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Simply Static Alternatives — Every Way to Move Off WordPress, Compared
If you're looking at Simply Static to get off WordPress, it's worth knowing your real options first. The tools in this space fall into four camps, and they end up in very different places — some don't actually remove WordPress at all.
The main alternatives for moving off WordPress are: (1) DIY static-export plugins like Simply Static and WP2Static — cheap but they break forms/search and you're still on WordPress; (2) managed static-WordPress platforms like Simply Static Studio and HardyPress — but these keep WordPress running as a hidden backend, so WordPress never truly leaves; (3) static/Git CMS platforms like Sitepins — a CMS, not a migration; and (4) done-for-you productized migration like WordPressEscape — which fully removes WordPress, rebuilds your site as editable Hugo source you own, preserves every URL and ranking, and hosts on Cloudflare's edge. For most owners who want WordPress actually gone without DIY breakage or an expensive custom agency, a productized Hugo migration is the best fit.
The fastest way to know exactly what your migration involves is to let us scan your real site. Free, 60 seconds, no login — we'll show your actual speed score, the SEO gaps we'd fix, your true page count, and which pages are trickiest to move.
Scan my site free →The four ways to leave WordPress
| Approach | Examples | Where you end up |
|---|---|---|
| DIY static plugin | Simply Static, WP2Static | Flat HTML dump; still on WordPress; forms/search break |
| Managed static-WP platform | Simply Static Studio, HardyPress, QuantCDN | Static delivery, but WordPress stays as the backend |
| Static / Git CMS | Sitepins, Stackbit | A CMS to manage static content — you still do the migration |
| Custom Jamstack agency | eSeoSpace, Kernelics | Hand-coded rebuild; slow, custom-quote, expensive |
| Productized migration | WordPressEscape | WordPress deleted; editable Hugo source you own; URLs + SEO preserved |
The catch with each — and who it's really for
DIY plugins (Simply Static, WP2Static)
Cheapest path, and fine for a tiny brochure site. But you're doing the work, your contact forms and on-site search break, page-builder content exports half-broken, and you're left hand-editing flat HTML. Best for: technical DIYers with simple sites.
Managed static-WordPress (Simply Static Studio, HardyPress)
These host a static copy for you — but here's the tell: your WordPress install is still running as the backend. You haven't removed WordPress; you've hidden it, and you're still paying for it and patching it. Best for: people who love the WordPress editor and just want a faster front end.
Static / Git CMS (Sitepins)
Genuinely nice tools — but they're a CMS, not a migration service. They solve editing after you've already moved your site. Best for: developers who'll handle the migration themselves and want a content dashboard.
Custom agencies (eSeoSpace, Kernelics)
Real craftsmanship for complex or enterprise sites, usually on Next.js/Sanity/Strapi. But it's bespoke, slow, and custom-priced, with no repeatable guarantee. Best for: large enterprises with unique app requirements and big budgets.
Where WordPressEscape fits
WordPressEscape is the only option built as a productized outcome: WordPress is fully removed and its database deleted, your site is rebuilt as editable Hugo source you own, every URL and ranking is preserved, and it's hosted on Cloudflare's edge (PageSpeed ~94+, ~30ms response). It's faster and cheaper than an agency, and unlike DIY plugins or managed static-WP, WordPress actually leaves.
DIY plugins leave you with broken forms and flat HTML. Managed static-WP keeps WordPress as a hidden backend. Agencies cost a fortune and take months. WordPressEscape deletes WordPress for good, preserves your rankings, and hands you the source — in days. See how it works.
The fastest way to know exactly what your migration involves is to let us scan your real site. Free, 60 seconds, no login — we'll show your actual speed score, the SEO gaps we'd fix, your true page count, and which pages are trickiest to move.
Scan my site free →Frequently asked questions
What's the best alternative to Simply Static?
It depends on your goal. If you want WordPress actually removed (not kept as a hidden backend) with your pages, editability, and SEO preserved, a productized done-for-you Hugo migration like WordPressEscape is the strongest option. Simply Static and WP2Static are DIY plugins; Simply Static Studio keeps WordPress running behind the scenes.
Does Simply Static Studio remove WordPress?
No — Simply Static Studio serves a static copy while keeping your WordPress installation running as the backend editor. If your goal is to fully get rid of WordPress, a migration to Hugo removes it entirely.
Are there done-for-you WordPress migration services?
Yes. WordPressEscape is a productized done-for-you service that migrates your site to static Hugo, preserves every URL and ranking, deletes WordPress, and hands you the source — typically in about 5 days.
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