Quick Comparison
| Next.js | Nuxt 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Framework | React | Vue |
| Rendering | SSR, SSG, ISR, RSC | SSR, SSG, ISR, hybrid |
| Data fetching | Server Components, fetch | useFetch, useAsyncData |
| File routing | app/ directory | pages/ directory |
| API routes | Route handlers | server/api/ (Nitro) |
| Deployment | Vercel, any Node host | Any Node host, edge |
When to Use Next.js
- Your team knows React
- You want the largest ecosystem
- You need React Server Components
- Deploying to Vercel
When to Use Nuxt
- Your team knows or prefers Vue
- You want auto-imports and less boilerplate
- You want Nitro’s universal deployment
- You prefer Vue’s template syntax
Verdict
This is really a React vs Vue decision. Both meta-frameworks are excellent. Next.js has a larger ecosystem; Nuxt has better DX with auto-imports and a simpler mental model.