I believe nextjs uses Serverless Functions, while express requires an always running server. Performance wise I think an always running server would win as it its always ready to handle requests, but if the Serverless function is on a good hosting platform that handles the function calls nicely without many cold starts then it wouldn't make much difference performance wise. A good question would be if nextjs Serverless Functions on Vercel are better than lambda functions on AWS. [edit]: u/CreativityExplorer rightly pointed out that Vercel uses aws lambda to deploy the Serverless Functions so its almost the same thing! Answer from abhinayx on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/nextjs › is next.js backend is better than node.js(express) ?
r/nextjs on Reddit: Is Next.JS backend is better than node.js(express) ?
August 26, 2023 -
Correct me if the title is wrong, I am a beginner to next.js, and I've seen some project videos with using next backend in it and some other video with express as backend. So, which is better or both are same ?. And how do I host this next.js backend or is it needed to host ?
Top answer 1 of 6
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I believe nextjs uses Serverless Functions, while express requires an always running server. Performance wise I think an always running server would win as it its always ready to handle requests, but if the Serverless function is on a good hosting platform that handles the function calls nicely without many cold starts then it wouldn't make much difference performance wise. A good question would be if nextjs Serverless Functions on Vercel are better than lambda functions on AWS. [edit]: u/CreativityExplorer rightly pointed out that Vercel uses aws lambda to deploy the Serverless Functions so its almost the same thing!
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They both are different thing altogether. Nextjs uses serverless and edge function, nodejs/expressjs traditional monolithic server, it's always running. If you need simple crud operations then nextjs or serverless or edge functions are really great and cheaper, if you need heavy processing like video or some time consuming stuff then express would be ideal choice.
Netguru
netguru.com › home page › blog › express.js vs next.js: key differences
Express.js vs Next.js: Key Differences
1 month ago - Express.js is a minimalist framework for Node.js, optimized for building scalable backend applications and APIs, while Next.js is designed for server-side rendering and static site generation in React applications, enhancing performance and SEO.
Next.js server instead of express.js
I’m learning Next.js and I’m making an example signup and login page with next-auth and mongoDB, I’m struggling with that, I think doing it with express.js, so my question is to decide which technology is more suitable. Express Server or Next.js? More on forum.freecodecamp.org
0
October 3, 2023Firebase Auth using - next js vs express and cloud functions
Have you looked at https://next-auth.js.org/ ? They provide a Firebase adapter for easier integration. Keep in mind that Vercel has various hard limits based on fair-use. If these limits are a concern for you then you may want to offload some of the calls to other parties (e.g. cloud functions hosted elsewhere). More on reddit.com
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May 29, 2021Backend in NextJS or Backend in ExpressJS? Which is better?
It depends on application, and also what you prefer. I personally use Nextjs with approuter along with prisma or self hosted appwrite but the same can be done on ExpressJS too, so it depends... More on reddit.com
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September 13, 2023Is Next.JS backend is better than node.js(express) ?
I believe nextjs uses Serverless Functions, while express requires an always running server. Performance wise I think an always running server would win as it its always ready to handle requests, but if the Serverless function is on a good hosting platform that handles the function calls nicely without many cold starts then it wouldn't make much difference performance wise. A good question would be if nextjs Serverless Functions on Vercel are better than lambda functions on AWS. [edit]: u/CreativityExplorer rightly pointed out that Vercel uses aws lambda to deploy the Serverless Functions so its almost the same thing! More on reddit.com
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August 26, 2023Can I use Next.js and Express.js together?
Absolutely! If your app needs a React frontend (Next.js) and a separate, powerful backend (Express.js), they work well together. You can run Express.js for custom API logic while using Next.js for rendering your UI.
staticmania.com
staticmania.com › blog › next-js-vs-express-js
Next.js vs Express: The Ultimate Developer’s Guide - StaticMania
Does Next.js use Express.js under the hood?
Nope! Next.js doesn’t rely on Express.js, but you can use them together. Some developers set up an Express.js server to handle routing, authentication, or other backend tasks alongside Next.js.
staticmania.com
staticmania.com › blog › next-js-vs-express-js
Next.js vs Express: The Ultimate Developer’s Guide - StaticMania
Which one is better for SEO: Next.js or Express.js?
