WordPress.com vs Eleventy
WordPress.com is the hosted version of WordPress with themes, plugins, and e-commerce for any type of website, while Eleventy is simple static site generator with flexible templating and zero client-side JavaScript. Eleventy is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. WordPress.com is built for anyone wanting the most flexible cms available, whereas Eleventy targets developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator.
| Feature | WordPress.com | Eleventy |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| Data Cascade | — | ✓ |
| E-commerce | ✓ | — |
| Multiple Templates | — | ✓ |
| Plugins | ✓ | ✓ |
| SEO | ✓ | — |
| Themes | ✓ | — |
| Zero Config | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Both WordPress.com and Eleventy are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.
Feature gaps: WordPress.com offers E-commerce, SEO and Themes that Eleventy lacks. Eleventy brings Data Cascade, Multiple Templates and Zero Config that WordPress.com does not have. Both share Plugins.
Team fit: WordPress.com is geared toward any size 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: Eleventy is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. WordPress.com is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: WordPress.com's biggest strengths are: includes themes as a core feature, purpose-built for website builder workflows. plugin ecosystem lets you customize the app to fit your exact workflow. 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 WordPress.com, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With Eleventy, the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.
choose WordPress.com if
- You need a tool built for anyone wanting the most flexible cms available
- You specifically need E-commerce and SEO
- You care about plugin ecosystem lets you customize the app to fit your exact workflow
- Your team size fits the any size profile WordPress.com is designed for
- The free tier works for you: free with wordpress branding
choose Eleventy if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- 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 WordPress.com and Eleventy?
WordPress.com is the hosted version of WordPress with themes, plugins, and e-commerce for any type of website, while Eleventy is simple static site generator with flexible templating and zero client-side JavaScript. Eleventy is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. WordPress.com is built for anyone wanting the most flexible cms available, whereas Eleventy targets developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator.
Should I use WordPress.com or Eleventy?
Eleventy gives you open source and self-hosting; WordPress.com is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose WordPress.com over Eleventy?
Choose WordPress.com if You need a tool built for anyone wanting the most flexible cms available; You specifically need E-commerce and SEO; You care about plugin ecosystem lets you customize the app to fit your exact workflow; Your team size fits the any size profile WordPress.com is designed for; The free tier works for you: free with wordpress branding.
When should I choose Eleventy over WordPress.com?
Choose Eleventy if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; 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.
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