NextJS vs React: When to Choose One Over the Other

Introduction: NextJS and React, Two Complementary Tools

In the JavaScript ecosystem, React and NextJS are two essential technologies for modern web development. Despite their close relationship (NextJS is built on top of React), they serve different purposes. So, how do you decide when to use plain React versus NextJS?

This article explores the specific use cases for each tool, their pros and cons, and helps you make the right choice based on your project’s needs.

React: The Library for Building User Interfaces

What is React?

React is a JavaScript library developed by Facebook (Meta) in 2013. Its primary goal is to simplify the creation of dynamic and responsive user interfaces using a system of reusable components and a Virtual DOM to optimize performance.

When to Use React?

React is ideal in the following scenarios:

1. Simple Projects or SPAs (Single Page Applications)

   • If your application doesn’t require server-side rendering (SSR) or static site generation (SSG), React alone is sufficient.
   • Examples: Internal dashboards, mobile apps with React Native, quick prototypes.

2. Full Control Over Architecture

   • React is minimalist: it doesn’t impose a file structure, routing, or state management. You’re free to choose your tools (React Router, Redux, Zustand, etc.).

3. Progressive Integration

   • React can be gradually added to an existing project (e.g., modernizing part of a jQuery-based site).

4. Highly Interactive Applications

   • Games, data visualization tools, or applications where real-time user experience (UX) is critical.

Limitations of React

• No Native SSR/SSG: Without additional configuration (like NextJS), React doesn’t handle server-side rendering, which can hurt SEO and performance for content-heavy sites.
• No Built-in Routing: You’ll need an external library like React Router.
• Manual Configuration: For advanced features (image optimization, internationalization, etc.), you’ll have to set everything up yourself.

NextJS: The Framework for Full-Stack and Optimized Applications

What is NextJS?

NextJS is a React framework created by Vercel in 2016. It extends React’s capabilities by adding built-in tools for server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), automatic routing, and more. NextJS is designed for full-stack applications and high-performance websites.

When to Use NextJS?

NextJS shines in these scenarios:

1. Websites with Strong SEO Needs

   • Thanks to SSR and SSG, NextJS generates pre-rendered pages on the server, significantly improving search engine optimization (Google indexes content more effectively).
   • Ideal for: Blogs, e-commerce sites, corporate websites, content platforms.

2. Applications Requiring Optimal Performance

   • NextJS automatically optimizes images, code splitting, and page loading (via techniques like prefetching).
   • Example: A site with hundreds of pages (like a product catalog) will benefit from SSG for ultra-fast load times.

3. Full-Stack Projects

   • NextJS allows you to write backend code (API Routes) directly within your React app, eliminating the need for a separate server.
   • Example: A SaaS application with a built-in database and API.

4. Applications with Complex Routing

   • NextJS’s automatic file-based routing simplifies URL management, including dynamic routes.

5. Easy Internationalization (i18n)

   • NextJS offers native language support, saving time for multilingual sites.

Limitations of NextJS

• Less Flexible Than Plain React: NextJS enforces a project structure and conventions (like the pages/ or app/ directory). If you need a custom architecture, this can be restrictive.
• Learning Curve: While built on React, NextJS introduces additional concepts (SSR, SSG, ISR, API Routes) that may be overwhelming for beginners.
• Overkill for Simple Projects: If your app is a SPA with no SEO or SSR needs, NextJS may add unnecessary complexity.

NextJS vs React: Comparison Table

How to Choose Between NextJS and React?

Here’s a checklist to help you decide:

Choose React if:

✅ Your project is a SPA (Single Page Application) with no SEO needs. ✅ You need ultra-flexible architecture (no enforced conventions). ✅ You’re working on a mobile app (with React Native). ✅ You’re gradually integrating React into an existing project. ✅ Your team already knows React and doesn’t want to learn new concepts.

Choose NextJS if:

✅ Your site has strong SEO needs (blog, e-commerce, corporate site). ✅ You want optimal performance (SSG, SSR, automatic optimizations). ✅ Your project is full-stack (frontend + backend in the same repo). ✅ You’re managing a multilingual site (native i18n support). ✅ You want to save time on routing, images, and optimizations.

Real-World Case Studies

Case 1: An Internal Management App (React)

• Project: A dashboard for a company, accessible only to employees.
• Why React?
  • No SEO needed (restricted access).
  • Flexible architecture to integrate internal tools.
  • Custom routing with React Router.

Case 2: An E-Commerce Site (NextJS)

• Project: An online store with hundreds of products.
• Why NextJS?
  • SEO is critical for attracting customers via Google.
  • SSG for ultra-fast product pages.
  • API Routes to handle payments and orders.
  • Image optimization to improve user experience.

Case 3: A Personal Blog (NextJS)

• Project: A blog with regularly updated articles.
• Why NextJS?
  • SSR for better search engine ranking.
  • Markdown support (via plugins) for easy article writing.
  • Simple deployment on Vercel or Netlify.

Conclusion: NextJS or React, Which One to Choose?

The choice between NextJS and React ultimately depends on your needs:

• React is perfect for interactive applications, SPAs, or projects where flexibility is key.
• NextJS is ideal for SEO-driven sites, full-stack applications, or projects requiring optimal performance.

Final Recommendation:

• If you’re a beginner, start with React to grasp the basics, then move to NextJS if needed.
• If you’re building a public-facing site (blog, e-commerce, portfolio), NextJS is often the best choice.
• For an internal app or a complex SPA, React alone may suffice.

In summary, NextJS isn’t a replacement for React but a complement for specific use cases. The two technologies can even coexist in the same ecosystem!

Resources for Further Reading

• Official React Documentation
• Official NextJS Documentation
• NextJS vs React Comparison by Vercel
• Guide to Migrating from React to NextJS
• Free NextJS Course (in English)