Next.js vs WordPress
Next.js vs WordPress: Which Should Power Your UK Business Website?
Next.js is the modern React framework behind the fastest sites on the web. WordPress powers 43% of all websites. Here's the real comparison for a UK business in 2026.
Next.js
React framework for performance, scale, and custom experiences.
Best for:
Ambitious brands, web apps, and anyone who wants best-in-class speed and control.
Pricing:
From £3k build, £15+/month hosting
Pros
- + Fastest possible performance
- + Modern developer ecosystem
- + Perfect for custom apps
- + Own the code and hosting
Cons
- − Needs a developer for updates
- − Higher upfront build cost
- − Smaller plugin ecosystem
- − Not for DIY editing
WordPress
Open-source CMS that powers the web.
Best for:
Content sites, blogs, ecommerce, and businesses that want easy editing.
Pricing:
Free + ~£10-60/month hosting
Pros
- + Easy to find developers
- + Massive plugin ecosystem
- + Best-in-class SEO plugins
- + Non-technical users can edit
Cons
- − Plugin bloat and security risk
- − Slower without optimisation
- − Regular updates needed
- − Can become expensive to maintain
The verdict
Next.js for performance and custom web apps. WordPress for content, blogging, and non-technical teams.
RIOT's take
We build on both. Most UK SMBs are better served by WordPress or a custom TanStack site. Next.js becomes the right call when speed, scale, or custom functionality are the main requirements.
FAQs
Is Next.js faster than WordPress?
Yes — out of the box, a well-built Next.js site is faster than almost any WordPress setup. But WordPress can be optimised to close the gap.
Can non-technical users edit a Next.js site?
Only if it's paired with a headless CMS like Sanity, Contentful, or WordPress as a backend. By default, Next.js needs a developer.
Which is cheaper long-term?
WordPress is cheaper to maintain if you keep it simple. Next.js is cheaper to scale if you need serious performance or custom features.
Need help choosing?
We've built on every platform here. 15-minute call, no sales pitch.
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