Pros and Cons of Next JS – 2025 Updated Version

Should You Use Next.js in 2025?

Choosing a framework when web development tools change every day is not easy. That’s why today, we would like to explore the pros and cons of Next JS. As one of the most popular React frameworks for creating server-side rendering web apps, Next.js continues to push the boundaries of web development with each update. It’s known for facilitating better user experiences, delivering above-average performance, and enabling rapid feature development. Its capabilities are leveraged by industry giants like Netflix, as well as emerging startups.

What is NextJS?

Next.js is an open-source JavaScript framework, which works on top of React. It’s designed to aid developers in creating highly performant web applications and fast static websites.

With advancements in Turbopack, which optimizes build speeds, and enhanced Server Actions for secure, efficient server-side operations in Next.js 15, it has solidified its position as an efficient tool for web development. It also features automatic code splitting, which dynamically loads only the necessary code for each page, improving load times and overall performance. This versatility makes Next suitable for projects at any scale, although its rich feature set might be more than required for simpler applications. 

The framework has evolved beyond the traditional dichotomy of static vs. dynamic websites. Features like Automatic Static Optimization and Partial Prerendering, enable the development of hybrid applications that integrate server-side rendered pages with statically generated ones. This approach optimizes performance and UX by delivering fast initial static responses while dynamically streaming content as needed.

Latest Update Next.js Features

In 2024 this React framework changed a lot following the Next.js 15 update, which featured:

Turbopack for Development

Now stable, Turbopack offers faster local server startups and quicker code refreshes. 

Improved Server Actions

Server Actions now have unguessable endpoints and automatic removal of unused actions. 

Async Request APIs

APIs like headers, cookies, params, and searchParams have transitioned to asynchronous, scaling for future optimizations and might allow for a simplified rendering model in the future.

Static Route Indicator

A new visual indicator during development helps identify which routes are static or dynamic. 

TypeScript Support in Configuration

Developers can now use TypeScript for the next.config.ts file, with type checking and autocompletion. 

Improved Caching Semantics

Thanks to this key feature fetch requests, GET Route Handlers, and client navigations are no longer cached by default. 

React 19 Support

Next.js 15 supports React 19, bringing new features and performance improvements. 

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Next.js for Web Development

Next.js, has seen a significant rise in popularity, as evidenced by the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2024. This recognition reflects its popularity among developers worldwide, who appreciate its comprehensive features and efficient development process. 

However, despite its strengths, Next.js also has its disadvantages. Understanding these is crucial for developers and organizations to make informed decisions about whether the framework aligns with their project requirements and technical capabilities.

In this section, we look into the various pros and cons of using Next.js, providing insights into why it has become a preferred choice for many and where it might present challenges.

Pros of Next.js

Next.JS is loved by developers and business owners, CTOs, and marketers. However, each of these groups has different goals they want to achieve and therefore are interested in the different advantages NextJS can offer. Let’s break them down.

For CTOs

Next.js helps create high-performance, scalable applications that prioritize both speed and security, which CTOs will appreciate. It facilitates delivering adaptable solutions that improve the user experience and meet changing business demands.

• Its intuitive conventions and quick cycles accelerate development, helping teams deliver products faster.
• Organized code structures and built-in optimizations in the framework ensure consistent and reliable performance, which makes maintenance efficient.
• Its active community provides support, continuous updates, and a wealth of resources.
• Route prefetching and lazy loading enhance user experience.
• Next.js is powerful for building large, scalable web applications. It was designed to handle complex, high-traffic websites and applications, making it ideal for projects that require extensive customization and scalability. 
• Hosting on Vercel optimizes performance and reduces costs through seamless integration.
• Next.js protects sensitive data server-side and allows for custom APIs to securely handle data.

For Business Owners

Secure and fast digital platforms that promise high conversions are a must for business owners, and that is what Next.js excels in. It’s a great choice for those looking to customize their online presence.

• It provides full control over website design without restrictions, creating custom, brand-specific experiences, which helps increase conversion rates.
• Static pages in Next.js protect sensitive information by removing direct database connections.
• Next.js projects are responsive across devices, delivering a great omnichannel experience regardless of the platform.
• Fast load times on Next.js static sites improve customer satisfaction and reduce bounce rates.
• It’s a popular framework, offering easy access to skilled developers for customizations and updates of Next.js sites.
• Ready-made components available for Next.js devs allow for fast MVP development, quick feedback, and unlimited iteration.

For Marketers

Next.js offers marketers the power to boost SEO, enhance user engagement, and personalize experiences through AI-driven insights.

“As a Content Specialist at Pagepro, I’ve seen how Next.js has improved our website and marketing strategies since last year we decided to migrate our website to it.

Its flexibility allowed us to tailor the tech stack precisely to our project’s needs, and we could use all of the tools, i.e. CMS accordingly to our needs.

