WordPress and Next.js are often compared as if one must win. In reality they solve different problems, and plenty of strong websites use either, or both together.
Where WordPress is strong
- A huge ecosystem of themes and plugins for common needs.
- Editing that non-technical teams already know.
- Quick to launch a standard business site.
- A large pool of developers and agencies.
Where Next.js is strong
- Speed by default, through server rendering and static generation.
- Full control over design, behaviour and user experience.
- A natural fit for custom features, dashboards and app-like experiences.
- Less dependence on third-party plugins, so fewer update conflicts.
Costs and trade-offs
WordPress is usually cheaper to start for a simple site. Over time, plugin conflicts, heavy themes and security updates can add maintenance work. Next.js takes more effort to build, and changes need a developer unless it is paired with a content management system your team can edit.
Questions to ask yourself
- Who will edit the site every week, and how technical are they?
- Do we need features that do not exist as trusted plugins?
- How important is speed to our customers and to search?
- Do we have, or can we hire, ongoing technical support?
- Will the website grow into a product, with accounts, dashboards or integrations?
How to choose
- Choose WordPress if you need a standard site quickly, your team will edit it daily, and the features you need already exist as trusted plugins.
- Choose Next.js if speed, a distinctive design or custom functionality are central to the business.
- Consider both. Next.js with a headless CMS gives editors a familiar interface while visitors get a fast, flexible front end.
Not sure which fits? Talk to us and we will recommend an approach for your project, even if it is not the one we would build.