Jekyll: Ruby-based SSG, mature ecosystem, GitHub Pages default. Slower build times than Hugo but huge plugin ecosystem.
Hexo: Node.js-based SSG, fast build times, npm ecosystem. Good for developers familiar with JavaScript.
Gatsby: React-based SSG with GraphQL data layer. Best for complex sites needing React components.
Next.js: React framework with SSG and SSR support. Best for hybrid static/dynamic sites.
Astro: Modern SSG supporting multiple frameworks (React, Vue, Svelte). Ships zero JavaScript by default.
Zola: Rust-based SSG, single binary like Hugo. Fast builds, built-in syntax highlighting.
| SSG | Language | Build Speed | Learning Curve | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hugo | Go | ⚡ Fastest | Easy | Large sites, speed-critical |
| Jekyll | Ruby | 🐌 Slow | Easy | GitHub Pages, simple blogs |
| Hexo | Node.js | ⚡ Fast | Easy | Developers familiar with npm |
| Gatsby | React/JS | 🐌 Medium | Steep | Complex React sites |
| Next.js | React/JS | 🐌 Medium | Medium | Hybrid static/dynamic sites |
| Astro | Multi-framework | ⚡ Fast | Easy | Content sites, minimal JS |
| Zola | Rust | ⚡ Fast | Easy | Single binary deployment |