We build exclusively with Next.js. But that doesn't mean WordPress is bad – it means we chose to specialize. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide what's right for your business.
Where WordPress Wins
Content-Heavy Sites with Daily Updates
If you're publishing blog posts, news articles, or content updates every day, WordPress's admin interface is hard to beat. Non-technical users can log in, write, and publish without touching code.
Very Tight Budgets
If you genuinely have $2,000-3,000 for a website and can't invest more, WordPress is a valid option. Something is better than nothing. Just budget for ongoing costs.
You Want to DIY
WordPress has a gentler learning curve for non-developers who want to manage their own site. Plenty of tutorials, huge community, lots of hand-holding available.
Massive Plugin Ecosystem
Need a specific integration? There's probably a WordPress plugin for it. This ecosystem is genuinely valuable if you need functionality that would be expensive to custom-build.
Where Next.js Wins
Performance (It's Not Even Close)
Next.js sites typically score 90-100 on Google PageSpeed. WordPress sites average 40-60 without significant optimization work. Speed directly impacts SEO rankings, conversion rates, and user experience.
Security
WordPress's popularity makes it target #1 for hackers. Next.js deploys as static files with no database, no server-side code execution, and no plugins to exploit. The attack surface is nearly zero.
Zero Maintenance
WordPress needs constant updates – core, themes, plugins, PHP versions. Skip updates and you risk security vulnerabilities and broken functionality. Next.js sites just run. No updates required.
Design Freedom
WordPress themes impose structure. Even "flexible" themes have limits. Next.js is a blank canvas – every pixel is custom, every interaction is intentional.
Scalability
Traffic spike? WordPress on shared hosting crashes. Next.js on Vercel auto-scales globally. You never think about server capacity.
Long-Term Cost
Higher upfront investment, but near-zero ongoing costs. No premium plugins, no managed hosting fees, no maintenance hours. Over 3 years, total cost of ownership often favors Next.js.
The Decision Framework
Choose WordPress if:
- You publish content daily and need non-technical editing
- Your total budget is under $5,000
- You want to manage the site yourself long-term
- You need very specific plugin functionality
Choose Next.js if:
- Performance and SEO are business-critical
- Security is a priority (e-commerce, sensitive data)
- You want a custom design with no template constraints
- You hate ongoing maintenance and surprise fix costs
- You're building a brand, not just a brochure
- You can invest $15,000+ upfront for long-term savings
The Hybrid Option
Some businesses use both: a headless WordPress backend for content management, with a Next.js frontend for performance. This gives you WordPress's editing experience with Next.js's speed and security.
It's more complex and costs more, but for content-heavy sites that need maximum performance, it's worth considering.
Our Take
We chose to specialize in Next.js because our clients prioritize performance, security, and low maintenance. They'd rather invest more upfront than deal with ongoing headaches.
That's not everyone. If WordPress genuinely fits your situation better, use WordPress. Just go in with realistic expectations about ongoing costs and maintenance.