React and NextJS are often compared to each other, yet the debate doesn't truly exist: the two are completely different.
React is a library, while NextJS (also called Next) is a framework.
The differences, advantages, and disadvantages are easier to understand: React gives you complete freedom but takes longer to configure. NextJS, on the other hand, constrains you to a strict structure you can't deviate from but offers immense development comfort by integrating all the tools you need to program quickly and efficiently for your projects.
Let’s dive into the details by comparing these two JavaScript technologies.
React
React is a JavaScript library created by Facebook focused on building user interfaces. It is thus a front-end library.
Advantages ✅
React is highly flexible
Since it's a library, developers can add or omit React from their existing projects. They can pick and choose the features they need. Developers are not constrained by a rigid structure.
React has a vast ecosystem of tools
With a massive community of developers and tools more abundant than you might ever need, React’s ecosystem is incredibly rich. You should have no trouble resolving any issues during development or finding the tools you require.
React follows a LEGO-like logic (components)
Stacking components together to build pages encourages developers to create separate files for each graphical element on a page, such as a button.
The advantage is that by modifying a single file, you can update all buttons at once, making the code more maintainable.
React also enables mobile app development
Thanks to tools designed for creating apps for both iOS and Android, you can even build your mobile applications! For example, by using React Native.
Disadvantages ❌
React requires effort to configure
As React is a library, its tools are not imposed. Thus, setting up your project involves installing many additional tools, like React Router for routing. This considerably extends the initial setup time.
React does not yet natively offer server-side rendering
React provides server-side rendering only if you use an external tool like NextJS (what a coincidence 👀). However, this might change soon.
React takes more effort to master
Learning to use React optimally (with hooks, context, etc.) can be challenging for beginner developers.
NextJS
NextJS, on the other hand, is a framework created by Vercel, particularly by Guillermo Rauch in 2016. It’s even described as a full-stack JavaScript framework. The idea behind NextJS stems from the need to make React simpler to use by adding advanced features for better search engine optimization (SEO) and enhanced performance.
A framework is a set of integrated tools that developers are required to use. Developers benefit from a solid structure from the start without needing to integrate additional tools (known as dependencies).
Advantages ✅
NextJS provides server-side and static rendering
This refers to Server Side Generation for server-side rendering and Static Site Generation for static rendering.
It’s essential to distinguish between the two:
- Server-side rendering executes your code on the server: the user simply retrieves the final version of a project. It’s used for pages requiring data changes with each request.
- Static rendering executes your code in advance during the build (the phase where the project is prepared before going live, also called production deployment).
This advantage delivers exceptional performance by avoiding the need to regenerate the same page for every request (such as for an article) while securing JavaScript execution on the server.
NextJS is fully ready to use
Unlike React, NextJS comes pre-configured for routing, server-side rendering, image handling, link management, and much more: it’s a joy to code with NextJS (speaking from the heart 🥲).
NextJS automatically optimizes images
With NextJS, all images can be optimized for asynchronous loading with different sizes and qualities on the fly.
NextJS includes API route management
In addition to building user interfaces, NextJS also allows the creation of APIs directly within the application, simplifying the back-end for small to medium-sized projects.
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules enabling different applications to communicate. Essentially, it’s like adding a bridge between data from two services.
Disadvantages ❌
NextJS enforces a strict structure
As a framework, NextJS requires adherence to the provided structure. Thus, you have less freedom to organize your projects, and certain names are reserved for Next’s functionality.
NextJS is almost too simple to learn and use
This might seem counterintuitive.
But NextJS simplifies React application development to the extent that some developers skip learning React altogether, directly jumping into NextJS: this is a mistake.
Such developers end up using concepts they don’t fully understand, becoming entirely dependent on the framework.
My advice: always take your time to thoroughly understand what you’re using.
NextJS is bulkier than React
The additional features of NextJS can increase the bundle size (the code ready for deployment) compared to a classic React application, especially if optimizations aren’t well executed (hence the importance of learning React before diving into NextJS).
Which to Choose: React or NextJS?
The choice between React and Next.js depends primarily on the nature of your project and your specific needs:
- Choose React if you need a flexible library for building user interfaces without imposing a strict structure. It’s ideal for projects where you want full control over tools and configurations.
- Choose NextJS if you need server-side rendering, automatic performance optimization, or a comprehensive framework with SSR/SSG, all without manually configuring core features.
For applications requiring SEO optimization, enhanced performance, and simplified page management, NextJS is often the best option in 2025.
In 2022, NextJS wasn’t even in the rankings. We can say the framework has experienced exponential growth.
Related Questions
Here’s a compilation of frequently asked questions from our students! 🙃
What’s your personal preference between React and NextJS?
Believemy uses NextJS for its entire platform, and it’s truly our favorite.
Where can I learn NextJS?
You can learn NextJS from various sources! However, we’ve made sure to create the best possible course on NextJS to help you master the framework! It’s available here.
What if I want to learn React?
It’s the same deal! There are plenty of resources, but make sure they’re up-to-date since React evolves often! With our course, that won’t be an issue. 😬
How does React compare to Vue.js?
We’ve done a complete comparison here.
And compared to Angular?
We’ve also done a comparison here.