Moving to Next.js with Storyblok as a headless CMS has changed my everyday work – I now have full flexibility in creating and changing the content, which is ranking high in Google.”

Zaneta Lenczewska, Content Specialist at Pagepro

• Fast, lightweight pages of Next.js projects help with Search Engine Optimization and organic traffic, leading to increased conversions.
• Dynamic routing and code-splitting allow for a targeted, personalized experience for your users.
• Next.js supports the Vercel AI SDK, enabling developers to incorporate advanced AI and modern technology directly into their applications for wider functionality.
• The framework lets you quickly launch campaigns or create custom landing pages, adapting to market trends as they arise.
• Unique, custom experiences achieved thanks to Next.js help improve ROI, customer acquisition, retention, and brand loyalty.

For Developers

With Next.js, developers can access a versatile, full-stack framework designed for efficiency and enhanced performance. From hybrid rendering options to real-time updates and AI integration, Next.js empowers developers to build highly interactive, scalable applications quickly and seamlessly.

• Next.js allows for immediate user interaction before full app load boosts perceived performance thanks to React server components and streaming.
• Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) enables real-time updates for static sites to ensure data freshness without redeployment.
• Through Hybrid Rendering options it combines SSR and static site generation (SSG) to optimize loading and data management.
• The Rust-based SWC compiler available in Next.js speeds up local development and production builds for better productivity.
• Real-time previews with fast refresh help streamline coding and debugging.
• Next.js enables developers to build both frontend and backend solutions within a single framework, making it a comprehensive full-stack framework.
• Offers control over request handling and routing customization through middleware capabilities.
• With Vercel AI SDK support, developers can incorporate advanced AI integrations directly into applications for enhanced functionality.

For Corporate Venture Projects

For corporate venture projects, Next.js stands out as a framework that supports both fast MVP development and long-term scalability. Its combination of SEO-friendly features, modular design, and advanced AI compatibility gives ventures a competitive edge, fostering visibility, adaptability, and sustainable growth.

• Next.js speeds up MVP development, allowing for quick iteration and real-world testing.
• The framework was built to scale for growth and complex needs, making it ideal for scaling as ventures expand.
• The SSR capabilities ensure better search visibility and drive organic traffic from the start.
• Promotes code reuse and efficient collaboration, especially valuable for fast-moving teams looking for modular architecture.
• Its hosting through Vercel helps limit costs while helping optimization. 

Thanks to the recent updates, Next.js supports the incorporation of the newest AI solutions and modern technologies, allowing you to stay ahead of the competition.

Summary of NextJS Benefits

Disadvantages of Next.js

Although NextJS is developing fast, it still has some cons and issues.

While it offers great customization options, it also requires you to build the front-end from scratch. This can result in additional costs and longer development time. Since Next.js requires a degree of technical expertise, especially for complex e-commerce sites, businesses may need a dedicated developer for ongoing development and maintenance.

Like most JavaScript-based frameworks, Next.js does not provide a built-in state management solution, so developers need to integrate external libraries like Redux, MobX, or React’s Context API to handle complex state requirements. 

Although it supports SSG, large sites with many Next.js pages may experience longer build times. Luckily Incremental Static Regeneration helps mitigate this. Additionally managing caching in Next.js, particularly in the case of SSR and ISR, can be complex and may require custom solutions to meet specific caching needs and optimize performance.

Finally, Next.js does not come with an integrated CMS, however, it integrates well with various headless CMS platforms.

Use Cases for Next.js

Next.js is a versatile framework that excels in many types of projects, particularly in:

Complex Web Applications

Next.js is great for large-scale, complex applications that demand frontend and backend capabilities. Thanks to the full-stack functionality, developers can build scalable, feature-rich applications with amazing performance.

Example: Hulu

Advanced eCommerce Platforms

eCommerce platforms that need custom solutions and high-performance optimizations will benefit from Next.js. It supports complex product catalogs, facilitates integrations with payment systems, and improves user experience with fast-loading pages.

Example: Learn Squared

Learn Squared

Migrating E-Learning Platform to Next.js and Strapi

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Multi-Market Solutions

Applications serving multiple regions with varied content and languages can be complex to maintain. Next.js offers extensive internationalization features, which simplify managing and delivering localized content.

Example: Netflix Jobs

Pros and Cons of Next.js Framework – Conclusion

Next.js is a powerful JavaScript development framework for modern web development. Its features spanning from server-side rendering and static optimization to advanced internationalization make it ideal for a wide range of applications. 

While it does require technical expertise, especially for highly customized projects, Next.js offers unmatched flexibility and improved performance that can drive meaningful results for businesses, developers, and marketing teams. 

Understanding both its advantages and potential limitations will let you take full advantage of Next.js to create high-quality, scalable

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Sources

2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey