Introduction
Next.js has long been a go-to solution for building fast, SEO-friendly, and scalable React applications. From startups to tech giants, everyone jumped on the Next.js train. But lately, the buzz has shifted. More and more developers and companies are starting to rethink their commitment. So, what’s happening? Why are some saying, “Thanks, Next.js… but we’re moving on”?
Let’s dive in.
The Appeal of Next.js – A Quick Recap
Before we throw shade, let’s give credit where it’s due. Next.js gained traction for solid reasons:
Server-side rendering (SSR) and Static Site Generation (SSG) gave us faster pages and better SEO.
Built-in routing simplified development.
API routes let devs spin up full-stack apps without switching tools.
And with features like image optimization and Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR), performance was a major selling point.
But as the web evolved, so did developer needs—and Next.js didn’t keep up for everyone.
Why the Shift? Reasons Behind the Goodbye
Complexity Overkill for Simple Projects
Let’s be honest—if you’re just building a blog, portfolio, or landing page, Next.js feels like bringing a bazooka to a knife fight.
Config-heavy setup
Advanced routing when all you need is a handful of pages
More moving parts than necessary
For small projects, it’s just… overkill.
Lock-in to Vercel Ecosystem
Next.js is tightly tied to Vercel, the company behind it. While Vercel is amazing (fast deployment, edge functions, etc.), it comes with a catch:
Proprietary features don’t always play well elsewhere.
Companies looking for vendor flexibility are finding this a red flag.
It’s like dating someone who insists you hang out only at their house.
The Cost of Going Big
Scaling with Next.js isn’t cheap—especially if you’re using Vercel’s premium services.
Build minutes add up fast
Serverless functions have cold starts
You pay for performance, and it gets expensive
For enterprise-level apps, hosting and maintenance costs become a serious concern.
Slower Build Times on Large Sites
As your project grows, Next.js starts to sweat.
ISR sounds great on paper but leads to long build times
Sites with thousands of pages? Prepare for coffee breaks… or naps
Developers crave speed—both in performance and workflow. Long build times kill momentum.
Poor Developer Experience in Certain Use Cases
Sure, Next.js has great docs, but the experience isn’t always smooth:
Confusing file-based routing quirks
Frequent updates introducing unstable, experimental features
Constant breaking changes for app directory
For some, it feels like riding a rollercoaster… without a seatbelt.
Competing Frameworks Taking Over
Other frameworks are stepping in, offering a simpler, faster, and often cheaper alternative.
Astro
Ships zero JavaScript by default
Uses the islands architecture for blazing-fast performance
Easy to plug in React, Vue, Svelte, and others
It’s like the buffet of frameworks—but lightweight.
Remix
Handles data at the route level
Prioritizes web fundamentals like caching and streaming
Excellent form handling and navigation performance
Remix is like the chef who says, “You don’t need all that extra sauce. Let’s cook it right.”
Nuxt
Vue.js equivalent of Next.js
Cleaner syntax, smooth learning curve
Easier integrations with tools like Pinia and Vuex
Vue lovers are heading here in droves.
SvelteKit
Minimal, reactive, and elegant
Less boilerplate = happier devs
Compiles to ultra-lean JavaScript
If React is a heavy metal band, Svelte is smooth jazz.
Changing Web Development Trends
The landscape is shifting:
Edge computing and serverless are becoming the new normal
Devs want faster iterations and lighter bundles
Headless CMS, GraphQL, and Jamstack are leading the charge
Next.js is solid—but not everyone wants the whole house when they only need a room.
Real-World Examples
Many companies have publicly discussed moving away from Next.js:
A tech blog migrating to Astro to reduce build times and boost performance
E-commerce platforms shifting to Remix for better form handling
Agencies switching to SvelteKit for quicker turnaround and cleaner code
They’re not just chasing hype—they’re solving real pain points.
Is Next.js Still Relevant?
Absolutely—but with caveats.
When Next.js makes sense:
Complex applications needing SSR or API routes
SEO-critical sites with dynamic content
Companies already deep in the React ecosystem
When to look elsewhere:
Simpler sites
Projects focused on performance over flexibility
Teams seeking minimalism and simplicity
It’s not dead—it just doesn’t fit every shoe size anymore.
Conclusion
Next.js isn’t going anywhere soon—but it’s no longer the one-size-fits-all darling it used to be. The dev world is diverse, and needs are shifting. Whether it’s performance, cost, simplicity, or flexibility—other frameworks are answering the call in ways Next.js can’t (or won’t).
The takeaway? Choose tools that fit your project, not the trend.
FAQs
1. Is Next.js dead?
Nope! It’s still widely used, especially for large-scale React apps. But it’s not the default choice anymore for many developers.
2. What are the alternatives to Next.js?
Astro, Remix, Nuxt, and SvelteKit are all popular alternatives depending on your stack and goals.
3. Can I still use Next.js in 2025?
Yes, and it’ll keep improving. Just make sure it fits your project’s size and complexity.
4. Why are build times an issue in Next.js?
Large projects can suffer from slow builds, especially when using ISR and static generation at scale.
5. What’s the best framework for a simple website?
Astro or plain HTML/JS with a CMS (like Eleventy or Hugo) may be better fits for smaller projects.
