Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups
Register | Login

Netlify CMS VS Next.js

Compare Netlify CMS VS Next.js and see what are their differences

IsDown.app
Monitor all your cloud services with our status page aggregator. IT teams choose IsDown to monitor all their vendors and get alerts whenever an outage occurs. Integration with Datadog, PagerDuty, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and a lot more. featured
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.
Contents:
  1. » Base Details
  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

Netlify CMS logo Netlify CMS

An open-source CMS for your Git workflow

Next.js logo Next.js

A small framework for server-rendered universal JavaScript apps
  • Netlify CMS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-01
  • Next.js Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-19

Netlify CMS features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Netlify CMS is designed to be user-friendly, providing a simple interface for content editors. It allows non-technical users to manage content without needing to understand complex coding or technical details.
  • Git Integration
    Being Git-based, Netlify CMS integrates seamlessly with Git repositories, allowing you to manage content in a version-controlled manner. This makes tracking changes and collaboration among multiple content editors straightforward.
  • Static Site Support
    Netlify CMS is particularly well-suited for static site generators like Jekyll, Hugo, and Gatsby. It complements the JAMstack architecture, enabling consistent workflows from development to deployment.
  • Customizable
    Highly customizable, allowing developers to tailor the admin interface and workflows to match the specific needs of a project. You can define custom widgets, workflows, and even authentication methods.
  • Open Source
    As an open-source project, Netlify CMS benefits from community contributions and transparency. Users can inspect the source code, contribute new features, or fork the repository to create bespoke solutions.
  • Built-in Previews
    Offers real-time preview capabilities, enabling content editors to see exactly how their content will appear on the live site as they are editing it. This reduces the likelihood of formatting errors and enhances content quality.
  • Deploy Hooks
    Integrates well with Netlify's deployment hooks, allowing for smooth continuous deployment processes. Changes in the CMS can trigger automatic rebuilds and deployments of the site.

Possible disadvantages of Netlify CMS

  • Complexity for Advanced Customization
    Though customizable, more advanced setups might require a more significant understanding of JavaScript, React, and Git, which can be a barrier for some developers.
  • Limited Plugins and Extensions
    Compared to other content management systems like WordPress, the ecosystem for plugins and extensions is relatively limited. This can restrict functionality and necessitate more custom development.
  • Dependency on Git
    As a Git-based CMS, it requires content editors to have at least a basic understanding of Git workflows. This could be a hurdle for smaller teams or non-technical editors.
  • Performance for Large Sites
    Managing a large number of markdown files directly in a Git repository can become cumbersome and affect performance, particularly for very large sites with many contributors.
  • Learning Curve
    While user-friendly once set up, the initial setup and configuration can be complex, particularly for those unfamiliar with the JAMstack approach or static site generators.
  • Lack of Built-in Analytics
    Unlike some other CMS platforms, Netlify CMS does not come with built-in analytics or performance tracking. Users will need to integrate third-party solutions to gather such data.
  • Content Workflow
    For more complex content workflows, including roles and permissions, additional customization or third-party tools are often required. This can complicate the setup and ongoing maintenance.

Next.js features and specs

  • Server-Side Rendering (SSR)
    Next.js supports SSR, allowing pages to be rendered on the server-side before being sent to the client. This results in improved SEO and faster initial page loads.
  • Static Site Generation (SSG)
    Enables pre-rendering pages at build time, which can further improve performance and scalability while allowing for dynamic generation when needed.
  • API Routes
    Next.js allows you to build API endpoints directly in the application, simplifying the process of creating back-end services and endpoints.
  • File-Based Routing
    Offers a simple file-based routing mechanism where the file structure maps directly to the app’s routes, making it easier to manage and understand.
  • Automatic Code Splitting
    Automatically splits code at the page level, reducing the initial load time and improving performance by only loading necessary JavaScript.
  • TypeScript Support
    Built-in support for TypeScript, allowing developers to use static type checking and other TypeScript features easily.
  • Developer Experience
    Provides a great developer experience with features like fast refresh, hot reloading, and detailed error reporting.
  • Rich Ecosystem
    Benefiting from the rich ecosystem of the React community and integrating well with other libraries and tools.
  • Internationalization
    Built-in support for internationalization helps developers build multilingual applications with ease.
  • Community and Support
    Strong community and extensive documentation provide ample support and resources for new and experienced developers alike.

