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Next.js vs WordPress

Modern React framework versus traditional CMS platform

Next.js and WordPress represent fundamentally different approaches to building websites. WordPress powers 43% of the web with its user-friendly CMS, while Next.js offers cutting-edge performance and developer experience. The right choice depends on your technical requirements and team capabilities.

Performance & Speed

Next.js

  • Server-side rendering for instant page loads
  • Static generation for CDN-level speed
  • Code splitting and lazy loading built-in
  • Image optimization automatic
  • Lighthouse scores: 95-100 typical

WordPress

  • Dynamic PHP rendering (slower by default)
  • Requires caching plugins for speed
  • Many plugins slow down site
  • Image optimization via plugins
  • Lighthouse scores: 50-80 typical without optimization

SEO Capabilities

Next.js

  • Server-side rendering perfect for SEO
  • Complete control over meta tags
  • Fast page speed = better rankings
  • Modern structured data implementation

WordPress

  • Yoast and RankMath plugins handle SEO
  • Good out-of-box SEO fundamentals
  • Speed issues can hurt rankings
  • Lots of SEO plugins available

Content Management

Next.js

  • Headless CMS integration (Contentful, Sanity)
  • MDX for developer-friendly content
  • Git-based workflows possible
  • Requires developer for CMS setup

WordPress

  • Built-in visual editor (Gutenberg)
  • Non-technical users can manage easily
  • Extensive plugin ecosystem
  • No developer needed for basic content

Security

Next.js

  • Smaller attack surface (no database exposure)
  • Static sites = fewer vulnerabilities
  • Modern security best practices
  • No plugin security risks

WordPress

  • Common target for hackers
  • Plugins introduce vulnerabilities
  • Requires constant updates
  • Security plugins help but add complexity

Maintenance

Next.js

  • Minimal maintenance for static sites
  • Version control with Git
  • Automated deployments
  • Requires developer knowledge

WordPress

  • Regular updates for core, themes, plugins
  • Database backups needed
  • Hosting management required
  • Non-developer friendly maintenance

Pricing Comparison

Next.js Development

$8,000 - $50,000+

Higher initial development cost. Lower ongoing hosting ($20-100/month on Vercel). Minimal maintenance costs. Developer required for changes.

WordPress Site

$2,000 - $20,000

Lower initial cost. Higher hosting costs ($50-300/month). Plugin licenses add up. Non-developer can make basic updates, but developer needed for complex changes.

When to Choose Each Option

Choose Next.js

  • Performance is critical
  • Modern, app-like user experience needed
  • Have technical team or agency partnership
  • Want cutting-edge technology
  • Scalability and future-proofing important

Choose WordPress

  • Non-technical team managing content
  • Need extensive plugin ecosystem
  • Budget constraints for initial build
  • Standard blog or content site
  • Large community support desired

Need help deciding?

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