Next.js 14 vs React 18: Complete Comparison

Introduction

Next.js 14 and React 18 are both powerful tools for building modern web applications, but they serve different purposes.

What is React 18?

React 18 is the latest major version of the React library, bringing new features like concurrent rendering and automatic batching.

What is Next.js 14?

Next.js 14 is a full-stack React framework built on top of React 18. It adds server-side rendering, static site generation, and API routes.

When to Use React 18

Building single-page applications, when you need maximum flexibility, or integrating into existing projects.

When to Use Next.js 14

Building full-stack web applications, e-commerce websites, content-heavy websites, or when SEO is important.

Conclusion

For most commercial projects, especially those requiring SEO, Next.js 14 is the superior choice.