Software · head to head
Heroku vs Next.js
The short version
- Only Next.js has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Heroku there is no free dyno tier; the cheapest Eco dyno is $5 per month; Next.js opinionated architecture reduces flexibility compared to using React alone with separate libraries
- They diverge on capability: Heroku covers Git-based deployment, Next.js covers Server-side rendering.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Heroku and Next.js actually diverge.
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 Heroku
- Git-based deployment
- Buildpacks
- Dynos (containers)
- Add-ons marketplace
- Postgres database
- Environment variables
- Logging
- API
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.
Heroku
- Deploying and scaling web applications with git push and no server administrationnot Next.js
- Running managed Postgres, Redis and Kafka as attached data servicesnot Next.js
- Isolated production environments in a Private Space for regulated workloadsnot Next.js
Next.js
- E-commerce websitesnot Heroku
- Static websitesnot Heroku
- Server-side rendered appsnot Heroku
- Jamstack applicationsnot Heroku
- Progressive web appsnot Heroku
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Heroku
- There is no free dyno tier; the cheapest Eco dyno is $5 per month
- Eco dynos sleep after 30 minutes of inactivity, are restricted to personal accounts and allow only 2 process types
- Free SSL and 10 process types start at the Basic dyno at $7 per month
- Private and Shield dyno types require a Private Space, which is billed on top of the dynos
- Private Space dynos start at $250 per month for Private-M and $500 per month for Private-L
- Dyno prices are per dyno per month, so an app with several process types multiplies the bill
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
Heroku
$7/month- Hobby$7/month
- 512MB RAM
- Shared CPU
- 1 web dyno
- Standard$50/month
- 512MB RAM
- Dedicated CPU
- Automatic scaling
Next.js
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Next.js review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Heroku if
- You need git-based deployment.
- You work on Web, Api, Workers.
- You also want buildpacks.
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.
Questions people ask
- Is Heroku or Next.js better?
- Neither clearly leads. Heroku starts at $7/month and Next.js at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Heroku or Next.js?
- Next.js has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $7/month for Heroku and Free for Next.js.
- Does Heroku or Next.js run on more platforms?
- Heroku runs on Web, Api, Workers. Next.js runs on Node.js, Edge Runtime, Vercel, Web browsers.
- Can I use Next.js for free?
- Yes. Next.js has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Heroku starts at $7/month.
- What is Heroku best used for?
- Heroku is most often used for deploying and scaling web applications with git push and no server administration, running managed postgres, redis and kafka as attached data services, isolated production environments in a private space for regulated workloads. Of those, deploying and scaling web applications with git push and no server administration and running managed postgres, redis and kafka as attached data services are not what Next.js is typically brought in for.
- What can Heroku do that Next.js cannot?
- Heroku covers Git-based deployment, Buildpacks, Dynos (containers), Add-ons marketplace. Next.js covers Server-side rendering, Static site generation, API routes, Automatic code splitting.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
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.
SourceNext.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.
SourceNext.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.
SourceNext.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.
SourceNext.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.
SourceRelated pages
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