So you're starting a new project and can't decide between React and Next.js? I get it - this is probably one of the most common questions developers ask. The good news is that both are amazing, but they do different things. Let me help you figure out which one you should pick.
What is React?
Think of React as a JavaScript library that Facebook created to help you build user interfaces. It's super focused - it just handles the view layer and gives you complete freedom to structure your app however you want. React doesn't tell you what to use for routing or how to fetch data or handle server-side rendering. You're free to choose everything yourself.
What is Next.js?
Now Next.js is different. It's a full React framework made by Vercel. The cool thing about Next.js is that it comes with everything ready to go - routing is built in, server-side rendering works out of the box, you can create API routes, and there are tons of other features you don't have to set up yourself.
The Main Differences
| Feature | React | Next.js |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Library | Framework |
| Routing | Manual (React Router) | File-based, built-in |
| SSR/SSG | Manual setup required | Built-in support |
| SEO | Challenging (CSR) | Excellent (SSR/SSG) |
| Image Optimization | Manual | Built-in |
| API Routes | Separate backend needed | Built-in |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Steeper |
| Bundle Size | Smaller initial | Optimized automatic |
When Should You Choose React?
React is perfect when you're building single page applications like dashboards, admin panels, or internal tools. If you want complete control over every library you use, React is your friend. It's also great for client-side heavy stuff like real-time applications and interactive tools where everything happens in the browser.
If you're just learning React, starting with plain React makes more sense before jumping into frameworks. And if you already have a backend or API set up, you can just use React for the frontend. Plus, if you're thinking about mobile apps later, React Native uses the same concepts as React, so your knowledge transfers directly.
When Should You Choose Next.js?
Go with Next.js when SEO is super important for your project - like marketing websites, blogs, or e-commerce sites. Next.js is amazing for static sites too, whether it's documentation, landing pages, or portfolios. The built-in features mean you can develop faster without setting up everything from scratch.
If performance is critical for you, Next.js gives you automatic optimizations that would take lots of time to implement in plain React. And when you need a full-stack app with both frontend and backend API routes, Next.js handles it all in one place. For content-heavy sites like blogs or news websites, Next.js with its server-side rendering is the clear winner.
How They Compare in Performance
With React's client-side rendering, the initial load can feel a bit slow because all your content has to wait for JavaScript to load first. But once it's loaded, navigating between pages is super fast. The downside is that search engines sometimes struggle to see your content properly.
Next.js, on the other hand, can render your pages on the server or generate them as static files. This means users see content immediately, even before JavaScript loads. Your Core Web Vitals scores will be much better, and Next.js automatically splits your code and optimizes everything for you.
What About Developer Experience?
When you use React, you'll write more boilerplate code and make more decisions about how things should work. You have to choose and configure everything - routing library, state management, build tools, how to deploy it. It's more work upfront but gives you maximum flexibility.
Next.js follows the convention over configuration approach. Much less setup, more productivity right away. TypeScript support is built in, fast refresh works perfectly, and the DevTools are really good. If you want to get something running quickly without making a hundred decisions, Next.js is great.
Deploying Your App
React apps are easy to deploy because they're just static files. You can use Netlify, Vercel, GitHub Pages, or basically any static hosting service. For simple single page applications, deployment is really straightforward.
Next.js works best on Vercel (since they made it) with zero configuration needed. But you can also deploy it on any Node.js hosting or even export it as static files. Just remember that if you're using server-side rendering, you'll need a Node.js environment running.
Who Uses What?
Big companies use React everywhere. Facebook and Instagram obviously use it, Netflix uses it for their UI, and Airbnb's web app runs on React. These are mostly single page applications where React's flexibility really shines.
Next.js is used by TikTok, Twitch, Hulu, Nike, Notion, and even GitHub. These companies needed the performance and SEO benefits that come with server-side rendering, and Next.js gave them exactly that.
Can You Switch Later?
Here's some good news - Next.js is built on top of React! You're not learning something completely different. All your React knowledge applies directly to Next.js. And if you want to migrate from React to Next.js later, you can do it one page at a time. No need to rewrite everything at once.
My Personal Take
If you're just learning web development or building a single page app where SEO doesn't matter much, start with React. Get comfortable with React's core concepts first before jumping into frameworks.
But if you're building a production application, especially something that needs good SEO or has lots of content, go straight to Next.js. The built-in features will save you so much time and headache.
And here's a pro tip - you can use both together! Build your mobile app with React Native and your website with Next.js. They can even share components and logic between them.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, there's no wrong choice here. Both React and Next.js are excellent technologies backed by strong communities. React gives you flexibility and control over everything. Next.js provides structure and handles optimization for you automatically. Think about what your project needs, what your team knows, and how much time you have.
For most modern web applications, especially those that need SEO or server-side rendering, I'd say Next.js is the better starting point. But React remains essential for single page applications, learning purposes, and situations where you need maximum flexibility. Pick what fits your needs, and you'll do great with either one!