Next.js vs React: What's the Difference for Business Websites?

The Confusion

"We want a React website." "We're building in Next.js."

These sound like different things, but they're deeply connected. Let's clear up the confusion.

What is React?

React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. Created by Facebook, it's the most popular way to build interactive web applications.

React is:

• A library (not a framework)
• Used for building components
• Client-side by default
• Just the UI layer

React alone doesn't include:

• Routing (navigating between pages)
• Server-side rendering
• Built-in SEO solutions
• File-based routing

You need to add these pieces yourself or use a framework built on React.

What is Next.js?

Next.js is a React framework. It uses React for the UI but adds everything else you need for a production website.

Next.js includes:

• File-based routing
• Server-side rendering (SSR)
• Static site generation (SSG)
• API routes
• Image optimization
• Built-in SEO support

In simple terms: React is the engine. Next.js is the complete car.

Why This Matters for Business Websites

SEO

Plain React:

• Renders on the client (in the browser)
• Search engines may see a blank page
• Requires extra work for SEO

Next.js:

• Renders on the server
• Search engines see complete HTML
• SEO-friendly out of the box

For business websites where Google rankings matter, Next.js has a significant advantage.

Performance

Plain React:

• Loads JavaScript, then renders
• Slower initial page load
• White screen while loading

Next.js:

• Can pre-render pages
• Fast initial load
• Content visible immediately

Development Speed

Plain React:

• Requires choosing and configuring many tools
• Routing, state management, build tools — all separate decisions
• More setup time

Next.js:

• Batteries included
• Sensible defaults
• Start building immediately

When to Use Plain React

Plain React (with a tool like Vite or Create React App) makes sense for:

• Internal applications where SEO doesn't matter
• Dashboard applications
• Single-page applications behind a login
• Learning React fundamentals

When to Use Next.js

Next.js is better for:

• Marketing websites
• E-commerce sites
• Blogs and content sites
• Any site where SEO matters
• Sites that need fast initial load
• Projects that need API routes

For business websites, Next.js is almost always the right choice.

The Technical Difference

Plain React SPA (Single Page Application):

1. Browser loads empty HTML
2. Browser downloads JavaScript bundle
3. JavaScript renders the page
4. User finally sees content (2-5 seconds)

Next.js with SSR/SSG:

1. Server renders complete HTML
2. Browser receives ready-to-display page
3. User sees content immediately
4. JavaScript hydrates for interactivity

The difference is felt on every page load.

Common Misconceptions

"React is faster than Next.js"

Not true. Next.js uses React. The rendering strategy (SSR/SSG) often makes Next.js faster for initial page loads.

"Next.js is more complex"

Actually, Next.js simplifies many things. Routing, for example, is just creating files — no configuration needed.

"We can add SSR to React later"

Technically possible, but retrofitting SSR is complicated. It's easier to start with Next.js.

What to Tell Your Developer

If someone says "we're building in React," ask:

• "How are you handling SEO?"
• "What's the initial load performance?"
• "Are you using a framework?"

If they're building a business website without Next.js (or similar like Remix/Gatsby), ask why.

The Bottom Line

• React: The UI library (the building blocks)
• Next.js: A complete framework using React (the finished house)

For business websites, Next.js provides:

• Better SEO
• Faster load times
• Easier development
• More features out of the box

It's the standard choice for production React websites in 2025.

Building a new business website? Start with Next.js.