Next.js, no question. With server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG), search engines love Next.js sites. Express.js doesn’t handle frontend rendering, so it’s not an SEO tool.
staticmania.com
staticmania.com › blog › next-js-vs-express-js
Next.js vs Express: The Ultimate Developer’s Guide - StaticMania
Videos
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Express.js vs Next.js: What is the difference?
A little bit about each framework:
1) What is Express.js?
Express.js, or simply Express, is a backend web development framework for Node.js. It is intended for the development of web applications and APIs. It’s been dubbed Node.js’ de facto standard server framework.
This answer explains what Express is in greater detail.
2) What is Next.js?
Next.js is the React framework for production.
Let's debunk this sentence:
- "Framework": It has a lot of built-in features (e.g file-routing which replaces
react-router-dom) that help you solve common problems. - "For React": Next.js just enhances your React apps and adds more features to them.
- "For Production": There are certain problems that you will need to solve for almost all production-ready React apps. Next.js solves those for you.
Next.js gives you the best developer experience with all the features you need for production: hybrid static & server rendering, TypeScript support, smart bundling, route pre-fetching, and more. No config is needed.
Express.js vs Next.js features
Some Express.js features are:
- Robust routing
- HTTP helpers (redirection, caching, etc)
- View system supporting 14+ template engines
Next.js provides the following key features:
- Zero setup. Use the filesystem as an API ( You do not need Express to build a full-stack application)
- Server-Side rendering (SSR)
- Static site generation (SSG)
- Single-Page application (SPA)
- Development of faster applications
- Optimization of pages
- SEO websites
- Automatic code splitting
Conclusion
Express.js is a backend framework for building APIs whereas Next.js is a full stack framework that builds upon React to improve the SEO, development experience, and performance of your project. One of these features IS a built-in API routing system that could replace Express.js.
It all depends on the case you have and your personal preference. If you are building a private page (admin panel that can only be accessed with authentication) that does not need to be found by search engines, you do not need Next.js and will need Express.js. If you are building a public website (e.g. e-commerce website) and you are using Next.js for SEO optimization, you could replace Express.js with it.
TL;DR
You can replace an Express API with Next.js's API routing system but that only makes sense if you're building a full-stack React project. If it's a standalone API, using Next.js to replace just that API doesn't make any sense.
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Express is a general purpose tool for building HTTP servers in Node.js.
Next.JS is a tool for building an HTTP server specifically to perform server-side rendering of a React application (and which comes with some general purpose features so you can do things like build a server-side API for that React application to access in the same package).
Medium
medium.com › @turingvang › nextjs-vs-expressjs-ffc679dcd77f
Nextjs vs Expressjs. Next.js vs Express.js: A Comparison of… | by Turingvang | Medium
December 29, 2024 - Next.js: Primarily a framework for building React-based web applications. It provides a complete solution for frontend rendering, routing, static site generation, and server-side rendering.
Openxcell
openxcell.com › home › next js vs express: an in-depth comparison
Next JS vs Express: An In-depth Comparison in 2024
September 6, 2024 - Next.js simplifies the process of building server-rendered React applications by providing a higher level of abstraction than Express. Next.js offers advanced features such as automatic code splitting, CSS support, static exporting, and seamless ...
StaticMania
staticmania.com › blog › next-js-vs-express-js
Next.js vs Express: The Ultimate Developer’s Guide - StaticMania
Express.js: Offers flexibility, but you need to set up routing, middleware, and templating manually. It’s more suitable for backend-focused developers who want full control over their servers.
Quora
quora.com › Express-vs-Next-Which-one-will-be-best-if-I-use-React-js-in-front-end
Express vs Next? Which one will be best if I use React.js in front-end? - Quora
Answer (1 of 2): Both are great; Next is a more modern framework and arguably easier to learn, while Express is the most commonly used web server stack. There are ample resources on using React for either.
Rlogical
rlogical.com › home › web development › mobile app development › iot app development › ui/ux design
NextJS vs ExpressJS: Difference Between JavaScript Framework
June 4, 2024 - Quick Overview: The difference between Next JS and Express JS is a matter of discussion. Clients become doubtful in the selection of an ideal framework. Both have benefits and limitations, so, when you need to make your application, you can choose based on your need.
