A popular React framework for building fast web applications and providing them with an SEO-friendly environment, developers believe Next.js because of its powerful features such as server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), and API routes.

However, is Next.js perfect for all projects?

Not really! As with every technology, Next.js has its disadvantages, which developers should consider when deciding whether to use.

In the ensuing blog post, we discuss the disadvantages of Next.js in detail, giving examples, and explaining issues in a manner that will allow even the novice reader to understand them. Insights will also provide a basis for deciding whether Next.js is well-suited for your project.

Disadvantages of Next.js

1. Complexity for Beginners

If you're new to web development, Next.js can feel overwhelming. It requires a basic understanding of:

• React (since Next.js is built on top of it).
• Server-side rendering (SSR) and Static site generation (SSG).
• File-based routing (instead of React’s component-based routing).

Example:

A beginner who only knows basic React may find Next.js difficult to learn because they have to deal with concepts like getStaticProps, getServerSideProps, and middleware functions.

Unlike a regular React app where all logic is handled on the client side, Next.js requires developers to decide when and where to fetch data, which can be confusing at first.

Additionally, beginners might struggle with understanding when to use CSR (Client-Side Rendering), SSR (Server-Side Rendering), or SSG (Static Site Generation), leading to unnecessary complexity in their applications.

2. Hosting and Deployment Challenges

Unlike simple HTML websites, Next.js requires specialized hosting for features like SSR and API routes. Some common challenges include:

• Not all hosting providers support Next.js.
• SSR requires a Node.js server, which is unavailable on basic shared hosting.
• Extra configuration is needed for non-Vercel hosting (like AWS, Netlify, or DigitalOcean).

Example:

If you try to host a Next.js app on a basic cPanel hosting, it may not work properly because it doesn’t support server-side functions.

Another issue developers face is that deploying a Next.js project on a cloud server (AWS, DigitalOcean, or Google Cloud) often requires extra setup compared to a simple React project, where you can upload static files.

Deployment is easier for those who use Vercel, but reliance on a single platform can be risky. If Vercel changes its pricing or policies, developers might need to migrate their apps, which can be a hassle.

3. Performance Issues with Large Applications

While Next.js is fast, performance issues can arise in large projects due to:

• Too many dynamic pages increase server load.
• SSR slows down response times if there are frequent API calls.
• Long build times when using Static Site Generation (SSG) for a large number of pages.

Example:

A blog with thousands of posts using SSG may take a very long time to build whenever new content is added.

Additionally, if an e-commerce website is built with Next.js and uses SSR for real-time product updates, it may face high server costs because each request requires processing, unlike static HTML pages that load instantly.

Another challenge is that ISR (Incremental Static Regeneration) helps reduce build times, but configuring it properly requires experience. If ISR settings are not optimized, some users might see outdated content before the cache updates.

4. Limited Flexibility for Some Use Cases

Next.js is great for server-rendered apps, but it might not be ideal for every project. Some limitations include:

• Not suitable for purely static websites (React frameworks like Gatsby might be better).
• SSR caching challenges for frequently updating content (like e-commerce stores or stock market data).
• Client-side heavy apps may not need Next.js’s server-side features.

Example:

A news website that updates every second may struggle with caching issues, making Next.js less effective than a fully client-rendered solution.

For applications that don’t need SEO or server-side functionality, a pure React app with a static hosting service (like Firebase Hosting or GitHub Pages) might be a simpler and more cost-effective solution.

5. Learning Curve & Debugging Issues

Next.js introduces many new concepts beyond React, such as: 

• API Routes (for backend logic inside the frontend framework).
• ISR (Incremental Static Regeneration) (mixing SSR and SSG).
• Middleware and Edge Functions.

Example:

Debugging an issue in a Next.js project can be confusing because you have to check whether it’s caused by SSR, SSG, ISR, or CSR (Client-Side Rendering).

Additionally, setting up authentication in Next.js requires understanding NextAuth.js or other libraries, making it more complex than a traditional React app where authentication is managed solely on the client side.

Should You Use Next.js?

Next.js is powerful but not perfect. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

 Use Next.js if:

• You need SEO-friendly web applications.
• You are building a scalable, modern web app.
• You are comfortable with React and SSR.

 Avoid Next.js if:

• You are a beginner in web development.
• You need a simple static website (Gatsby or pure React might be better).
• Your project requires real-time, highly dynamic data.

Conclusion

Next.js is a great choice for many developers, but it’s important to understand its disadvantages before starting a project. If you’re new to web development, it’s best to learn React first before jumping into Next.js.

If your project requires SEO optimization, server-side rendering, and fast performance, Next.js is a great option. However, if you need something simpler or more flexible, you might want to explore alternative frameworks.

Do you use Next.js? Have you faced any challenges while working with it?