Possible disadvantages of Next.js

  • Learning Curve
    The robust feature set of Next.js can present a steep learning curve for developers who are new to React or server-side rendering concepts.
  • Configuration Overhead
    Although Next.js aims for simplicity, complex projects may still require significant configuration and customization.
  • Performance Overhead
    SSR can introduce additional server load and latency compared to static site generators, especially under high traffic conditions.
  • Deployment Complexity
    Deploying Next.js applications that leverage SSR or API routes may be more complex and could require more sophisticated server infrastructure.
  • Vendor Lock-In
    If heavily relying on Next.js-specific features, moving away from the framework to another solution could require significant refactoring.
  • Bundle Size
    Without careful optimization, client-side bundle sizes can become large, negatively affecting the application’s performance.
  • Build Times
    For large applications, build times can be significant, impacting the development cycle and deployment times.
  • Dependencies
    Next.js introduces its own set of dependencies and tooling, which might complicate version management and compatibility with other tools.

Analysis of Netlify CMS

Overall verdict

  • Netlify CMS is an excellent choice for developers and content managers looking for a lightweight, customizable, and Git-based content management solution. It balances simplicity for non-technical users with the technical capabilities that developers appreciate.

Why this product is good

  • Netlify CMS is appreciated for its simplicity and flexibility, especially for static site generators like Jekyll and Hugo. It offers a user-friendly web interface for managing content without needing to engage directly with the codebase. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with Git-based workflows, allowing for a more streamlined content management process. Users can easily create, edit, and manage web content and use features such as custom widgets, media library, and role-based access control, enhancing its functionality for various use cases.

Recommended for

    Netlify CMS is well-suited for small to medium-sized static websites, portfolios, personal blogs, and documentation sites. It is particularly beneficial for teams that want to maintain a site using a Git-based workflow without requiring a separate, more complex CMS. It's an ideal solution for Jamstack architectures where optimal performance, security, and scalability are essential.

Analysis of Next.js

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Next.js is considered a good framework. It is admired for its flexibility, developer experience, and ability to deliver high-performance applications. Its continuous updates and community support further enhance its standing as a reliable choice for building web applications.

Why this product is good

  • Next.js is a popular React framework known for its server-side rendering, static site generation, and API route features. It is built by Vercel and provides an optimized development experience with a focus on performance and SEO advantages. Its easy integration with various backends, built-in support for TypeScript, and capability to handle dynamic and static content efficiently make it a strong choice for modern web development.

Recommended for

  • Developers building SEO-friendly web applications
  • Teams focusing on performance optimization
  • Projects requiring server-side rendering or static site generation
  • Applications needing routing and API integration out of the box
  • Developers looking for a robust framework with TypeScript support

Netlify CMS videos

+ Add

Netlify CMS

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Netlify CMS Tutorial - Build a GatsbyJS Blog in 7 Minutes!
  • Review - Netlify CMS - Content Management System (using Gridsome)

Next.js videos

+ Add

Next.js: The React Framework - JS Monthly - July 2019

More videos:

  • Review - Gatsby vs Next.js: Which does SSG Better?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Netlify CMS and Next.js)

Netlify CMS

Next.js

CMS
100 100%
CMS
0% 0
Developer Tools
2 2%
Developer Tools
98% 98
Blogging
100 100%
Blogging
0% 0
Web Frameworks
0 0%
Web Frameworks
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using Netlify CMS and Next.js. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Netlify CMS and Next.js

Netlify CMS Reviews

Best Headless CMS in 2022
Another open-source headless system, Netlify CMS, can be successfully used with any static generator for a more pleasant and faster web project. The tool is created as a single-page React app. Using Netlify, the content is stored in your Git repository alongside your code for easier versioning, multi-channel publishing, and the option to handle content updates directly in...
Source: flatlogic.com
Best Headless CMS for 2020
I did some research on headless CMS the last few weeks since I am creating some websites for small business. Therefore pricey solution are not an option and open source would be prefered. I did check out Netlify CMS and Strapi.
Source: dev.to
34 Headless CMS That Should Be On Your Radar
Netlify CMS — built by a community of open source contributors — is an extensible CMS built atop React. The platform features an editor-friendly interface and intuitive workflows for content authors.
Source: www.cmswire.com

