What is the difference between Astro and Eleventy?

Astro is best for Developers wanting content-focused static sites, while Eleventy is best for Developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator. Astro starts at Free and Eleventy starts at Free.

Is Astro or Eleventy cheaper?

Astro starts at Free and is free. Eleventy starts at Free and is free.

Is there a free alternative to Eleventy?

Both Astro and Eleventy offer free tiers.

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.

At a glance

	Astro	Eleventy
Best for	Developers wanting content-focused static sites	Developers wanting a simple, zero-config static site generator
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
Content Collections	✓	—
Data Cascade	—	✓
Island Architecture	✓	—
Multiple Templates	—	✓
Plugins	—	✓
SSG/SSR	✓	—
Zero Config	—	✓
Zero JS	✓	—

Astro

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Includes Island Architecture as a core feature, purpose-built for website builder workflows
Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
The core product is free with no paywalled essentials

Weaknesses

May lack some advanced features
Self-hosting is free but requires server maintenance and DevOps knowledge
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Performance and SEO control is limited compared to custom-coded sites

Try Astro → Full review

Eleventy

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Includes Zero Config as a core feature, purpose-built for website builder workflows
Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
The core product is free with no paywalled essentials

Weaknesses

May lack some advanced features
Self-hosting is free but requires server maintenance and DevOps knowledge
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Performance and SEO control is limited compared to custom-coded sites

Try Eleventy → Full review

The bottom line

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