Astro vs Eleventy
Astro is web framework for content-driven websites with island architecture and zero JS by default, while Eleventy is simple static site generator with flexible templating and zero client-side JavaScript. Astro is built for developers wanting content-focused static sites, whereas Eleventy targets developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator.
| Feature | Astro | Eleventy |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Content Collections | ✓ | — |
| Data Cascade | — | ✓ |
| Island Architecture | ✓ | — |
| Multiple Templates | — | ✓ |
| Plugins | — | ✓ |
| SSG/SSR | ✓ | — |
| Zero Config | — | ✓ |
| Zero JS | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Both Astro and Eleventy are free, so this decision comes down to features and philosophy rather than budget.
Feature gaps: Astro offers Content Collections, Island Architecture and SSG/SSR that Eleventy lacks. Eleventy brings Data Cascade, Multiple Templates and Plugins that Astro does not have.
Team fit: Astro is geared toward small teams teams, while Eleventy is aimed at individual users and small setups. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: Both Astro and Eleventy are open source, so self-hosting and code audits are on the table with either choice.
Where each tool shines: Astro's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes island architecture as a core feature, purpose-built for website builder workflows. Eleventy's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes zero config as a core feature, purpose-built for website builder workflows.
Watch out for: With Astro, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Eleventy, the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.
choose Astro if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting content-focused static sites
- You specifically need Content Collections and Island Architecture
- You care about includes island architecture as a core feature, purpose-built for website builder workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Astro is designed for
choose Eleventy if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator
- You specifically need Data Cascade and Multiple Templates
- You care about includes zero config as a core feature, purpose-built for website builder workflows
- Your team size fits the individuals profile Eleventy is designed for
frequently asked
What is the difference between Astro and Eleventy?
Astro is web framework for content-driven websites with island architecture and zero JS by default, while Eleventy is simple static site generator with flexible templating and zero client-side JavaScript. Astro is built for developers wanting content-focused static sites, whereas Eleventy targets developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator.
Should I use Astro or Eleventy?
Astro is built for developers wanting content-focused static sites. Eleventy is built for developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Astro over Eleventy?
Choose Astro if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting content-focused static sites; You specifically need Content Collections and Island Architecture; You care about includes island architecture as a core feature, purpose-built for website builder workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile Astro is designed for.
When should I choose Eleventy over Astro?
Choose Eleventy if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator; You specifically need Data Cascade and Multiple Templates; You care about includes zero config as a core feature, purpose-built for website builder workflows; Your team size fits the individuals profile Eleventy is designed for.
related comparisons
Framer vs Astro · Webflow vs Astro · Squarespace vs Astro · Wix vs Astro · Carrd vs Astro · Ghost vs Astro · WordPress.com vs Astro · Astro vs Hugo