Softwr

Web Development · head to head

Next.js vs Procreate

Next.js logo

Next.js

Web Development

The React framework for the web

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Procreate logo

Procreate

Design

Digital illustration app made for iPad

From
$12.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Next.js has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Next.js opinionated architecture reduces flexibility compared to using React alone with separate libraries; Procreate iPad-only application with no desktop version for Windows or macOS
  • They diverge on capability: Next.js covers Server-side rendering, Procreate covers Digital painting.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Next.js and Procreate differ
AttributeNext.jsProcreate
Starting priceFree$12.99/one-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsNode.js, Edge Runtime, Vercel, Web browsersiPad
CategoryWeb DevelopmentDesign
Founded20162010

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), 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 Next.js

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

Only in Procreate

  • Digital painting
  • Brush library
  • Layer management
  • Selection tools
  • Time-lapse recording
  • Apple Pencil
  • iPad Pro
  • Cloud services

What people use each for

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

Next.js

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

Procreate

  • Digital illustrationnot Next.js
  • Concept artnot Next.js
  • Character designnot Next.js
  • Educational artnot Next.js
  • Hobby drawingnot Next.js

Where each one falls short

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

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

Procreate

  • iPad-only application with no desktop version for Windows or macOS
  • Requires Apple hardware investment (iPad and Apple Pencil)
  • Cannot export to cloud storage natively, limiting cross-device workflows
  • High upfront cost when accounting for required iPad hardware

Pricing, plan by plan

Next.js

Free

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

Procreate

$12.99/one-time
  • Procreate$12.99/one-time
    • 200+ brushes
    • Unlimited layers
    • Advanced blending modes
  • Procreate Pocket$5.99/one-time
    • iPhone version
    • Touch-optimized interface
  • Procreate Dreams$19.99/one-time
    • Animation tool
    • Frame-by-frame animation

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Procreate if

  • You need digital painting.
  • You work on iPad.
  • You also want brush library.
Procreate review

Questions people ask

Is Next.js or Procreate better?
Neither clearly leads. Next.js starts at Free and Procreate at $12.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Next.js or Procreate?
Next.js has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Next.js and $12.99/one-time for Procreate.
Does Next.js or Procreate run on more platforms?
Next.js runs on Node.js, Edge Runtime, Vercel, Web browsers. Procreate runs on iPad.
Can I use Next.js for free?
Yes. Next.js has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Procreate starts at $12.99/one-time.
What is Next.js best used for?
Next.js is most often used for e-commerce websites, static websites, server-side rendered apps, jamstack applications. Of those, e-commerce websites and static websites are not what Procreate is typically brought in for.
What can Next.js do that Procreate cannot?
Next.js covers Server-side rendering, Static site generation, API routes, Automatic code splitting. Procreate covers Digital painting, Brush library, Layer management, Selection tools.

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.

Source
Procreate: Does Procreate work on desktop or only iPad?

Procreate is iPad-only. There is no desktop version for Windows or macOS, requiring users to purchase iPad hardware and Apple Pencil for use.

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
Procreate: What companion apps are available for Procreate?

Procreate Pocket is an iPhone version at $5.99, and Procreate Dreams is an animation tool at $19.99, both one-time purchases.

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
Share

Related pages

More on Next.js

More on Procreate

Keep looking

Other head to heads