React is a UI library. Next.js is a full framework built on top of React. The question is which is right for your use case.

Use React when:

  • You're building a SPA
  • SEO is not a priority
  • You want full control over your stack

Use Next.js when:

  • SEO matters
  • You need server-side rendering
  • You want a batteries-included framework

For most client projects in 2025, we default to Next.js.

React Next.js Frontend