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Design · head to head

Framer vs HTMX

Framer logo

Framer

Design

Design and publish stunning sites

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
HTMX logo

HTMX

Web Development

Lightweight JavaScript library enabling AJAX, WebSockets, and server-sent events in HTML

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Framer free tier limited to 500 credits and 1 GB bandwidth; HTMX best suited for server-rendered architectures, not pure client-side SPAs
  • They diverge on capability: Framer covers Visual design editor, HTMX covers AJAX requests.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Framer and HTMX actually diverge.

Attributes where Framer and HTMX differ
AttributeFramerHTMX
Pricing modelUnknownopen-source
PlatformsWeb, MacosWeb
CategoryDesignWeb Development
Founded2013Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Framer

  • Visual design editor
  • Interactive components
  • Responsive design
  • CMS integration
  • SEO optimization
  • Custom code
  • Team collaboration
  • Version control

Only in HTMX

  • AJAX requests
  • HTTP verb support
  • DOM targeting
  • Swap strategies
  • WebSocket support
  • Server-sent events
  • Out-of-band updates

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Framer

  • Marketing websitesnot HTMX
  • Landing pagesnot HTMX
  • Portfoliosnot HTMX
  • SaaS productsnot HTMX
  • E-commerce sitesnot HTMX

HTMX

  • Building interactive applications without JavaScript framework complexitynot Framer
  • Server-rendered applications requiring dynamic updatesnot Framer
  • Adding interactivity to existing server-side applicationsnot Framer
  • Hypermedia-driven applications using HTML-first approachesnot Framer

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Framer

  • Free tier limited to 500 credits and 1 GB bandwidth
  • CMS collections capped at 10 on Pro tier; unlimited only on Enterprise
  • Free tier does not include custom domain support
  • Paid editor slots cost extra at $20/month per additional editor

HTMX

  • Best suited for server-rendered architectures, not pure client-side SPAs
  • Limited client-side state management capabilities compared to frameworks
  • Smaller ecosystem with fewer third-party libraries and tools
  • Learning curve for developers from JavaScript framework backgrounds

Pricing, plan by plan

Framer

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 500 credits
    • Free Framer domain
    • 1 GB bandwidth
  • Basic$10/month
    • Custom domain
    • 2 CMS collections
    • 50 GB bandwidth
  • Pro$30/month
    • All Basic features
    • 10 CMS collections
    • 100 GB bandwidth
  • Enterprise$undefined/custom
    • Custom limits
    • Unlimited editors
    • 99.99% uptime guarantee

HTMX

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the HTMX review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Framer if

  • You need visual design editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Macos.
  • You also want interactive components.
Framer review

Choose HTMX if

  • You need ajax requests.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want http verb support.
HTMX review

Questions people ask

Is Framer or HTMX better?
Neither clearly leads. Framer starts at Free and HTMX at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Framer or HTMX?
Framer starts at Free and HTMX at Free.
Does Framer or HTMX run on more platforms?
Framer runs on Web, Macos. HTMX runs on Web.
Can I use Framer for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Framer best used for?
Framer is most often used for marketing websites, landing pages, portfolios, saas products. Of those, marketing websites and landing pages are not what HTMX is typically brought in for.
What can Framer do that HTMX cannot?
Framer covers Visual design editor, Interactive components, Responsive design, CMS integration. HTMX covers AJAX requests, HTTP verb support, DOM targeting, Swap strategies.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Framer: What's included in Framer's free tier?

The Free plan provides 500 credits to try the platform, a free Framer domain, and 1 GB bandwidth for exploring the builder.

Source
HTMX: How big is the HTMX JavaScript library?

HTMX is only 16 kilobytes minified and gzipped with zero external dependencies.

Source
Framer: Can I use my own custom domain with Framer?

Custom domains are included in Basic ($10/month) and higher plans. Free tier is limited to a free Framer domain.

Source
HTMX: Can HTMX work with JSON APIs?

While HTMX is optimized for HTML responses, it can work with JSON through additional configuration and response handling.

Source
Framer: What AI features does Framer offer?

Framer includes an AI design agent that works on the canvas to generate and refine designs in real-time, plus a CMS agent for managing content directly on the canvas.

Source
HTMX: Does HTMX support real-time features like WebSockets?

Yes, HTMX includes support for WebSockets and server-sent events for real-time bidirectional communication.

Source
Framer: How many CMS collections can I create on different plans?

Basic ($10/month) includes 2 CMS collections, Pro ($30/month) includes 10 CMS collections. Enterprise plans offer custom limits.

Source
Framer: Does Framer support staging environments and previews?

Staging environments and branching with previews are included on the Pro plan ($30/month). Standard plan includes published-only access.

Source
Framer: What uptime guarantee does Framer provide?

Framer offers 99.99% uptime guarantee on paid plans. Enterprise plans include dedicated support and custom SLAs.

Source
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