Next.js

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Strapi

Next.js vs Strapi

Next.js vs Strapi: which is right for your project? Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes. Strapi is open-source headless cms built with node.js. We compare features, performance, and pricing.

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TL;DR — Our Recommendation

Next.js wins overall, but Strapi is better for developer teams wanting a self-hosted headless cms with full control. Choose Next.js for Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategies. Choose Strapi for Developer teams wanting a self-hosted headless CMS with full control.

Official docs: Next.js Documentation · Strapi Documentation

Feature by Feature Comparison

FeatureNext.jsStrapi
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

Strapi

Pros

  • Fully open-source — self-host with no vendor lock-in
  • Auto-generated REST and GraphQL APIs from your content types
  • Intuitive admin panel with customizable content modeling
  • Active open-source community with frequent updates

Cons

  • Self-hosting requires DevOps knowledge and maintenance
  • Plugin ecosystem is growing but still smaller than established CMS
  • Large datasets can stress the default SQLite/PostgreSQL setup
  • Cloud hosting launched recently — less mature than competitors

Platform Details

DetailNext.jsStrapi
Language / Stack
JavaScript/TypeScript (React)Node.js (JavaScript/TypeScript)
Type
frameworkheadless cms
Pricing
Free (open-source)Free (self-hosted) / $29+/month (Cloud)
Open Source
YesYes
Best For
Production web apps and content sites needing flexible rendering strategiesDeveloper teams wanting a self-hosted headless CMS with full control
Export Method
N/A (destination framework)REST API, GraphQL API, or database 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 Strapi if…

  • You need developer teams wanting a self-hosted headless cms with full control
  • Your team is comfortable with Node.js (JavaScript/TypeScript)
  • You want an open-source solution with full code ownership
  • Budget is a top priority — free (self-hosted) / $29+/month (cloud)
  • You want a low learning curve for non-technical team members

Which Should You Pick?

The right choice between Next.js and Strapi 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 Strapi is a headless cms built with Node.js (JavaScript/TypeScript). 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 Strapi?
Next.js scores higher overall (28/30 vs 24/30) thanks to better performance. However, Strapi is the better choice for Developer teams wanting a self-hosted headless CMS with full control.
Can I migrate from Next.js to Strapi?
Yes. Export your Next.js content via N/A (destination framework), then import it into Strapi. LeaveWP can help automate this process while preserving your SEO metadata and URL structure.
What are the main differences between Next.js and Strapi?
Next.js is react framework for production with ssr, ssg, and api routes, while Strapi is open-source headless cms built with node.js. Key differences: ease of use (Next.js: 3/5, Strapi: 4/5), pricing (Free (open-source) vs Free (self-hosted) / $29+/month (Cloud)), and ecosystem size (Next.js: 5/5, Strapi: 3/5).
How much does Next.js cost compared to Strapi?
Next.js: Free (open-source). Strapi: Free (self-hosted) / $29+/month (Cloud). Both are open-source, so the main cost difference is hosting and infrastructure.
Which is easier to learn, Next.js or Strapi?
Strapi is easier to pick up (4/5 vs 3/5). Fully open-source — self-host with no vendor lock-in. Next.js React learning curve for non-JavaScript developers.
Which performs better, Next.js or Strapi?
Next.js has the performance edge (5/5 vs 4/5). As a framework, Next.js pre-renders pages for near-instant load times. Strapi may require additional optimization for high-traffic sites.

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