Astro vs Next.js: Choosing the Right Framework in 2024

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Astro vs Next.js: Choosing the Right Framework in 2024

Rishi Raj Jain
Astro vs Next.js: Choosing the Right Framework in 2024

Looking for a quick answer? Here’s what you need to know:

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Pick Astro if:

  • You’re building content sites (blogs, docs, marketing)
  • You want a framework that’s easy to learn and use without extensive JavaScript experience
  • You want minimal JavaScript

Pick Next.js if:

  • You need complex web apps
  • You’re building highly interactive features
  • Your team knows React well
FeatureAstroNext.js
Best ForContent sitesWeb apps
JavaScriptZero by default40KB minimum
Learning CurveEasy (HTML-first)Medium (React needed)

Big names using each:

Want to start building? Here’s how:

Terminal window
# Astro
npm create astro@latest
# Next.js
npx create-next-app@latest

Core Concepts

What is Astro?

Astro

Astro is a web framework that makes websites FAST. It does this by removing JavaScript you don’t need.

Here’s what makes it different:

FeatureHow It Works
Zero JavaScriptShips plain HTML by default
Island ArchitectureLoads JavaScript only where you need it
Framework SupportUse React, Vue, or Svelte components
Content FocusWrite in Markdown and MDX out of the box

Think of Astro’s “islands” like small power stations. They only turn on when someone needs them. Everything else? Just plain, fast HTML.

Out of all the tools I’ve used in the past ten years, Astro is the one that makes me most excited about where web development is going. - Brian Holt

Want to mix different frameworks? No problem:

index.astro
---
import SvelteNav from './Nav.svelte';
import ReactPost from './Post.jsx';
import VueFooter from './Footer.vue';
---
<SvelteNav client:load />
<ReactPost client:load />
<VueFooter client:load />

What is Next.js?

Next.js

Next.js supercharges React apps. Built by Vercel, it helps you build React apps faster and better.

FeatureWhat It Does
Server-Side RenderingMakes pages load fast, helps with SEO
Code SplittingShips only what each page needs
File-Based RoutingFiles = URLs
API RoutesBuild backend APIs right in your app

Think of Next.js as a powerful tool for building highly interactive web applications. It’s the go-to choice for big names like TikTok, Twitch, and Hulu when they need to:

  • Update content in real-time
  • Check who users are
  • Show different content to different users
  • Keep track of complex data

How They Compare

Let’s look at the key differences between Astro and Next.js:

1. Page Loading Methods

These frameworks handle content in totally different ways:

FeatureAstroNext.js
Default OutputPlain HTMLJavaScript Bundle
JavaScript LoadingOnly where neededFull page hydration
Component HandlingSelective hydrationComplete hydration
Build OutputStatic / Hybrid / ServerStatic / Hybrid / Server

Think of it this way: Astro is like picking items from a menu (you only get what you order), while Next.js serves the whole buffet (whether you’re hungry or not).

That’s probably why Trivago picked Astro for their content-heavy pages, but Twitch went with Next.js for their interactive features.

2. Working with each framework

Here’s what you’ll get with each:

FeatureAstroNext.js
Learning CurveHTML-first approachReact knowledge needed
Framework SupportMultiple (React, Vue, Svelte)React only
Development ToolsFocused (and growing)Rich ecosystem

3. Getting Data

Let’s look at data handling in both frameworks:

MethodAstroNext.js
Static DataBuilt-in Markdown/MDX supportgetStaticProps or generateStaticParams
Dynamic DataServer endpointsAPI routes
Data UpdatesBuild-time & Real-timeBuild-time & Real-time
API IntegrationBuilt-in API routesBuilt-in API routes

4. Using Components

Components work differently in each framework:

FeatureAstroNext.js
Component Format.astro files.jsx or .tsx
Framework SupportMultiple (React, Vue, Svelte)React only
Styling OptionsScoped CSS, Tailwind, CSS ModulesScoped CSS, Tailwind, CSS Modules
Third-party Toolsnpx astro add commandNPM packages
Code SplittingAutomatic per componentAutomatic per page / server component

Best Uses

Let’s break down which projects work best with each framework:

When to Use Astro

Astro can do almost anything that major frameworks like Next.js and SvelteKit, etc., can do. It’s so powerful, it’s so flexible, it’s so simple. - James Q Quick

Astro shines when you need speed and content delivery:

Project TypeWhy It Works
BlogsNo JavaScript out of the box, Markdown ready
Docs SitesFast loading, organized content
Marketing PagesLight JS, ranks well in search
Small ShopsStatic pages with optional interactions
PortfoliosWorks with many frameworks, optimizes images

What makes Astro stand out:

  • Starts with zero JavaScript
  • Adds interactivity only where needed
  • Handles content right out of the box
  • Plays nice with your favorite UI tools

Astro ships ZERO JavaScript by default. It only adds JavaScript where you need it.

Think about building a blog with Astro: Your articles load as pure HTML. JavaScript loads ONLY for things like comments.

When to Use Next.js

Next.js has made it easier for us to scale and build on the Web with fewer people–there’s only one of us, and we’re putting our sites in front of some of the world’s largest brands. - Adham Foda CTO KidSuper

Next.js powers bigger, more complex projects:

Project TypeWhy It Works
Big ShopsLive inventory updates, price changes
Social SitesSmooth navigation, instant updates
DashboardsHandles complex data, API hookups
SaaS ProductsServer rendering, built-in API tools
Big BusinessMix of rendering types, smart code loading

What makes Next.js stand out:

  • Supports server-side rendering
  • Optimizes performance with automatic code splitting
  • Manages images
  • Controls page routing

Next.js includes JavaScript on every page. But don’t worry - it splits the code automatically to keep things fast.

Think about building a blog with Next.js: Pages load with JavaScript included, making navigation between posts instant.

Wrap-up

When deciding between Astro and Next.js, consider your project’s needs. Astro is ideal for content-heavy sites that require less JavaScript, while Next.js is better suited for highly interactive web applications that demand more dynamic capabilities.

Both tools keep getting better at what they do. Your pick? It comes down to what you’re building in 2024.

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