Why we chose Next.js as our default web framework

In short: We use Next.js as our default because one framework covers what most business applications need: server-side rendering for fast, discoverable pages, interactive React interfaces, API endpoints and a consistent TypeScript base. It can be self-hosted on servers in Germany and has a large ecosystem. For pure content sites or internal tools without SEO requirements, we deliberately pick leaner alternatives.

What we expect from a default framework

For us, a default framework is mainly a shortcut. If we do not debate the foundation on every project, more time goes into what makes the project distinctive. That only works if the framework meets four conditions: it fits most of our projects, it is maintained for the long term, it can run without depending on a single vendor, and other developers can pick it up easily. That last point matters to clients who want to take a project in-house later.

What Next.js offers for web development

Rendering per page

Next.js lets you pick the right strategy for each page: generated statically at build time, regenerated at intervals, or rendered on the server for every request. A marketing page ships as static HTML, a dashboard with user data renders dynamically, and both live in the same application. Our post on server-side vs. client-side rendering explains the models in more depth.

React Server Components

With the App Router, Next.js is built on React Server Components. Components that only display data run on the server and send no JavaScript to the browser. Interactive parts are explicitly marked as client components. The result is smaller bundles and faster pages while we keep working in React.

SEO out of the box

Server-rendered HTML, a Metadata API for titles, descriptions and Open Graph data, generated sitemaps and optimized images through the Image component: for websites that need to be found, these are basics we do not have to assemble ourselves.

Full-stack TypeScript

Route handlers and server actions put backend logic directly in the project, so many applications need no separate backend. Where one is needed, for complex background processing for instance, Next.js stays the frontend and talks to a dedicated API. Frontend and backend share types, which surfaces interface errors early.

React as the foundation

Next.js is built on React, and that is a big part of the decision. React has the largest library ecosystem and the largest pool of frontend developers. If a client later hires their own developers or switches to another provider, onboarding is quick. We explain in more detail why we still consider React the best choice in why React remains the best choice in 2026.

The weaknesses we know about

No framework comes without downsides. Next.js moves fast, and major versions sometimes require rework, as with the move from the Pages Router to the App Router or changes to caching behavior. The caching model itself was hard to reason about for a long time and still demands care.

Next.js is also developed by Vercel, and some features are easiest to use on their platform. Self-hosting works well, though: with standalone output, Next.js runs in a Docker container on any server, including hosts with data centers in Germany. For clients with strict data protection requirements, that matters.

When we choose something else

For pure content sites such as blogs, documentation or company websites with little interactivity, Astro is often leaner and faster. For internal tools behind a login where SEO is irrelevant, a simple single-page app with Vite and React is frequently enough. And if a team is already deeply invested in Vue or Svelte, Nuxt and SvelteKit are equivalent alternatives. Our comparison of React, Vue and Svelte covers the frontend options.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does Next.js lock me into Vercel?

No. Next.js is open source and runs as a Node.js server or Docker container on any infrastructure. A few convenience features are simpler on Vercel, but there are established ways to run it on your own servers in Germany.

Is Next.js a good fit for small websites?

It works, but it is not always the simplest option. For a small company site without interactivity, a leaner tool such as Astro can mean less effort. Next.js shows its strengths once dynamic content, logins or application logic come in.

How good is Next.js for SEO?

Very good, because pages ship as ready HTML and titles, descriptions, structured data and sitemaps are managed in the framework. Rankings still depend mostly on content, load time and a clean page structure.

Can our own team take over a Next.js project later?

Usually without trouble. Next.js and React are widespread, the project structure follows fixed conventions, and many developers know both. Clear documentation and TypeScript make the hand-over easier still.

Conclusion

A good default saves decisions without forbidding them. Next.js fits most of the web applications we build, and where it does not, we say so plainly. Our post on Next.js 15 for web agencies summarizes what changed in that release. If you want to know which foundation suits your project, talk to us about web development.