Next.js
Craft CMS
Next.js vs Craft CMS: which is right for your project? Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes. Craft CMS is developer-focused php cms with elegant content modeling. We compare features, performance, and pricing.
Start MigrationNext.js wins overall, but Craft CMS is better for agencies building bespoke sites with complex content requirements. Choose Next.js for Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies. Choose Craft CMS for Agencies building bespoke sites with complex content requirements.
Official docs: Next.js Documentation
| Feature | Next.js | Craft CMS |
|---|---|---|
Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Flexibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Cost Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Scalability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ecosystem | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Detail | Next.js | Craft CMS |
|---|---|---|
Language / Stack | JavaScript/TypeScript (React) | PHP (Yii framework) |
Type | framework | traditional cms |
Pricing | Free (open-source) | Free solo / $35+/mo for teams |
Open Source | Yes | No |
Best For | Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies | Agencies building bespoke sites with complex content requirements |
Export Method | N/A (destination framework) | Element API or GraphQL endpoint |
The right choice between Next.js and Craft CMS depends on three things: your team's technical skills, your project timeline, and your long-term content strategy.
These platforms take fundamentally different approaches. Next.js is a framework built with JavaScript/TypeScript (React), while Craft CMS is a traditional cms built with PHP (Yii framework). 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, Craft CMS's familiar editing interface may save you onboarding time.
From a cost perspective, Next.js is open-source (Free (open-source)), while Craft CMS (Free solo / $35+/mo for teams) carries ongoing license costs. 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 Craft CMS → 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
Both Gatsby and Next.js can power your WordPress migration. But they take fundamentally different approaches. Here's how to choose the right one for your project.
12 min readcomparisonStatic site generators have evolved dramatically. Here's how they compare to WordPress in 2026 and why many sites are making the switch.
16 min readtutorialEverything you need to know about migrating from WordPress to Next.js. From planning to deployment, this guide covers the entire migration process.
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