Next.js vs Express.js: Exploring the Differences Between the 2 Frameworks

With the rapid development of technology, choosing the right framework for web development projects is more important than ever. This article will compare the two leading frameworks, Next.js and Express.js, in detail, to help developers and businesses make the right choice.

Businesses rely heavily on JavaScript to develop web projects to increase efficiency and achieve goals. Technology has evolved and there are many frameworks available. However, choosing the right framework can be a challenge as each framework has its own specific functions.

Express.js and Next.js are two of the most advanced frameworks for web development. Therefore, we want to highlight the features, pros and cons of both frameworks to help businesses make a better choice.

What is Framework?

Frameworks are building blocks, also known as predefined code, that developers use to design software or applications. These pieces of code provide instructions for solving problems and changing basic properties to achieve desired results.

There are toolkits, supporting programs, code libraries, and compilers that support functions like data management, routing, etc. Next.js and Express.js are the best JavaScript frameworks that are easy to use, and even beginners can use them effectively to design useful software that supports business operations. Now, let's take a look at the comparison guide between Next.js and Express.js.

What is Next.js? 

Most of the businesses use open source and this is why Next.js has become extremely popular as it also provides the freedom to add functionalities like server-side rendering and static web generation to help develop viable applications for both mobile and web.

What is Next.js?

The codes are written through React, making it easy to configure client-side and server-side applications without complex configuration.

Key Features of Next.js

1. Next.js is the best choice for building modern and functional web or mobile applications. Here are the features that make it an ideal choice for developers.
2. Next.js enables inter-system coupling, which means systems can connect to each other easily and exchange important information because ES6-enabled systems maintain that.
3. This framework loads the important code for websites, making page loading fast: a goal every business is aiming for.
4. Next.js is based on Hot Module Replacement, which allows making desired changes in the running application; thus, the developer does not need to reload the application, saving a lot of time and effort.
5. Server-side rendering is a feature that allows faster loading of content on the server.
6. This framework converts server-hosted HTML files into client-side HTML pages on the fly.

Pros and Cons of Next.js

Even though Next JavaScript is popular among many developers, there are some disadvantages associated with it. Here are some of the benefits as well as the limitations:

Advantage

1. This framework makes building applications easier as it uses typescript.
2. An application developed using Next.js ensures data security.
3. This framework enables businesses to deliver the best user experience with engaging and useful applications.
4. Static site generation allows for compiling and rendering of web pages at build time.
5. Allows customers to browse through pages smoothly, enhancing the experience.

Disadvantages

1. Developers can only use a limited number of plugins with this framework.
2. Businesses need to have an internal team to develop and manage applications.
3. Need to download state management applications like MobX or Redux due to lack of built-in state manager.
4. Static web development also means longer development times.
5. Developers using Next.js have to design the front-end pages of their applications themselves since these pages are not included in the framework.

When to Use Next.js?

The Next.js framework is the best choice when you need to develop an application that supports server-side rendering. Developers can design applications with a mix of static and dynamic pages. Here are some products where Next.js proves useful:

1. Single pages.
2. JAMstack websites.
3. SaaS applications.
4. The panels.
5. Interactive user interface.
6. Web portal.
7. E-commerce websites.

What is Express.js?

Express.js is also an open source framework that is widely used by developers to design APIs and web applications. It runs on Node.js and allows for building modern, full-featured applications on both the client and server sides. The highlight of this framework is that developers can use it in conjunction with other frameworks, providing a top-notch development solution.

What is Express.js?

Key Features of Express.js

Here are the features of JavaScript Express that attract designers and developers at large scale:

1. This framework allows code execution before the client receives a response or before the route handler receives an HTTP request.
2. JavaScript can define routes for multiple URLs at once.
3. The framework has Google V8 support, making it scalable and reliable for real-time application features.
4. Express.js provides a scalable data management system through the MEAN stack.
5. An application developed using this framework has high level of data protection.

Pros and Cons of Express.js

Express.js, as a framework, is being adopted in various industries to develop applications to improve business efficiency. Here are some of the pros and cons associated with it:

Advantage

1. Middleware is available for decision making.
2. Compatible with databases like MongoDB, Redis, MySQL, etc.
3. Flexible and convenient for developers.
4. Easy integration through the use of templates like Jade, Vash, Jade and more.
5. Developers can use the same language for server and mobile application development.

Disadvantages

1. The complexity of the code.
2. Difficult to use for new developers.
3. Ineffective error reporting makes debugging difficult.
4. Constant updates are required to address security vulnerabilities.
5. Lack of synchronous callback function.

When to Use Express.js?

Express.js can be used to develop mobile and web applications according to business needs. Developers can design multi-page, single-page, or hybrid web applications with desired features. Unlike Next.js, the Express.js framework has a top-tier design support feature that makes route creation and server management easy.

