Next.js vs Solid.js: Which JavaScript Framework is Better?

JavaScript frameworks continue to evolve, offering developers more choices than ever. Next.js and Solid.js are two modern frameworks, each excelling in different areas.

  • Next.js is a React-based framework known for server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), and API routing.
  • Solid.js is a high-performance UI library that offers fine-grained reactivity and highly optimized rendering.

So, which one is best for your project? Let’s compare their features, performance, and use cases.

What is Next.js?

Next.js, developed by Vercel, is a full-featured React framework that simplifies web development. It is widely used for SEO-optimized, server-rendered applications.

Key Features of Next.js:

Hybrid Rendering – Supports SSR, SSG, ISR, and CSR.
Automatic Code Splitting – Loads only the required JavaScript.
API Routes – Allows backend logic within the same project.
Built-in Image Optimization – Improves page load speed.
Middleware & Edge Functions – Enhances security and performance.

When to Use Next.js?

✔️ You need a high-performance, SEO-friendly website.
✔️ Your project requires dynamic rendering and API support.
✔️ You prefer working with React and need a production-ready solution.

What is Solid.js?

Solid.js is a modern reactive UI library that delivers incredible performance by compiling components to highly optimized JavaScript. It offers fine-grained reactivity, making it one of the fastest frameworks available.

Key Features of Solid.js:

Fine-Grained Reactivity – Optimizes updates at the atomic level.
No Virtual DOM – Directly updates the real DOM for faster performance.
Highly Performant – Faster than React, Vue, and even Svelte in benchmarks.
Component-Based Architecture – Encourages modular development.
Lightweight – Just 6KB gzipped.

When to Use Solid.js?

✔️ You need a super-fast, highly reactive UI framework.
✔️ Your project requires minimal JavaScript overhead and maximum efficiency.
✔️ You want a simpler alternative to React that eliminates unnecessary re-renders.

Key Differences Between Next.js and Solid.js

Feature

Next.js 🚀 (Full Framework)

Solid.js ⚡ (UI Library)

Size

~160KB

~6KB

Rendering

SSR, SSG, ISR, CSR

CSR (Client-Side Rendering) only

Best for

Full-stack applications

Ultra-fast UI rendering

Performance

Optimized for dynamic apps

Faster than React, Vue, and even Svelte

Routing

Built-in (file-based)

Requires an external router

Reactivity Model

Uses React’s Virtual DOM

Fine-grained reactivity (No Virtual DOM)

Ease of Use

Requires React knowledge

Easier state management

Performance Comparison

🏆 Solid.js is one of the fastest UI frameworks due to its fine-grained reactivity and direct DOM updates.

Next.js is highly optimized for full-stack applications, with automatic code splitting and hybrid rendering options.

Solid.js is ideal for single-page applications (SPAs) where performance is the top priority.

Next.js is better for full-stack projects that require backend API handling and SEO benefits.

 

“अधर्मो हि नरस्यापि नाशायोपपद्यते।”
(Translation: “Unrighteousness leads to destruction.”)

Choosing the wrong framework for your project can slow down development and reduce efficiency!

Which One Should You Choose?

🤔 Choose Next.js if:
✔️ You need SEO optimization with SSR, SSG, or ISR.
✔️ Your project involves APIs, authentication, and backend logic.
✔️ You are building a dynamic web application that requires server-side capabilities.

🔥 Choose Solid.js if:
✔️ You need the fastest UI framework with minimal JavaScript overhead.
✔️ Your project is a highly interactive SPA that requires smooth reactivity.
✔️ You want a simple, reactive alternative to React without Virtual DOM limitations.

Final Verdict

Next.js is best for full-scale applications that require SEO, server-side capabilities, and hybrid rendering.
Solid.js is ideal for building ultra-fast, interactive UIs with minimal performance overhead.