The landscape of web development frameworks is constantly evolving, and developers frequently weigh their options to find the best tools for their projects. Next.js, a React-based framework, has been a game-changer for server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG). However, as the technology matures, its ecosystem has introduced certain challenges. After much deliberation, we decided to step away from Next.js and return to Vite for our projects. Here’s why.
Is Next.js Becoming a Product-First Framework?
Initially marketed as an open and versatile framework, Next.js now feels more like a product tailored to its parent company, Vercel. While deploying Next.js apps on servers like AWS, Azure, or Netlify is possible, certain advanced features such as dynamic SEO capabilities and Google crawling optimizations often fail to perform as expected outside of Vercel’s ecosystem.
The tight integration between Next.js and Vercel creates friction for developers seeking flexibility in hosting. Moreover, the pricing for Vercel services is significantly higher than many alternatives, especially for projects with tight budgets. For example, scaling serverless functions or advanced edge capabilities can quickly become cost-prohibitive, leading many to question the value proposition when hosting elsewhere.
Limited Developer Control in Next.js
As developers, we thrive on control. However, Next.js limits flexibility in some crucial areas. While its App Router and React Server Components (RSC) introduced exciting features starting with version 13.4, we found ourselves constrained when trying to implement advanced client-server compositions. This lack of control becomes apparent when working on complex projects where fine-tuning is critical.
A simple example is hydration issues, where developers must vigilantly monitor the app’s hydration status to avoid side effects. Many popular React libraries, designed for interactivity, don’t work seamlessly with RSC. In such cases, developers often resort to writing custom solutions, adding overhead and reducing productivity.
Our Journey from Next.js 13.4 to 14.1
We started our journey with Next.js versions 13.4 through 14.1, enthusiastic about server actions and the App Router’s promise of improving SSR workflows. However, over time, frustrations piled up.
Reason 1: The Dev Server
Next.js claims improved performance with tools like Turbopack, but our experience told a different story. The dev server was painfully slow, making even minor changes a test of patience. A strange bug caused the fast refresh feature to break entirely, forcing us to restart the dev server after every code change. This wasn’t just inconvenient—it was a productivity killer.
Reason 2: Bugs Galore
Building complex interactive modules in Next.js often led to unexplained errors with cryptic messages. Debugging these issues was a nightmare, requiring hours—or even days—of trial and error. Documentation gaps only compounded the problem. These bugs might be acceptable in an experimental framework, but for production-grade tools, they’re hard to justify.
Reason 3: Server-Client Limitations
While server actions offered better security and backend flexibility, they introduced significant client-side limitations. Many existing React libraries were incompatible with RSC, forcing us to choose between subpar alternatives or creating custom solutions. The trade-off between security and flexibility became unsustainable for our needs.
Why We Chose Vite for Our Future Projects
After grappling with Next.js, we decided to transition to Vite, and the experience has been transformative.
Blazing-Fast Dev Server
Vite’s dev server is a breath of fresh air. It’s lightning-fast, thanks to native ES module support and a highly efficient build process. Changes are reflected instantly, allowing us to maintain our development momentum without constant interruptions.
Simpler Debugging
Vite’s minimalistic architecture means fewer bugs and clearer error messages. With well-documented tools and plugins, debugging is straightforward, enabling us to focus on building features instead of troubleshooting framework issues.
Enhanced Flexibility
Unlike Next.js, Vite doesn’t impose rigid conventions. It allows us to build single-page applications (SPAs), multi-page applications (MPAs), or even integrate with SSR tools like Remix. This flexibility aligns perfectly with our project requirements.
Final Thoughts: Is Next.js Still Relevant?
While we’ve moved away from Next.js, we acknowledge its strengths. For projects that rely heavily on SSR or SSG, or where tight Vercel integration is a priority, Next.js remains a powerful choice. However, for developers seeking speed, control, and flexibility, alternatives like Vite and Remix may offer better solutions.
The decision to move away from a framework isn’t just technical—it’s personal. It reflects your team’s priorities, pain points, and ambitions. For us, the frustration of slow development cycles, cryptic bugs, and high hosting costs outweighed the benefits of staying with Next.js.
If you’re evaluating frameworks for your next project, don’t hesitate to experiment. What works for one team might not work for another. And as the ecosystem continues to evolve, the best tool for the job will always be the one that empowers you to build better, faster, and more confidently.
Your Turn: Have you faced similar challenges with Next.js or any other framework? Let us know in the comments, and let’s continue the conversation!
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