Eleventy vs Gatsby: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Eleventy and Gatsby comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Eleventy
A simpler static site generator for fast websites and flexible content management.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Compiles various content formats into static HTML for fast websites.
- • Offers extensive flexibility with multiple template languages and data sources.
Gatsby
Build fast, secure, and powerful web experiences with a React-based, open-source framework.
Best for you if:
- • React-based framework for building fast web experiences.
- • Unifies content and APIs with a GraphQL data layer.
| At a Glance |  Eleventy |  Gatsby |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $9 month/moPersonal |
Best For | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Eleventy or Gatsby?
Choose Eleventy if
A simpler static site generator for fast websites and flexible content management.
- Extremely fast build times and website performance
- High flexibility in choosing template languages and content formats
- Simpler to learn and use compared to more complex frameworks
- You want a fully free tool (Gatsby requires payment)
Choose Gatsby if
Build fast, secure, and powerful web experiences with a React-based, open-source framework.
- Builds extremely fast, accessible, and responsive websites.
- Simplifies data integration from various sources using GraphQL.
- Offers flexibility in rendering and deployment options.
| Feature | Eleventy | Gatsby |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.9/5 19 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsHosting & Deployment | Developer ToolsHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
Eleventy
A simpler static site generator for fast websites and flexible content management.
Strengths
- +Extremely fast build times and website performance
- +High flexibility in choosing template languages and content formats
- +Simpler to learn and use compared to more complex frameworks
- +Strong emphasis on developer control and minimal abstraction
- +Active and supportive community
Weaknesses
- -Requires Node.js and command-line familiarity
- -No built-in UI or GUI for content management (relies on external CMS or file-based editing)
- -May require more manual setup for complex features compared to opinionated frameworks
Key features
Gatsby
Build fast, secure, and powerful web experiences with a React-based, open-source framework.
Strengths
- +Builds extremely fast, accessible, and responsive websites.
- +Simplifies data integration from various sources using GraphQL.
- +Offers flexibility in rendering and deployment options.
- +Provides a robust developer experience with stable and intuitive functionality.
- +Strong documentation and a supportive ecosystem.
Key features
Pricing: Eleventy vs Gatsby
| Plan | Eleventy | Gatsby |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Eleventy | $0 forever Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $9 month Personal |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $20 per member / month Pro |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Eleventy pricing and Gatsby pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Eleventy is free. Gatsby is freemium.
Go with: Eleventy
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Eleventy
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Eleventy
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Eleventy is free. Gatsby is freemium. Go with Eleventy if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are developer tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Eleventy
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Gatsby
- Choose if you want build fast, secure, and powerful web experiences with a React-based, open-source framework
The Bottom Line
Eleventy is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eleventy or Gatsby better?
Eleventy is rated in our evaluation. Eleventy is free and Gatsby is freemium.
What are Eleventy and Gatsby used for?
Eleventy: A simpler static site generator for fast websites and flexible content management.. Gatsby: Build fast, secure, and powerful web experiences with a React-based, open-source framework..
What does Eleventy cost vs Gatsby?
Eleventy is completely free. Gatsby is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.