📝

WordPress

📦

11ty

WordPress vs 11ty

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.

Start Migration

TL;DR — Our Recommendation

11ty wins overall, but WordPress is better for content-heavy sites where non-technical editors need full control. Choose WordPress for Content-heavy sites where non-technical editors need full control. Choose 11ty for Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript.

Official docs: WordPress REST API Docs

Migrate WordPress → 11ty

Feature by Feature Comparison

Feature	WordPress	11ty
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Flexibility	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost Value	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scalability	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ecosystem	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

Pros & Cons

WordPress

Pros

Massive plugin ecosystem with 59,000+ plugins
Huge community — easy to find developers and tutorials
Visual block editor (Gutenberg) for non-technical users
Works for any site type from blogs to e-commerce

Cons

PHP rendering is slow compared to static HTML
Requires constant security patches and plugin updates
Database-driven architecture limits scalability under load
Plugin conflicts can break your site after updates

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

Detail	WordPress	11ty
Language / Stack	PHP	JavaScript (multiple template languages)
Type	traditional cms	ssg
Pricing	Free (self-hosted) + hosting costs	Free (open-source)
Open Source	Yes	Yes
Best For	Content-heavy sites where non-technical editors need full control	Performance-focused sites that need minimal client-side JavaScript
Export Method	REST API or WP All Export plugin	N/A (destination framework)

When to Choose Each Platform

Choose WordPress if…

You need content-heavy sites where non-technical editors need full control
Your team is comfortable with PHP
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 WordPress 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. WordPress is a traditional cms built with PHP, 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. If your team includes non-developers who need to publish content frequently, WordPress's familiar editing interface may save you onboarding time.

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 WordPress → 11ty migration tool that preserves your URLs, metadata, and content structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WordPress better than 11ty?

11ty scores higher overall (25/30 vs 22/30) thanks to better performance. However, WordPress remains the better choice for Content-heavy sites where non-technical editors need full control.

Can I migrate from WordPress to 11ty?

Yes. Export your WordPress content via REST API or WP All Export plugin, 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 WordPress and 11ty?

WordPress is php-based cms powering 43% of the web, while 11ty is zero-config javascript ssg that ships zero client js by default. Key differences: performance (WordPress: 2/5, 11ty: 5/5), pricing (Free (self-hosted) + hosting costs vs Free (open-source)), and ecosystem size (WordPress: 5/5, 11ty: 3/5).

How much does WordPress cost compared to 11ty?

WordPress: Free (self-hosted) + hosting costs. 11ty: Free (open-source). Both are open-source, so the main cost difference is hosting and infrastructure.

Which is easier to learn, WordPress or 11ty?

They're similarly approachable (both 4/5). WordPress uses PHP, while 11ty uses JavaScript (multiple template languages). Your team's existing skills will determine which feels easier.

Which performs better, WordPress or 11ty?

11ty has the performance edge (5/5 vs 2/5). As a static site generator, 11ty pre-renders pages for near-instant load times. WordPress PHP rendering is slow compared to static HTML.

Related Comparisons

Explore more comparisons featuring WordPress or 11ty

WordPressvsNext.js

Should you use WordPress or Next.js? Compare features, performance, costs, and find out which is right for your project.

WordPressvsAstro

Compare WordPress and Astro for blogging. Find out which platform gives you better performance and SEO.

WordPressvsWebflow

Should you use WordPress or Webflow? Compare features, pricing, and find the best platform for your website.

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.

WordPressvsDrupal

Detailed comparison of WordPress and Drupal — two traditional cms platforms. Compare features, performance, pricing, and find out which is right for your project in 2026.

View all comparisons