Next.js Reviews

Top 10 Next.js Alternatives You Can Try
Next.js is a well-known platform most of you utilize to build a responsive website. However, if you are annoyed by its limited features, consider Next.js alternatives because flexibility and faster loading speed are always the top concerns of every developer. For this reason, you might need to read this article to explore the top 10 Nextjs Alternatives for the exciting world...
Source: www.zegocloud.com
20 Next.js Alternatives Worth Considering
When it comes to building modern web applications, finding the right framework can be a game-changer. Next.js is often a top choice, but there are several Next.js alternatives worth considering.
Source: tms-outsource.com
10 Best Next.js Alternatives to Consider Today
For those who have been accustomed to the benefits of React Next.js, keeping an eye on the latest version is crucial. Next.js's continuous improvement and updates in Next.js enhance its capabilities, ensuring developers can access cutting-edge features and optimizations. Whether starting a new project or maintaining an existing Next.js website, staying informed about the...
Source: www.saffrontech.net
9 Best JavaScript Frameworks to Use in 2023
Next.js uses JavaScript and React components to create the UI. Next.js is influenced by React Router, Webpack, Node ecosystem, and community libraries. The feature that sets Next.js apart from other frameworks is its ability to automatically generate pages based on the file system structure of the project. For example, if there is a _posts folder in the root directory,...
Source: ninetailed.io
JavaScript: What Are The Most Used Frameworks For This Language?
Some of its top features include server-side rendering, automatic code splitting, client-side routing, built-in CSS support, static site generation and API routes. Overall, Next.JS is a powerful and flexible framework that provides developers with a simple and intuitive way to build complex React applications with ease. It is widely used in the React community and has a...
Source: www.bocasay.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Next.js seems to be a lot more popular than Netlify CMS. While we know about 1074 links to Next.js, we've tracked only 3 mentions of Netlify CMS. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Netlify CMS mentions (3)

  • Creating a website that the client can edit.
    Looks like there was a pull request merged about 8 months ago https://github.com/netlify/netlify-cms, otherwise it's been like two years. I found a post about it on netlify at one point too, where netlify basically just washed their hands of it. Shame. I REALLY loved it's simplicity and git based approach but I can't have clients using a CMS that works that way with no hope of fixes. I'm still trying to find... Source: over 2 years ago
  • The Best 10+ Open Source Headless CMS 2022
    You may give editors a friendly UI and simple workflows with the help of the open source content management system Netlify CMS for your Git workflow. It may be used with any static site generator to produce web projects that are quicker and more adaptable. Besides, it also helps in multi-channel publishing and handling content updates inside Git. It is designed as a one-page React application; thus, you can create... - Source: dev.to / almost 3 years ago
  • Ask HN: Best (Low-/No-Code) Solution for Simple Web-Based Database Front Ends
    Here are a few that are in the ball park, but mostly lacking the form bit (you have to make your own though most of these offer a way to have a append-only user for the form to act as): - Strapi (https://github.com/strapi/strapi) - Directus (https://github.com/directus/directus) - React Admin (https://github.com/marmelab/react-admin) - Netlify CMS - a bit off the mark but maybe worth considering... - Source: Hacker News / about 4 years ago

Next.js mentions (1074)

  • I replaced Next.js for my application with this module 🔥
    But I want to say that this topic is clearly not new in 2025, I will not reveal anything supernatural here. HTMX and Alpine.js have already fully proven to everyone that this is not nonsense. I am just retelling everything, but with one interesting remark - this is the HMPL template language which is better than the previous two in some tasks. Next, I will describe why and how it will help you replace Next.js. - Source: dev.to / 14 days ago
  • How to add markdown to a Next.js project
    This article assumes the reader is a developer that knows their way around Markdown, TypeScript, React.js, and [Next.js] https://nextjs.org/). Familiarity with Tailwind-css would also be useful. - Source: dev.to / 16 days ago
  • The Rise of Hybrid Frameworks
    The popularisation of SSR among frontend developers can be largely attributed to the widespread adoption of frameworks with server-side rendering. These frameworks provide an elegant integration of SSR with modern JavaScript libraries and frameworks like React and Vue.js. Next.js, for instance, has become a de facto choice for many React developers seeking to leverage SSR's benefits without sacrificing the... - Source: dev.to / 17 days ago
  • Angular: Beyond the fog #1
    My only true recommendation would be to prefer React for mobile or SSR applications, as community projects (Expo for mobile and Next.js for SSR) are more mature and easier to set up. - Source: dev.to / 26 days ago
  • Generate Git action CI/CD pipeline using Amazon Q CLI
    This is a Next.js project bootstrapped with create-next-app. - Source: dev.to / 28 days ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Netlify CMS and Next.js, you can also consider the following products

WordPress - WordPress is web software you can use to create a beautiful website or blog. We like to say that WordPress is both free and priceless at the same time.

Vercel - Vercel is the platform for frontend developers, providing the speed and reliability innovators need to create at the moment of inspiration.

Drupal - Drupal - the leading open-source CMS for ambitious digital experiences that reach your audience across multiple channels. Because we all have different needs, Drupal allows you to create a unique space in a world of cookie-cutter solutions.

React - A JavaScript library for building user interfaces

Sanity.io - Sanity.io a platform for structured content that comes with an open-source editor that you can customize with React.js.

Nuxt.js - Nuxt.js presets all the configuration needed to make your development of a Vue.js application enjoyable. It's a perfect static site generator.

Loading...