Middleman vs Starlight: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Middleman 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 February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Middleman
Hand-crafted frontend development for static websites and applications.
Best for you if:
- • You need static site generators features specifically
- • A static site generator for building websites with modern frontend tools.
- • Provides a command-line interface for project initialization, customization, and building.
Starlight
Documentation site builder by Astro
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • 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 |  Middleman |  Starlight |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Static Site Generators | Documentation |
Rating | —/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Middleman | Starlight |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Static Site Generators | DocumentationStatic Site Generators |
How Middleman and Starlight Compare
Middleman
Hand-crafted frontend development for static websites and applications.
Free
Starlight
Documentation site builder by Astro
Free · 82/100 score
Middleman is a static site generators tool. Starlight is in documentation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Middleman
Want the highest-rated option?
Starlight scores 82/100. Middleman is unrated.
Go with: Starlight
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Starlight
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Middleman is a static site generators tool. Starlight is in documentation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Starlight
- Higher score: 82/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Middleman
- Better fit for static site generators
The Bottom Line
Starlight (82/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middleman or Starlight better?
Starlight scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Middleman and Starlight used for?
Middleman: Hand-crafted frontend development for static websites and applications.. Starlight: Documentation site builder by Astro.
What does Middleman cost vs Starlight?
Middleman is completely free. Starlight is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.