Every week, at least three founders ask us the same question: "Should I use React or Next.js for my MVP?"
It's a fair question. Both are excellent choices. But after building with both for over five years, we have a clear opinion.
The Short Answer
For 90% of MVPs, Next.js is the better choice. Here's why.
Why Next.js Wins for MVPs
- Built-in routing - No need to set up React Router. Pages just work.
- API routes - Build your backend right alongside your frontend.
- SEO out of the box - Server-side rendering means search engines can actually find you.
- Deployment is trivial - Push to Vercel and you're live in minutes.
- Performance optimizations - Image optimization, code splitting, all handled for you.
When Plain React Makes Sense
There are cases where vanilla React (with Vite or Create React App) might be the better choice:
- You're building a purely client-side dashboard or internal tool
- Your backend is completely separate and you don't need SSR
- You're integrating into an existing non-Next.js infrastructure
“The best framework is the one that gets you to market fastest without painting you into a corner.”
Our Recommendation
Start with Next.js. If you discover you don't need its features, the migration path to plain React is straightforward. But going the other direction - adding SSR, API routes, and optimizations to a plain React app - is a massive undertaking.
In the startup world, time is your most precious resource. Don't waste it reinventing wheels that Next.js has already perfected.
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