Next.js vs. WordPress: Which platform fits your business?
Honest comparison of both platforms for SMBs: performance, SEO, security and ongoing costs.
Starting point: two strong platforms
WordPress powers over 40% of all websites worldwide. Next.js is the fastest-growing React framework. Both have clear strengths, but the right choice depends on your specific requirements.
When WordPress is the right choice
WordPress excels for: content-heavy websites with frequent updates by non-developers, projects with limited budgets and short timelines, and sites needing many plugins (booking, shop, memberships). Limitations: performance overhead from plugins, frequent security updates, and limited scalability.
When Next.js is the better choice
Next.js is better for: maximum performance and Core Web Vitals, SEO-critical projects with server-side rendering, websites with custom requirements and integrations, and long-term projects with low maintenance costs. Limitation: higher initial development costs and technical expertise required.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation: for a simple business presence with a blog, WordPress works well. For lead-focused business websites with high SEO standards, we recommend Next.js. At Manotea we use both technologies and advise individually.