EJS

Simple unopinionated templating language for embedding JavaScript directly in HTML.

EstablishedOpen SourceLow lock-in

Pricing

Free tier

Flat rate

Adoption

Stable

License

Open Source

Data freshness

Aging · Jun 8, 2026

Overview

What is EJS?

EJS is a simple templating language that lets you generate HTML markup with plain JavaScript. It's easy to use and integrates seamlessly into web development projects, making it ideal for server-side rendering of dynamic content.

Key differentiator

EJS stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for developers who need a straightforward templating solution without the overhead of more complex frameworks.

Capability profile

Capability Radar

Ease of StartEcosystemValueMaturityFlexibilityScale Ready

Honest assessment

Strengths & Weaknesses

↑ Strengths

Embeds JavaScript directly in HTMLmedium

Simple syntax for easy integration with web projectsmedium

Supports server-side rendering of dynamic contentmedium

↓ Weaknesses

Limited advanced features compared to other templating engineshigh

EJS lacks sophisticated template inheritance and complex control structures found in more feature-rich engines like Handlebars or Mustache.

Security vulnerabilities if not properly sanitizedhigh

Direct embedding of JavaScript can lead to XSS attacks if user input is not correctly escaped or sanitized before rendering.

Performance limitations for large-scale applicationsmedium

EJS's reliance on plain JavaScript for templating can become a bottleneck in high-traffic scenarios where performance optimizations are critical.

Fit analysis

Who is it for?

✓ Best for

Developers building server-rendered apps who need a simple templating solution

Projects requiring easy integration of JavaScript and HTML without complex frameworks

✕ Not a fit for

Teams needing real-time data binding or client-side rendering capabilities

Complex web applications that require advanced framework integrations

Cost structure

Pricing

Free Tier

Available

Open source — free to use

Starts at

$0

Model

Flat rate

Enterprise

None

Performance benchmarks

How Fast Is It?

Ecosystem

Relationships

Next step

Get Started with EJS

Step-by-step setup guide with code examples and common gotchas.

View Setup Guide →