Tailwind CSS vs Astro

CSS for people who hate writing CSS meets the framework that finally gets it: less javascript is more, especially when you can still use all your favorite toys. Here's our take.

Tailwind CSS

Nice Pick

CSS for people who hate writing CSS. All the utility classes, none of the naming drama.

Pros

• Utility-first approach eliminates custom CSS bloat
• Promotes design consistency with built-in design tokens
• Speeds up development by keeping styles in HTML
• Highly customizable with a config file

Cons

• HTML can get cluttered with long class strings
• Learning curve for the utility class naming system

Astro

The framework that finally gets it: less JavaScript is more, especially when you can still use all your favorite toys.

Pros

• Zero JavaScript by default for lightning-fast static sites
• Mix and match React, Vue, or Svelte components without framework lock-in
• Excellent SEO and performance out of the box
• Built-in support for islands architecture for partial hydration

Cons

• Can feel overkill for simple projects due to its component-heavy approach
• Limited real-time interactivity without manual JavaScript additions

The Verdict

Use Tailwind CSS if: You want utility-first approach eliminates custom css bloat and can live with html can get cluttered with long class strings.

Use Astro if: You prioritize zero javascript by default for lightning-fast static sites over what Tailwind CSS offers.

The Bottom Line

Tailwind CSS wins

CSS for people who hate writing CSS. All the utility classes, none of the naming drama.