Next.js

VS
📦

Framer

Next.js vs Framer

Next.js vs Framer: which is right for your project? Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes. Framer is design-to-production website builder with react components. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

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TL;DR — Our Recommendation

Next.js wins overall, but Framer is better for designers creating marketing sites with polished animations. Choose Next.js for Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies. Choose Framer for Designers creating marketing sites with polished animations.

Official docs: Next.js Documentation

Feature by Feature Comparison

FeatureNext.jsFramer
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

Framer

Pros

  • Stunning animations and interactions with no code
  • Ships real React components — not just visual mockups
  • Excellent performance with static generation
  • CMS with localization and scheduling built in

Cons

  • Limited CMS capabilities for complex content structures
  • Proprietary hosting — cannot self-host or export code
  • Smaller community and fewer resources than established builders
  • Complex logic still requires React code components

Platform Details

DetailNext.jsFramer
Language / Stack
JavaScript/TypeScript (React)React (custom components)
Type
frameworkwebsite builder
Pricing
Free (open-source)Free / $5-15/month
Open Source
YesNo
Best For
Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategiesDesigners creating marketing sites with polished animations
Export Method
N/A (destination framework)No code export — API for CMS content only

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 Framer if…

  • You need designers creating marketing sites with polished animations
  • Your team is comfortable with React (custom components)
  • Budget is a top priority — free / $5-15/month
  • You want a low learning curve for non-technical team members

Which Should You Pick?

The right choice between Next.js and Framer 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 Framer is a website builder built with React (custom components). 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, Framer's familiar editing interface may save you onboarding time.

From a cost perspective, Next.js is open-source (Free (open-source)), while Framer (Free / $5-15/month) 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 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 Framer?
Next.js scores higher overall (28/30 vs 20/30) thanks to better performance. However, Framer is the better choice for Designers creating marketing sites with polished animations.
Can I migrate from Next.js to Framer?
Yes. Export your Next.js content via N/A (destination framework), then import it into Framer. LeaveWP can help automate this process while preserving your SEO metadata and URL structure.
What are the main differences between Next.js and Framer?
Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes, while Framer is design-to-production website builder with react components. Key differences: ease of use (Next.js: 3/5, Framer: 4/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free / $5-15/month), and ecosystem size (Next.js: 5/5, Framer: 2/5).
How much does Next.js cost compared to Framer?
Next.js: Free (open-source). Framer: Free / $5-15/month. Next.js is open-source and free to self-host, while Framer is a paid platform.
Which is easier to learn, Next.js or Framer?
Framer is easier to pick up (4/5 vs 3/5). Stunning animations and interactions with no code. Next.js React learning curve for non-JavaScript developers.
Which performs better, Next.js or Framer?
Next.js has the performance edge (5/5 vs 4/5). As a framework, Next.js pre-renders pages for near-instant load times. Framer may require additional optimization for high-traffic sites.

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