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LinkedIn
linkedin.com › pulse › choosing-between-express-nextjs-guide-backend-md-shohanur-rahman
Choosing Between Express and Next.js: A Guide for Backend Development
June 3, 2023 - It provides a higher-level abstraction over Express, making it easier to build server-rendered React applications. Next.js brings several advanced features to the table, such as automatic code splitting, built-in CSS support, static exporting, ...
DEV Community
dev.to › dharamgfx › nextjs-vs-express-the-battle-of-framework-giants-in-2024-which-one-should-you-choose-128h
⚔️ Next.js vs Express: The Battle of Framework Giants in 2024—Which One Should You Choose? - DEV Community
September 16, 2024 - Choosing between Next.js 🟦 and Express 🟧 in 2024 depends on your project needs. If you’re building a full-stack app with a React front-end and need features like SSR, Next.js is the way to go. However, if you need a powerful backend API with custom routing and microservice support, Express will give you the flexibility you need.
MirrorFly
mirrorfly.com › blog › tech talks › nextjs vs expressjs: which framework should you choose in 2025?
NextJS vs ExpressJS: Which One Should You Choose in 2024?
August 19, 2025 - While ExpressJs is a Node.js-based web application framework to build APIs and server-side applications, NextJs on the other hand is a react-based framework used for creating static websites and SEO optimizations.
Medium
medium.com › @oliviarizona › nextjs-vs-express-dcd3ed68ceeb
Nextjs vs Express. Next.js vs Express: A Comprehensive… | by Olivia Arizona | Medium
October 10, 2024 - Full Control: With Express, you’re not restricted to a specific way of structuring your app. You have full freedom to design your app’s architecture, use templating engines like Pug or EJS, and integrate frontend libraries. Next.js: Offers Server-Side Rendering (SSR), Static Site Generation (SSG), and Client-Side Rendering (CSR) out of the box.
CodeParrot
codeparrot.ai › blogs › next-js-vs-express-which-framework-should-you-use-in-2024
Next.js vs Express: Which Framework Should You Use in 2024?
Next.js, a full-stack React framework, is renowned for its seamless integration of server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG), while Express, a minimalist server framework, excels in building fast, scalable APIs and backend services.
DZone
dzone.com › coding › javascript › next.js vs. express.js: what are the differences?
Next.js vs. Express.js: What Are the Differences?
November 6, 2023 - Developers can design multi-page, single-page, or hybrid web apps with desired features. Unlike Next.js, the Express.js framework has a function that supports top-layer design, making routes and server management easy.
Lama
blog.lama.dev › nextjs-vs-express
Next.js vs Express: Which one is Better for a Backend Server?
It enables developers to handle ... and Express server. But while Express is well-suited for building RESTful APIs, Next.js is a fullstack framework that you can create an API and use it directly in pages and components dynamically....
Nomadic Soft
nomadicsoft.io › главная страница › comparing next.js vs express for backend development: which javascript framework to choose?
Comparing Next.js vs Express for Backend Development: Which Framework to Choose? | Nomadic Soft
November 9, 2024 - Next.js is a great tool for building fast, server-rendered or static web apps. It offers a good developer experience and benefits for SEO. Express.js is a fast, minimalist web application framework.
Express
expressjs.com › en › guide › using-middleware.html
Using Express middleware
If the current middleware function does not end the request-response cycle, it must call next() to pass control to the next middleware function. Otherwise, the request will be left hanging. An Express application can use the following types of middleware:
Next.js
nextjs.org
Next.js by Vercel - The React Framework
Next.js by Vercel is the full-stack React framework for the web.
Quora
quora.com › How-does-Next-js-compare-to-Express-js-In-which-cases-would-I-choose-one-over-the-other-or-even-combine-them
How does Next.js compare to Express.js? In which cases would I choose one over the other or even combine them? - Quora
Answer (1 of 4): You use Next.js to create the frontend website while using Express.js to create the backend endpoints and you would only really use Express when you need to use backend endpoints unless you are seriously intending on using the ...
freeCodeCamp
forum.freecodecamp.org › javascript
Next.js server instead of express.js
October 3, 2023 - I’m learning Next.js and I’m making an example signup and login page with next-auth and mongoDB, I’m struggling with that, I think doing it with express.js, so my question is to decide which technology is more suitable. …