Evaluating the Efficacy of Next.js: A Comparative Analysis with React.js on Performance, SEO, and Global Network Equity
Swostik Pati, Yasir Zaki
TL;DR
This paper addresses the performance, SEO, and equity challenges posed by client-side rendering frameworks like React.js by comparing against Next.js, a hybrid framework. It uses a two-pronged methodology: quantitative benchmarking on paired React/Next.js implementations under multiple network and CPU conditions (measuring $FCP$, $TTI$, $PLT$, and Lighthouse SEO), and qualitative user studies with a diverse participant pool to assess real-world usability. A notable contribution is the introduction of an LLM-assisted migration workflow (Claude-engineer) to facilitate transitions from React.js to Next.js, followed by manual refinements to leverage Next.js optimizations. Findings indicate Next.js achieves faster performance, equal or better user interaction experiences, and superior SEO, particularly under constrained networks, underscoring its potential to narrow the digital divide and inform enterprise-scale migrations toward more inclusive web experiences.
Abstract
This paper investigates the efficacy of Next.js as a framework addressing the challenges posed by React.js, particularly in performance, SEO, and equitable web accessibility. By constructing identical websites and web applications in both frameworks, we aim to evaluate the frameworks' behavior under diverse network conditions and capabilities. Beyond quantitative metrics like First Contentful Paint (FCP) and Time to Interactive (TTI), we incorporate qualitative user feedback to assess real-world usability. Our motivation stems from bridging the digital divide exacerbated by client-side rendering (CSR) frameworks and validating investments in modern technologies for businesses and institutions. Employing a novel LLM-assisted migration workflow, this paper also demonstrates the ease with which developers can transition from React.js to Next.js. Our results highlight Next.js's promise of better overall performance, without any degradation in user interaction experience, showcasing its potential to mitigate disparities in web accessibility and foster global network equity, thus highlighting Next.js as a compelling framework for the future of an inclusive web.