% of the web. 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

DrupalvsGhost

Drupal vs Ghost: which is right for your project? Drupal is enterprise php cms for complex content architectures. Ghost is modern publishing platform built for professional content creators. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

Drupalvs11ty

Drupal vs 11ty: which is right for your project? Drupal is enterprise php cms for complex content architectures. 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

JoomlavsGhost

Joomla vs Ghost: which is right for your project? Joomla is php cms balancing power and usability. Ghost is modern publishing platform built for professional content creators. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

View all comparisons

Ghost vs 11ty Guides

In-depth guides and tutorials to help with your migration

comparison

WordPress vs Ghost in 2026: Which Is Better for Your Blog?

A detailed comparison of WordPress and Ghost for bloggers and publishers. Discover which platform is right for your content strategy.

13 min readcomparison

Gatsby vs Next.js for WordPress Migration: Which Should You Choose in 2026?

Both Gatsby and Next.js can power your WordPress migration. But they take fundamentally different approaches. Here's how to choose the right one for your project.

12 min readcomparison

Best Website Builders for Small Business: Beyond WordPress

Compare the best website builders for small businesses. From Squarespace to Wix to modern alternatives—find the right fit.

13 min read

Ready to Migrate?

Move your content between Ghost, 11ty, and 60+ other platforms with our free migration tool.

Start Free Migration