⚑

Next.js

VS
πŸ“¦

11ty

Next.js vs 11ty

Next.js vs 11ty: which is right for your project? Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes. 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

Start Migration

TL;DR β€” Our Recommendation

Next.js wins overall, but 11ty is better for performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side javascript. Choose Next.js for Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies. Choose 11ty for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript.

Official docs: Next.js Documentation

Feature by Feature Comparison

FeatureNext.js11ty
Ease of Use
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Flexibility
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost Value
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scalability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ecosystem
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros & Cons

Next.js

Pros

  • Hybrid rendering β€” SSG, SSR, ISR, and client-side in one app
  • Most popular React framework with massive community
  • Built-in image optimization, API routes, and middleware
  • Optimized for Vercel but deploys anywhere (Node.js, Docker)

Cons

  • React learning curve for non-JavaScript developers
  • App Router introduced complexity with Server Components
  • Build output tightly coupled to Vercel's infrastructure features
  • Can be overkill for simple static content sites

11ty

Pros

  • Ships zero JavaScript to the browser by default β€” pure HTML
  • Supports 10+ template languages (Nunjucks, Liquid, Markdown, etc.)
  • Framework-independent β€” 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

DetailNext.js11ty
Language / Stack
JavaScript/TypeScript (React)JavaScript (multiple template languages)
Type
frameworkssg
Pricing
Free (open-source)Free (open-source)
Open Source
YesYes
Best For
Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategiesPerformance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript
Export Method
N/A (destination framework)N/A (destination framework)

When to Choose Each Platform

Choose Next.js if…

  • You need production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies
  • Your team is comfortable with JavaScript/TypeScript (React)
  • You want an open-source solution with full code ownership
  • Budget is a top priority β€” free (open-source)
  • 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 β€” 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 Next.js 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. Next.js is a framework built with JavaScript/TypeScript (React), 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 β€” 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 Next.js better than 11ty?
Next.js scores higher overall (28/30 vs 25/30) thanks to stronger ecosystem. However, 11ty is the better choice for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript.
Can I migrate from Next.js to 11ty?
Yes. Export your Next.js 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 Next.js and 11ty?
Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes, while 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. Key differences: ease of use (Next.js: 3/5, 11ty: 4/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free (open-source)), and ecosystem size (Next.js: 5/5, 11ty: 3/5).
How much does Next.js cost compared to 11ty?
Next.js: 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, Next.js or 11ty?
11ty is easier to pick up (4/5 vs 3/5). Ships zero JavaScript to the browser by default β€” pure HTML. Next.js React learning curve for non-JavaScript developers.
Which performs better, Next.js or 11ty?
Both score equally on performance (5/5). The real difference depends on your setup: Next.js uses JavaScript/TypeScript (React), 11ty uses JavaScript (multiple template languages). Proper caching and CDN configuration matters more than the platform itself at this tier.

Related Comparisons

Explore more comparisons featuring Next.js or 11ty

Next.js vs 11ty Guides

In-depth guides and tutorials to help with your migration

Ready to Migrate?

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

Start Free Migration