Deploying a Next.js app requires choosing the right hosting provider for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency. The three most popular options are Vercel, Netlify, and AWS. Each platform has strengths and weaknesses, making it crucial to choose the one that aligns with your needs.
This guide compares these three platforms, covering:
✅ Ease of deployment
✅ Performance and scalability
✅ Pricing
✅ Best use cases
- Deploying Next.js on Vercel
Vercel is the official hosting provider for Next.js, making it the easiest option for deployment.
✅ Pros of Vercel
One-click deployment from GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket
Automatic scaling (Edge functions for instant performance)
Optimized for Next.js (SSR, ISR, API routes, and middleware support)
Free plan available (good for small projects)
Built-in CI/CD (auto-deploy on every Git push)
❌ Cons of Vercel
Limited server-side execution on the free plan
Cold starts for API routes (if not optimized)
More expensive for enterprise plans compared to AWS
How to Deploy on Vercel
Sign up at vercel.com
Install Vercel CLI:
npm install -g vercel
- Deploy your app:
vercel
Follow the CLI steps to complete deployment.
Deploying Next.js on Netlify
Netlify is another popular hosting option for Next.js with an emphasis on simplicity and automation.
✅ Pros of Netlify
Easy Git-based deployments (connect GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket)
Supports Next.js features like static exports & API routes
Edge functions for fast serverless computing
Free plan available with generous limits
Great for JAMstack apps
❌ Cons of Netlify
Limited Next.js support for SSR and ISR (compared to Vercel)
More suited for static & SSG apps than dynamic SSR apps
Cold starts on API calls
How to Deploy on Netlify
Sign up at netlify.com
Install Netlify CLI:
npm install -g netlify-cli
- Deploy your Next.js app:
netlify deploy
- Deploying Next.js on AWS (Amplify, EC2, S3 + CloudFront)
AWS provides multiple ways to deploy a Next.js app, offering maximum flexibility but requiring more configuration.
✅ Pros of AWS
Highly scalable for large applications
Flexible deployment options (AWS Amplify, EC2, S3 + CloudFront)
Best for enterprise apps needing custom infrastructure
Cheaper for high-traffic sites (compared to Vercel & Netlify)
Integrates with AWS services (Lambda, RDS, etc.)
❌ Cons of AWS
Complex setup (requires configuring AWS services)
Longer deployment time compared to Vercel/Netlify
Not as beginner-friendly
How to Deploy Next.js on AWS Amplify (Easiest AWS option)
Sign up at AWS Amplify
Install Amplify CLI:
npm install -g @aws-amplify/cli
- Deploy your app:
amplify init
amplify add hosting
amplify publish
Other AWS Deployment Options:
AWS EC2 (Manually deploy Next.js with PM2 or Docker)
S3 + CloudFront (For static Next.js apps)
AWS Lambda + API Gateway (For serverless Next.js apps)
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Vercel if:
✔ You want the easiest and fastest deployment
✔ You’re using Next.js-specific features like ISR, SSR, and middleware
✔ You need automatic scaling with minimal setup
Choose Netlify if:
✔ You’re building a JAMstack app with mostly static pages
✔ You want an easy Git-based workflow with serverless functions
✔ You don’t need advanced SSR features
Choose AWS if:
✔ You need enterprise-level customization and control
✔ You expect high traffic and want cost efficiency
✔ You want deep integration with AWS services
Final Thoughts
✅ For most Next.js developers, Vercel is the best choice due to its ease of use and full Next.js feature support.
✅ Netlify is great for static-heavy sites and simpler use cases.
✅ AWS is best for enterprise apps requiring custom infrastructure and scalability.
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