Both can run a good business website. They differ in how pages are made, who can edit them and what needs care after launch.
Speed
WordPress makes a page when a visitor asks for it. It reads your words from a database and puts the page together. A cache can keep a copy so the next visitor waits less.
Next.js can build each page before anyone visits. The host keeps the finished page ready to send. That is one reason Next.js sites tend to load fast.
A WordPress site can be fast too. It needs good hosting, a light theme and few plugins.
To test your own site, use Google's free PageSpeed Insights. It shows what slows each page down.
Keeping it safe
A WordPress site has three parts to keep up to date: WordPress, the theme and each plugin. Each plugin is code from a different author. When one has a flaw, someone has to install the fix.
A Next.js site has no public admin page by default. It has fewer parts to update. Its code still needs updates when a flaw is found.
Ask any builder who installs updates after launch. Ask how fast they do it.
Changing your words and photos
WordPress comes with an editor. You log in, change the words and press Update.
Next.js has no editor of its own. Changes go through a developer, or through a separate content tool linked to the site.
Think about how often you change your site. A few changes a month are easy to send to a developer. If your staff change pages every day, WordPress or a content tool fits better.
What it costs over time
A WordPress site can cost less to start. Themes and plugins save build time.
The costs come later. Some plugins charge a yearly fee. Updates take someone's time each month.
A Next.js site is built from code, so the first build takes more work. After launch there is less to update.
Ask any builder for two numbers in writing. One is the price to build. The other is the yearly cost to keep it running. Our own example site prices are on our pricing page.
When each one fits
WordPress fits when:
- Your staff will edit pages every week
- You want plugins for a shop, forms or events
- Someone will keep it updated
Next.js fits when:
- Speed matters for your sales or leads
- You want fewer parts to update
- Your site does more than show pages, like booking or sign-in
- You plan to keep the site for years
Next.js and WordPress side by side
| Built on | Next.js | WordPress |
|---|---|---|
| How pages are made | Built ahead of time | Made when a visitor asks |
| How you edit pages | A developer, or a tool you add | An editor comes with it |
| What needs updates | Fewer parts | WordPress, the theme and each plugin |
| Cost to start | More build work | Less, with themes and plugins |
| Cost after launch | Less to update | Updates and plugin fees |
| Fits best | Sites where speed and low upkeep matter | Sites your staff edit every week |