What is the Difference Between Express.js and Next.js?

Although both frameworks are used to design web and mobile applications, there is a difference between Next.js and Express.js, which cater to different business needs. Here are the key differences that developers need to know so that they can choose the right one according to the application to be designed.

1. Difference in routing process: Express matches URLs via regular expressions and Next maps URLs as objects to handlers.
2. Interface differences: Express uses a callback-based API with additional functionality like middleware. On the other hand, Next uses server-rendered pages.
3. Using plugins: Next.js uses external tools, while Express.js allows developers to use Gateway plugins through event subscriptions.
4. Speed: Express.js is faster than Next.js because it uses minimal functions and tools, while Next uses static destinations.
5. Scalability: Express is flexible and can be easily extended to design larger applications with multiple pages. Next can be used to design multiple pages.

Express.js vs Next.js: Which Framework Should You Choose?

Now that we have presented a detailed comparison between Next.js and Express.js, it will be easier for developers and businesses to plan an application with specific goals in mind. Both frameworks are complete JavaScript packages with similar functionality and performance.

Next.js is a good choice for developers who need a framework with front-end libraries, and Express is for those who want to use JavaScript for back-end design only. When using Next.js, you don't need to install CSS and JavaScript, which results in faster page loading. Express uses URLs and HTTP methods to ensure fast responses.

Hence, no framework is good or bad, as the choice entirely depends on the project requirements and developer expertise. It is important to evaluate the project goals before choosing a framework so that there is no inconsistency in the results.

Things to Note

With this thorough comparison between Next.js and Express.js, we aim to share important information with new developers who have limited knowledge and exposure to the tech world and wish to provide the best results without any errors.

Choosing the wrong framework will only lead to inefficient application development. Switching to another framework after completing the project because of unsatisfactory results will cost time, money and effort, which will only have a negative impact on the business.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Framework is Better: Express.js or Next.js?

It is not possible to judge one framework as better than the other as each framework caters to specific project requirements. Express.js is a flexible and fast platform.

It is quickly used to build server-side applications or APIs. It has a large and experienced developer community that supports professionals whenever they encounter difficulties in their work. There are additional plugins that make the application development process easy and fast. On the contrary, Next.js is suitable for SEO optimization, automatic code splitting, or designing static websites.

2. Can Next.js Replace Express?

Next.js cannot replace Express as each framework has its own set of features that help in designing different types of projects. Express is based on Node.js and is widely used by developers for API and server-side design. Next.js is based on React and is suitable for SEO optimization and static websites.

3. Is Next.js Better Than Express.js?

Developers choose a framework based on the type of application they need to develop, and therefore, no particular platform can be considered better than the other. The functionality of both frameworks is different, which directly affects the outcome. For front-end development tasks, Next.js is the best choice, and for back-end development, Express.js is a practical choice.

4. Express.js Is a Front-End or Back-End Framework?

Express.js is primarily a back-end framework that uses Node.js to build server-side applications and APIs; however, it is not compatible with handling static websites and SEO optimization, an important aspect of the front-end framework that it relies on Next.js for.

5. What is the Difference Between Next.js and Express.js?

The main difference between Express.js and Next.js lies in the type of development projects that developers use them for, as they cater to two different categories. The highlight of Next.js is that it is based on React and is the preferred framework for designing server-side applications and static websites for web and mobile. Express.js, on the other hand, is more popular with developers designing web applications and APIs.

6. Can I Use Next.js for Back-End Development?

Next.js is not a suitable choice for back-end development, and hence, developers should consider Express.js for such business projects. The Next.js framework supports front-end project design like static websites and simple yet functional server-side applications.

7. Is Express.js the Ideal Choice for Creating APIs?

Express.js allows developers and designers to write server-side applications and APIs by handling requests and responses through communication between the server and the client. This system allows for seamless integration of external extensions and interfaces, making integration with other operations easy.

8. How Does Next.js Compare to Express.js?

Both Next and Express are JavaScript frameworks that developers use to design and develop mobile and web applications. In the programming field, using React from the Next framework makes the entire programming journey simpler — a factor that attracts many developers. Express.js, on the other hand, is based on NodeJS libraries and helps in designing APIs and back-end frameworks.

9. In Which Cases Would You Choose Next.js Over Express.js?

Developers whose projects require SEO optimization, dashboard design, web portal development, JAMstack websites, and other static website development tasks should prioritize Next.js over Express.js. Expanding your horizons with Next, a great tool for server-side demonstration based on React, requires no deep understanding — making it an attractive choice. Hence, even beginners can easily understand and adapt this framework to deliver the best results with minimal effort.

Samuel Daniel

Update 12 February 2025