Next.js vs React: Which Should You Choose?

React and Next.js are often mentioned together, but they serve different purposes. Let's break down when to use each.

What is React?

React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It's component-based, declarative, and incredibly flexible. React handles the view layer – everything else is up to you.

What is Next.js?

Next.js is a React framework that adds structure and features on top of React:

• Server-side rendering (SSR)
• Static site generation (SSG)
• File-based routing
• API routes
• Built-in optimization

When to Choose React

Plain React is ideal when:

• Building a single-page application (SPA)
• SEO is not a priority
• You need maximum flexibility
• Integrating into an existing project
• Building a widget or embedded component

When to Choose Next.js

Next.js shines when:

• SEO is important for your project
• You need fast initial page loads
• Building a content-heavy website
• You want a structured, opinionated framework
• Need both static and dynamic pages

Performance Comparison

Next.js typically offers better initial load performance due to SSR/SSG. React SPAs may have slower first paint but can feel snappier for subsequent interactions.

Our Recommendation

At HostSpica, we default to Next.js for most web projects. The built-in optimizations, SEO benefits, and developer experience make it our framework of choice. We use plain React for specific use cases like dashboards or embedded widgets.

The best choice depends on your specific requirements. Both are excellent tools – the key is matching the tool to the job.