Visual Builder50K+ users

Breakdance Alternative for Next.js & Astro

A newer WordPress visual builder from the Oxygen team, with 50K+ users and a focus on simplicity. Learn about modern alternatives that offer even more simplicity and better performance.

TL;DR

You don't need Breakdance after migrating to Next.js or Astro. Modern frameworks give you full control over your design system with React components and Tailwind CSS—no page builder overhead, no theme lock-in, no license renewals. See the alternatives below.

Official docs: Next.js Documentation · Astro Documentation

The Problem with Breakdance

Breakdance was built to be "Oxygen made easy," but it's still a WordPress page builder with the same fundamental limitations—PHP rendering, database storage, WordPress dependency. While newer and cleaner than older builders, it creates vendor lock-in, generates dynamic CSS, and requires WordPress hosting. As a relatively new product, its long-term ecosystem and community are still developing. The builder generates proprietary classes and wrapper elements.

Modern Alternatives

Next.js + shadcn/ui

shadcn/ui provides the same "it just works" simplicity that Breakdance aims for, but in a React component workflow.

framework

Pros

  • Simple, copy-paste components
  • No vendor lock-in
  • Beautiful defaults
  • Full customization control

Cons

  • Requires React knowledge
  • No visual page builder
  • Code-based workflow

How to Implement

Initialize shadcn/ui in a Next.js project and compose pages from pre-built components. The DX is simple and the output is clean.

Framer

Framer offers Breakdance's visual simplicity without WordPress, with better animations and hosting.

builder

Pros

  • Visual editor
  • Easy to learn
  • Great animations
  • No WordPress needed

Cons

  • Monthly cost
  • Platform lock-in
  • Limited backend features

How to Implement

Design your pages visually in Framer, use their CMS for content, and publish directly.

Astro + Tailwind CSS

Astro's simple file-based approach delivers the straightforward development experience Breakdance users are looking for.

framework

Pros

  • Simple file-based routing
  • Zero JS by default
  • Easy to learn
  • Great performance

Cons

  • No visual builder
  • Code required
  • Less interactivity options

How to Implement

Create an Astro project with Tailwind CSS. The `.astro` file format is simple HTML with component superpowers.

Webflow

A mature visual builder that delivers on Breakdance's promise of simple, beautiful web design.

builder

Pros

  • Proven visual platform
  • Large template library
  • Great learning resources
  • Clean output

Cons

  • Monthly subscription
  • Platform lock-in
  • Limited server-side logic

How to Implement

Build your site visually in Webflow—the learning curve is similar to Breakdance but the platform is more mature.

Migration Steps

1

Export your Breakdance page content via WordPress REST API

2

Document your global styles and design settings

3

Map Breakdance elements to component equivalents

4

Set up your chosen modern framework with Tailwind CSS

5

Rebuild page layouts as components—Breakdance's simpler element set means fewer components to create

6

Migrate any dynamic content sources to a headless CMS

7

Replace Breakdance's form builder with React Hook Form or a form service

8

Deploy to Vercel/Netlify with automatic HTTPS and CDN

Frequently Asked Questions

Breakdance is brand new—should I invest in it or move to modern frameworks?
If you're choosing today, skip page builders entirely. Modern frameworks like Next.js and Astro provide better performance, no vendor lock-in, and are the direction the web is heading. Investing time in a WordPress page builder is investing in legacy technology.
I just migrated from Oxygen to Breakdance—should I migrate again?
If you're happy with Breakdance and it meets your needs, stay. But if you're already comfortable with the builder-to-builder migration process, moving to a modern framework is a similar level of effort with much greater long-term benefits.
Breakdance has better WooCommerce integration—what replaces that?
Shopify + Next.js Commerce provides a better e-commerce experience than any WordPress page builder + WooCommerce combination. Better admin, better performance, better checkout experience, and far less maintenance.

Guides for Replacing Breakdance

In-depth guides and tutorials to help with your migration

Ready to Leave WordPress Behind?

Migrate your entire WordPress site to Next.js—including replacing Breakdance with modern components.

Start Free Migration

Browse all migration guides →