Gatsby vs Starlight: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Gatsby and Starlight 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated March 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Gatsby
Build fast, secure, and powerful web experiences with a React-based, open-source framework.
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need graphql tools features specifically
- • React-based framework for building fast web experiences.
- • Unifies content and APIs with a GraphQL data layer.
Starlight
Documentation site builder by Astro
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need something completely free
- • You need documentation features specifically
- • Starlight is a documentation framework built on Astro
- • It creates fast, accessible documentation sites with minimal config
| At a Glance |  Gatsby |  Starlight |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | GraphQL Tools | Documentation |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Gatsby | Starlight |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | GraphQL ToolsStatic Site Generators | DocumentationStatic Site Generators |
How Gatsby and Starlight Compare
Gatsby
Build fast, secure, and powerful web experiences with a React-based, open-source framework.
Free tier available
Starlight
Documentation site builder by Astro
Free
Gatsby is a graphql tools tool. Starlight is in documentation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Starlight is free. Gatsby is freemium.
Go with: Starlight
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Gatsby
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Gatsby
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Gatsby is freemium. Starlight is free. Go with Starlight if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Gatsby is a graphql tools tool. Starlight is in documentation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Gatsby
- 0
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Starlight
- Completely free
- Better fit for documentation
The Bottom Line
Gatsby is our pick. That said, Starlight is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gatsby or Starlight better?
Gatsby is rated high in our evaluation. Gatsby is freemium and Starlight is free.
What are Gatsby and Starlight used for?
Gatsby: Build fast, secure, and powerful web experiences with a React-based, open-source framework.. Starlight: Documentation site builder by Astro.
What does Gatsby cost vs Starlight?
Gatsby is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Starlight is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.