| Next.js | React | |
|---|---|---|
| Maintainer | Vercel | Meta |
| First release | 2016 | 2013 |
| License | MIT | MIT |
| Learning curve | Moderate, you need React first, and the App Router plus React Server Components add a real extra layer of concepts. | Moderate, jSX and hooks click within a few weeks, but most of the real learning is the surrounding ecosystem (routing, state management, build tooling). |
| Performance | Excellent Core Web Vitals when used well, sSR, static generation, ISR, streaming and built-in image and font optimization. | Excellent for most UIs thanks to the virtual DOM and concurrent rendering; very large lists and animation-heavy views need memoization discipline. |
This is not a rivalry, next.js is built on React. Use plain React (with Vite) for SPAs behind a login where SEO is irrelevant; use Next.js whenever search visibility, Core Web Vitals or server rendering matter, which covers most public-facing websites. If in doubt for a new public product, start with Next.js.