Next.js

VS
📦

Sanity

Next.js vs Sanity

Next.js vs Sanity: which is right for your project? Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes. Sanity is real-time collaborative headless cms with customizable studio. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

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TL;DR — Our Recommendation

Next.js wins overall, but Sanity is better for developer-led teams wanting maximum flexibility in content modeling and editing experience. Choose Next.js for Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies. Choose Sanity for Developer-led teams wanting maximum flexibility in content modeling and editing experience.

Official docs: Next.js Documentation · Sanity Documentation

Feature by Feature Comparison

FeatureNext.jsSanity
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

Sanity

Pros

  • GROQ query language is more powerful and flexible than GraphQL
  • Real-time collaborative editing (like Google Docs)
  • Fully customizable React-based Studio admin panel
  • Portable Text format gives structured rich text (not raw HTML)

Cons

  • GROQ is a custom query language with its own learning curve
  • Studio customization requires React development knowledge
  • Per-user pricing gets expensive for large editorial teams
  • Steeper setup curve than GUI-first headless CMS options

Platform Details

DetailNext.jsSanity
Language / Stack
JavaScript/TypeScript (React)JavaScript/TypeScript (React-based Studio)
Type
frameworkheadless cms
Pricing
Free (open-source)Free / $15+/month per user
Open Source
YesYes
Best For
Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategiesDeveloper-led teams wanting maximum flexibility in content modeling and editing experience
Export Method
N/A (destination framework)GROQ API, GraphQL API, or Sanity CLI export

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 Sanity if…

  • You need developer-led teams wanting maximum flexibility in content modeling and editing experience
  • Your team is comfortable with JavaScript/TypeScript (React-based Studio)
  • You want an open-source solution with full code ownership

Which Should You Pick?

The right choice between Next.js and Sanity 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 Sanity is a headless cms built with JavaScript/TypeScript (React-based Studio). 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 Sanity?
Next.js scores higher overall (28/30 vs 24/30) thanks to stronger ecosystem. However, Sanity is the better choice for Developer-led teams wanting maximum flexibility in content modeling and editing experience.
Can I migrate from Next.js to Sanity?
Yes. Export your Next.js content via N/A (destination framework), then import it into Sanity. LeaveWP can help automate this process while preserving your SEO metadata and URL structure.
What are the main differences between Next.js and Sanity?
Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes, while Sanity is real-time collaborative headless cms with customizable studio. Key differences: performance (Next.js: 5/5, Sanity: 5/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free / $15+/month per user), and ecosystem size (Next.js: 5/5, Sanity: 3/5).
How much does Next.js cost compared to Sanity?
Next.js: Free (open-source). Sanity: Free / $15+/month per user. Both are open-source, so the main cost difference is hosting and infrastructure.
Which is easier to learn, Next.js or Sanity?
They're similarly approachable (both 3/5). Next.js uses JavaScript/TypeScript (React), while Sanity uses JavaScript/TypeScript (React-based Studio). Your team's existing skills will determine which feels easier.
Which performs better, Next.js or Sanity?
Both score equally on performance (5/5). The real difference depends on your setup: Next.js uses JavaScript/TypeScript (React), Sanity uses JavaScript/TypeScript (React-based Studio). Proper caching and CDN configuration matters more than the platform itself at this tier.

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