Hugo vs Eleventy
Hugo is blazing fast static site generator written in Go with flexible templating, while Eleventy is simple static site generator with flexible templating and zero client-side JavaScript. Hugo is built for developers wanting the fastest static site generator, whereas Eleventy targets developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator.
| Feature | Hugo | Eleventy |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data Cascade | — | ✓ |
| Fast Builds | ✓ | — |
| Go-Powered | ✓ | — |
| Multilingual | ✓ | — |
| Multiple Templates | — | ✓ |
| Plugins | — | ✓ |
| Themes | ✓ | — |
| Zero Config | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Both Hugo and Eleventy are free, so this decision comes down to features and philosophy rather than budget.
Feature gaps: Hugo offers Fast Builds, Go-Powered and Multilingual that Eleventy lacks. Eleventy brings Data Cascade, Multiple Templates and Plugins that Hugo 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 Hugo and Eleventy are open source, so self-hosting and code audits are on the table with either choice.
Where each tool shines: Hugo's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes go-powered 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 Hugo, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Eleventy, the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.
choose Hugo if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting the fastest static site generator
- You specifically need Fast Builds and Go-Powered
- You care about includes go-powered 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 Hugo and Eleventy?
Hugo is blazing fast static site generator written in Go with flexible templating, while Eleventy is simple static site generator with flexible templating and zero client-side JavaScript. Hugo is built for developers wanting the fastest static site generator, whereas Eleventy targets developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator.
Should I use Hugo or Eleventy?
Hugo is built for developers wanting the fastest static site generator. Eleventy is built for developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Hugo over Eleventy?
Choose Hugo if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting the fastest static site generator; You specifically need Fast Builds and Go-Powered; You care about includes go-powered as a core feature, purpose-built for website builder workflows.
When should I choose Eleventy over Hugo?
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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