Next.js

VS
📦

Gatsby

Next.js vs Gatsby

Next.js vs Gatsby: which is right for your project? Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes. Gatsby is react-based ssg with graphql data layer. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

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TL;DR — Our Recommendation

Next.js wins overall, but Gatsby is better for content-rich sites pulling data from multiple sources via graphql. Choose Next.js for Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies. Choose Gatsby for Content-rich sites pulling data from multiple sources via GraphQL.

Official docs: Next.js Documentation · Gatsby Documentation

Feature by Feature Comparison

FeatureNext.jsGatsby
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

Gatsby

Pros

  • Rich plugin ecosystem for data sources (CMS, APIs, databases)
  • Unified GraphQL data layer pulls from any source
  • Excellent image optimization with gatsby-plugin-image
  • Pre-renders pages for fast initial load and good SEO

Cons

  • Build times scale poorly with page count (minutes for 10K+ pages)
  • Gatsby Cloud was shut down — hosting is now DIY
  • GraphQL data layer adds complexity to simple projects
  • Declining community momentum — many projects migrating to Astro or Next.js

Platform Details

DetailNext.jsGatsby
Language / Stack
JavaScript/TypeScript (React)JavaScript/TypeScript (React)
Type
frameworkssg
Pricing
Free (open-source)Free (open-source)
Open Source
YesYes
Best For
Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategiesContent-rich sites pulling data from multiple sources via GraphQL
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 Gatsby if…

  • You need content-rich sites pulling data from multiple sources via graphql
  • 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

Which Should You Pick?

The right choice between Next.js and Gatsby 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 Gatsby is a ssg built with JavaScript/TypeScript (React). That architectural difference shapes everything from daily content editing workflows to deployment and hosting costs. Both platforms require some technical comfort — consider which tech stack aligns better with your team's existing skills.

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 Gatsby?
Next.js scores higher overall (28/30 vs 22/30) thanks to better performance. However, Gatsby is the better choice for Content-rich sites pulling data from multiple sources via GraphQL.
Can I migrate from Next.js to Gatsby?
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 Gatsby?
Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes, while Gatsby is react-based ssg with graphql data layer. Key differences: performance (Next.js: 5/5, Gatsby: 4/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free (open-source)), and ecosystem size (Next.js: 5/5, Gatsby: 3/5).
How much does Next.js cost compared to Gatsby?
Next.js: Free (open-source). Gatsby: Free (open-source). Both are open-source, so the main cost difference is hosting and infrastructure.
Which is easier to learn, Next.js or Gatsby?
They're similarly approachable (both 3/5). Next.js uses JavaScript/TypeScript (React), while Gatsby uses JavaScript/TypeScript (React). Your team's existing skills will determine which feels easier.
Which performs better, Next.js or Gatsby?
Next.js has the performance edge (5/5 vs 4/5). As a framework, Next.js pre-renders pages for near-instant load times. Gatsby may require additional optimization for high-traffic sites.

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