Next.js

VS
🚀

Astro

Next.js vs Astro

Detailed comparison of Next.js and Astro — two framework platforms. Compare features, performance, pricing, and find out which is right for your project in 2026.

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TL;DR — Our Recommendation

Next.js wins overall, but Astro is better for content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal javascript. Choose Next.js for Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies. Choose Astro for Content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal JavaScript.

Official docs: Next.js Documentation · Astro Documentation

Feature by Feature Comparison

FeatureNext.jsAstro
Ease of Use
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Flexibility
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cost Value
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scalability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ecosystem
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros & Cons

Next.js

Pros

  • Hybrid rendering — SSG, SSR, ISR, and client-side in one app
  • Most popular React framework with massive community
  • Built-in image optimization, API routes, and middleware
  • Optimized for Vercel but deploys anywhere (Node.js, Docker)

Cons

  • React learning curve for non-JavaScript developers
  • App Router introduced complexity with Server Components
  • Build output tightly coupled to Vercel's infrastructure features
  • Can be overkill for simple static content sites

Astro

Pros

  • Ships zero JS to the client by default (Islands Architecture)
  • Use React, Vue, Svelte, or any framework in the same project
  • Content collections with type-safe Markdown/MDX
  • Purpose-built for content sites — blogs, docs, marketing pages

Cons

  • Not ideal for highly interactive apps (designed for content sites)
  • Smaller ecosystem than Next.js — fewer integrations available
  • SSR support is newer and less battle-tested
  • Island architecture requires thinking differently about interactivity

Platform Details

DetailNext.jsAstro
Language / Stack
JavaScript/TypeScript (React)JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic)
Type
frameworkframework
Pricing
Free (open-source)Free (open-source)
Open Source
YesYes
Best For
Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategiesContent-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal JavaScript
Export Method
N/A (destination framework)N/A (destination framework)

When to Choose Each Platform

Choose Next.js if…

  • You need production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies
  • Your team is comfortable with JavaScript/TypeScript (React)
  • You want an open-source solution with full code ownership
  • Budget is a top priority — free (open-source)
  • You want maximum performance with static or server-rendered pages

Choose Astro if…

  • You need content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal javascript
  • Your team is comfortable with JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic)
  • You want an open-source solution with full code ownership
  • Budget is a top priority — free (open-source)
  • You want a low learning curve for non-technical team members
  • You want maximum performance with static or server-rendered pages

Which Should You Pick?

The right choice between Next.js and Astro depends on three things: your team's technical skills, your project timeline, and your long-term content strategy.

Both platforms sit in the same category — framework — so the deciding factors are ecosystem size, editorial workflow, and specific feature gaps. Next.js uses JavaScript/TypeScript (React), while Astro runs on JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic). If your developers already know one of those stacks, lean toward that platform to reduce ramp-up 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 supports migration between 60+ platforms, so you're never locked in regardless of which you pick today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Next.js better than Astro?
Next.js scores higher overall (28/30 vs 25/30) thanks to stronger ecosystem. However, Astro is the better choice for Content-heavy websites that need maximum performance with minimal JavaScript.
Can I migrate from Next.js to Astro?
Yes. Export your Next.js content via N/A (destination framework), then convert it to Markdown or import into a headless CMS. LeaveWP can help automate this process while preserving your SEO metadata and URL structure.
What are the main differences between Next.js and Astro?
Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes, while Astro is content-focused framework that ships zero javascript by default. Key differences: ease of use (Next.js: 3/5, Astro: 4/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free (open-source)), and ecosystem size (Next.js: 5/5, Astro: 3/5).
How much does Next.js cost compared to Astro?
Next.js: Free (open-source). Astro: Free (open-source). Both are open-source, so the main cost difference is hosting and infrastructure.
Which is easier to learn, Next.js or Astro?
Astro is easier to pick up (4/5 vs 3/5). Ships zero JS to the client by default (Islands Architecture). Next.js React learning curve for non-JavaScript developers.
Which performs better, Next.js or Astro?
Both score equally on performance (5/5). The real difference depends on your setup: Next.js uses JavaScript/TypeScript (React), Astro uses JavaScript/TypeScript (framework-agnostic). Proper caching and CDN configuration matters more than the platform itself at this tier.

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