Next.js vs Astro – Which is better for your next project?

Choosing between Next.js and Astro? This comparison breaks down their strengths, trade-offs, and ideal use cases so you can decide faster.

Quick verdict

For most teams, Next.js is the safer default. However, Astro can be a better fit if you lean into its specific strengths.

Next.js

Full-stack React framework with routing, SSR and API routes

Category: React meta-framework

Best for: React teams building production web apps, SaaS dashboards

Overall rating: 4.8/5

Power: 4.9/5 · Ease: 4.0/5

Price: Free

Visit Next.js

Astro

Content-focused framework with island architecture

Category: Meta-framework

Best for: Content-heavy sites, blogs, marketing pages with some interactivity

Overall rating: 4.6/5

Power: 4.7/5 · Ease: 4.4/5

Price: Free

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Side-by-side comparison

Aspect Next.js Astro
Category React meta-framework Meta-framework
Typical use cases React teams building production web apps, SaaS dashboards Content-heavy sites, blogs, marketing pages with some interactivity
Power / flexibility 4.9/5 4.7/5
Ease of learning 4.0/5 4.4/5
Price Free Free

Pros & cons of Next.js

Pros

  • Server-side rendering
  • File-based routing
  • Huge ecosystem

Cons

  • Strongly tied to React
  • Can feel complex for small sites

Pros & cons of Astro

Pros

  • Very fast by default
  • Great for content sites
  • Framework-agnostic components

Cons

  • Less suited to very heavy interactive apps
  • Smaller ecosystem

Which should you choose?

Pick Next.js if you align with its ideal profile: React teams building production web apps, SaaS dashboards. Choose Astro if you align more with: Content-heavy sites, blogs, marketing pages with some interactivity.