Next.js vs Create React App: Why We Chose Next.js

We rebuilt our dashboard from Create React App to Next.js. Here's why.

What Next.js Gives Us

Server-Side Rendering: Better SEO, faster initial load. Matters for logged-out pages.

File-Based Routing: No more React Router config. Files = routes. Simple.

API Routes: Build backend endpoints right in the Next.js app. Less context switching.

Image Optimization: Automatic lazy loading, WebP conversion, responsive images.

Better DX: Fast Refresh, built-in TypeScript support, zero config.

The Migration

Took about a week. Routing needed the most changes. Everything else was straightforward.

The Results

• Lighthouse score: 65 → 95
• Initial load time: 3.2s → 1.1s
• Developer happiness: Much higher

When to Use CRA

If you're building a pure SPA with no SEO needs, CRA is fine. For everything else, Next.js is worth it.