Next.js vs WordPress for Business Websites

WordPress sites average 2-4 seconds load time out of the box. Next.js sites typically load under 1 second.

This gap matters because every 100ms delay costs 1% in conversions. A 3-second load time means 53% of mobile visitors leave before seeing your content.

Next.js achieves speed through static generation and server-side rendering. Your pages are pre-built, ready to serve instantly. WordPress generates pages dynamically, querying databases on every request.

The bottom line: If speed directly impacts your revenue—ecommerce, lead generation, media—Next.js delivers measurable advantages.

WordPress powers so many sites that it's a constant target. In 2024, 90% of hacked CMS sites ran WordPress. Most attacks exploit outdated plugins or weak passwords.

Next.js has a smaller attack surface. No database by default. No public admin panel. Fewer moving parts means fewer vulnerabilities.

The reality: WordPress security requires constant vigilance—updates, monitoring, hardening. Next.js security is largely handled at the infrastructure level by your hosting provider.

WordPress wins on ease of use. Anyone can log in, click around, and update content. The learning curve is gentle.

Next.js requires a headless CMS (like Sanity, Contentful, or Strapi) or direct code changes. Your marketing team might need training or developer support.

Consider this: How often do you actually update your site? If it's weekly blog posts, a headless CMS works fine. If you're making constant changes across dozens of pages, WordPress's interface offers real productivity gains.

WordPress sites cost less upfront. Templates, plugins, and familiar workflows mean faster initial builds. But costs compound over time: plugin updates, security patches, hosting scaling.

Next.js sites cost more initially. Custom development, no plugin shortcuts. But ongoing costs stay flat: minimal maintenance, efficient hosting, no surprise security emergencies.

Five-year view: A WordPress site might cost $15K to build and $50K to maintain. A Next.js site might cost $25K to build and $20K to maintain. The break-even point often comes around year two.

Choose WordPress when: - You need a site live in 2-4 weeks - Your team will manage content daily - Budget is under $20K - You're comfortable with ongoing maintenance

Choose Next.js when: - Speed directly impacts revenue - Security is a business-critical concern - You're building for 3+ year lifecycle - You want predictable long-term costs

Neither platform is universally "better." The right choice depends on your specific situation.