Joomla
Next.js
Joomla vs Next.js: which is right for your project? Joomla is php cms balancing power and usability. Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes. We compare features, performance, and pricing.
Start MigrationNext.js wins overall, but Joomla is better for community portals and membership sites needing built-in user management. Choose Joomla for Community portals and membership sites needing built-in user management. Choose Next.js for Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies.
Official docs: Joomla Documentation · Next.js Documentation
| Feature | Joomla | Next.js |
|---|---|---|
Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Flexibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Cost Value | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Scalability | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ecosystem | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Detail | Joomla | Next.js |
|---|---|---|
Language / Stack | PHP | JavaScript/TypeScript (React) |
Type | traditional cms | framework |
Pricing | Free (self-hosted) | Free (open-source) |
Open Source | Yes | Yes |
Best For | Community portals and membership sites needing built-in user management | Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies |
Export Method | Database export or J2XML extension | N/A (destination framework) |
The right choice between Joomla and Next.js depends on three things: your team's technical skills, your project timeline, and your long-term content strategy.
These platforms take fundamentally different approaches. Joomla is a traditional cms built with PHP, while Next.js is a framework built with JavaScript/TypeScript (React). That architectural difference shapes everything from daily content editing workflows to deployment and hosting costs. If your team includes non-developers who need to publish content frequently, Joomla's familiar editing interface may save you onboarding time.
From a cost perspective, both platforms are open-source, so the real cost difference is hosting and operational overhead. Factor in plugin or extension costs, developer rates for each tech stack, and whether you need managed hosting or can self-host.
Whichever you choose, migrating between them is straightforward. LeaveWP offers a free Joomla → Next.js migration tool that preserves your URLs, metadata, and content structure.
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In-depth guides and tutorials to help with your migration
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