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Blacksmith vs Next.js

Blacksmith logo

Blacksmith

Developer Tools

2x faster GitHub Actions with 60% cost savings

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite
Next.js logo

Next.js

Web Development

The React framework for the web

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Blacksmith per-minute pricing model requires estimating usage to predict costs; Next.js opinionated architecture reduces flexibility compared to using React alone with separate libraries
  • They diverge on capability: Blacksmith covers Bare metal runners, Next.js covers Server-side rendering.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Blacksmith and Next.js actually diverge.

Attributes where Blacksmith and Next.js differ
AttributeBlacksmithNext.js
PlatformsGitHub Actions, Linux, Windows, macOSNode.js, Edge Runtime, Vercel, Web browsers
CategoryDeveloper ToolsWeb Development
FoundedUnknown2016

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (Unknown), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Blacksmith

  • Bare metal runners
  • Multiple OS support
  • ARM support
  • Docker layer caching
  • Sticky disks
  • GitHub Actions observability
  • Free tier
  • Static IPs

Only in Next.js

  • Server-side rendering
  • Static site generation
  • API routes
  • Automatic code splitting
  • Built-in CSS support
  • Image optimization
  • File-based routing
  • TypeScript support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Blacksmith

  • Replacing GitHub Actions runners with faster, cheaper infrastructurenot Next.js
  • Accelerating CI build times for organizations with heavy CI loadnot Next.js
  • Reducing cloud spend on GitHub Actions by 60% or morenot Next.js
  • Supporting ARM architecture builds without GitHub runnersnot Next.js

Next.js

  • E-commerce websitesnot Blacksmith
  • Static websitesnot Blacksmith
  • Server-side rendered appsnot Blacksmith
  • Jamstack applicationsnot Blacksmith
  • Progressive web appsnot Blacksmith

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Blacksmith

  • Per-minute pricing model requires estimating usage to predict costs
  • macOS M4 pricing ($0.08/min) is significantly higher than GitHub Actions
  • Docker layer caching and sticky disks are paid add-ons at $0.50/GB/mo
  • Static IP add-on costs $100/IP/mo

Next.js

  • Opinionated architecture reduces flexibility compared to using React alone with separate libraries
  • Required build and deployment infrastructure adds complexity for beginners
  • Server Components paradigm represents significant mental model shift from traditional client-side React
  • Async request handling in version 15 requires relearning APIs (params, cookies, headers now require await)
  • Lock-in to Vercel ecosystem for optimal performance, though other platforms are supported

Pricing, plan by plan

Blacksmith

Free
  • Ubuntu x64$0.004/minute
    • 3,000 free minutes per month
    • 2x faster hardware
    • 4x faster cache downloads
  • Ubuntu ARM$0.0025/minute
    • 3,000 free minutes per month
    • 2x faster hardware
    • 4x faster cache downloads
  • Windows x64$0.008/minute
    • 3,000 free minutes per month
    • 2x faster hardware
    • 4x faster cache downloads
  • macOS M4$0.08/minute
    • 3,000 free minutes per month
    • 2x faster hardware
    • 4x faster cache downloads

Next.js

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Next.js review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Blacksmith if

  • You need bare metal runners.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on GitHub Actions, Linux, Windows, macOS.
  • You also want multiple os support.
Blacksmith review

Choose Next.js if

  • You need server-side rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Node.js, Edge Runtime, Vercel, Web browsers.
  • You also want static site generation.
Next.js review

Questions people ask

Is Blacksmith or Next.js better?
Neither clearly leads. Blacksmith starts at Free and Next.js at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Blacksmith or Next.js?
Blacksmith starts at Free and Next.js at Free.
Does Blacksmith or Next.js run on more platforms?
Blacksmith runs on GitHub Actions, Linux, Windows, macOS. Next.js runs on Node.js, Edge Runtime, Vercel, Web browsers.
Can I use Blacksmith for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Blacksmith best used for?
Blacksmith is most often used for replacing github actions runners with faster, cheaper infrastructure, accelerating ci build times for organizations with heavy ci load, reducing cloud spend on github actions by 60% or more, supporting arm architecture builds without github runners. Of those, replacing github actions runners with faster, cheaper infrastructure and accelerating ci build times for organizations with heavy ci load are not what Next.js is typically brought in for.
What can Blacksmith do that Next.js cannot?
Blacksmith covers Bare metal runners, Multiple OS support, ARM support, Docker layer caching. Next.js covers Server-side rendering, Static site generation, API routes, Automatic code splitting.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Blacksmith: How much do Blacksmith runners cost compared to GitHub Actions?

Blacksmith offers 60-75% cost savings depending on OS. Ubuntu x64 costs $0.004/min vs GitHub at $0.012/min. All plans include 3,000 free minutes monthly.

Source
Next.js: Is Next.js free?

Yes. Next.js is free, open-source software built on React and maintained by Vercel. The framework itself has no licensing costs. Hosting and deployment fees depend on your chosen platform.

Source
Blacksmith: Can I use Docker layer caching with Blacksmith?

Yes, Docker layer caching is available as an add-on at $0.50/GB/mo. Managed Docker layer persistence is included with the base service.

Source
Next.js: What are the key features of Next.js?

Next.js includes Server-Side Rendering (SSR), Static Site Generation (SSG), Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR), file-based routing, API routes, automatic code splitting, image optimization, and built-in performance optimizations that typically result in 90+ Lighthouse scores.

Source
Blacksmith: What is the SLA for Enterprise plans?

Enterprise Blacksmith plans include a 99.9% SLA guarantee along with 24/7 priority support, dedicated Slack channels, white-glove onboarding, and CI optimization support.

Source
Next.js: Can I host Next.js applications for free?

Yes. Vercel offers a free Hobby tier for Next.js applications. Netlify and other platforms also provide free hosting tiers with generous bandwidth and build limits for testing and personal projects.

Source
Next.js: Does Next.js require a build step?

Yes. Next.js requires a build step (next build) before deployment to production. This compiles your application and prepares it for optimal performance, though local development runs directly without this step.

Source
Next.js: What is React Server Components in Next.js?

React Server Components are a feature in Next.js that allow components to run on the server, reducing JavaScript sent to clients and improving security by keeping sensitive data server-side. They became stable in Next.js 15.

Source
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