Ghost vs Eleventy
Ghost is open-source publishing platform focused on professional blogging with membership and newsletter features, while Eleventy is simple static site generator with flexible templating and zero client-side JavaScript. Ghost is built for bloggers and publishers who want a clean cms, whereas Eleventy targets developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator.
| Feature | Ghost | Eleventy |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data Cascade | — | ✓ |
| Memberships | ✓ | — |
| Multiple Templates | — | ✓ |
| Newsletters | ✓ | — |
| Plugins | — | ✓ |
| Publishing | ✓ | — |
| SEO | ✓ | — |
| Zero Config | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Both Ghost and Eleventy are free, so this decision comes down to features and philosophy rather than budget.
Feature gaps: Ghost offers Memberships, Newsletters and Publishing that Eleventy lacks. Eleventy brings Data Cascade, Multiple Templates and Plugins that Ghost does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target individuals teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Open source: Both Ghost and Eleventy are open source, so self-hosting and code audits are on the table with either choice.
Where each tool shines: Ghost's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes publishing 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 Ghost, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Eleventy, the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.
choose Ghost if
- You need a tool built for bloggers and publishers who want a clean cms
- You specifically need Memberships and Newsletters
- You care about includes publishing as a core feature, purpose-built for website builder workflows
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
frequently asked
What is the difference between Ghost and Eleventy?
Ghost is open-source publishing platform focused on professional blogging with membership and newsletter features, while Eleventy is simple static site generator with flexible templating and zero client-side JavaScript. Ghost is built for bloggers and publishers who want a clean cms, whereas Eleventy targets developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator.
Should I use Ghost or Eleventy?
Ghost is built for bloggers and publishers who want a clean cms. Eleventy is built for developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Ghost over Eleventy?
Choose Ghost if You need a tool built for bloggers and publishers who want a clean cms; You specifically need Memberships and Newsletters; You care about includes publishing as a core feature, purpose-built for website builder workflows.
When should I choose Eleventy over Ghost?
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.
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