Which javascript framework should you use? A comparison of Remix, Next.js, Astro and SvelteKit
Choosing the right JavaScript framework depends on your project's needs. Here's a quick breakdown of four popular options:
- Next.js: Best for scalable apps, e-commerce, and enterprise projects. Offers flexibility with Server-Side Rendering (SSR), Static Site Generation (SSG), and Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR). Large community support but has a steeper learning curve.
- SvelteKit: Focuses on performance and simplicity with smaller bundles and faster load times. Great for performance-critical apps and simpler setups but has a smaller community.
- Astro: Ideal for static content like blogs, marketing sites, and documentation. Ships with zero JavaScript by default but isn't suited for highly interactive apps.
- Remix: Prioritises server-side rendering and web standards, making it perfect for server-rendered apps. Requires rethinking traditional client-side patterns.
Quick Comparison
| Framework | Strengths | Weaknesses | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Next.js | Scalable, flexible, rich features | Steeper learning curve | Complex apps, e-commerce, enterprise |
| SvelteKit | High performance, beginner-friendly | Smaller community | Performance-focused apps, SPAs, content sites |
| Astro | Fast for static content, zero JavaScript | Limited interactivity | Blogs, marketing pages, documentation |
| Remix | Strong SSR, edge-ready, web standards | Requires new client-side patterns | Server-rendered apps, progressive web apps |
Summary:
- Choose Next.js for large, complex projects.
- Go with SvelteKit for performance-critical or simpler apps.
- Use Astro for blogs or static websites.
- Pick Remix for modern, server-rendered apps.
How to Pick a JavaScript Framework
1. Remix
Remix takes a server-first approach to web development, rethinking how applications handle data and rendering. Built on React Router, it shifts much of the processing to the server, reducing network strain. The result? Faster load times and improved performance for users in Australia and beyond.
Performance
Remix is all about speed. By offloading processing to the server, it cuts down on network overhead. For example, the official Remix website consistently achieves a time to first byte under 100 milliseconds [5]. In recent framework benchmarks, Remix tied with SvelteKit for the fastest First Contentful Paint (FCP) [4].
A practical example comes from CZI Technology, which improved load times by switching from useFetcher().submit to the native Fetch API, eliminating unnecessary data revalidation [6].
Rendering Capabilities
Remix leans on server-side rendering (SSR) by default, giving it an edge in both performance and SEO. Its nested routing system prefetches public data, user data, modules, and CSS in parallel - virtually eliminating loading states before users even click a link [7]. Plus, it gracefully handles errors during both server and client rendering without forcing page refreshes.
The framework is compatible with various environments, including Node.js, Cloudflare Workers, and Deno Deploy [8][9]. Automatic code splitting ensures only the necessary code is loaded for each page, keeping things lightweight. Remix has also introduced Static Site Generation (SSG) support, enabling pages to be pre-rendered during build time while staying true to its server-first approach [3].
Developer Experience
Remix is gaining traction among developers. According to the 2024 State of JavaScript Survey, its adoption grew by 35% over the past year [10]. This growth stems from its developer-friendly approach, which leans on well-established web standards.
"What’s really cool with Remix loaders is that you can do most of your data transformation and calculations there...so your React component just receives the data and renders it, no logic needed" [7].
Its nested routing system mirrors the natural structure of business domains, while route-specific error boundaries make error handling simpler. Built-in support for cookies and session management means fewer external libraries are needed. In one case study, Josef Erben migrated a project from Next.js to Remix, cutting JavaScript dependencies from 86 to 39, shrinking the bundle size from 133KB to 28KB, and significantly improving page interactivity [11].
Data Handling
Remix takes a fresh approach to data handling with its loader and action model. This system integrates data fetching, request management, and form handling into a seamless workflow. By sticking to native web standards, Remix allows forms to work with traditional HTTP methods (POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH), even when JavaScript isn’t available. It also optimises data fetching by loading everything in parallel on the server [3].
The framework is flexible when it comes to data sources, supporting integration with databases, APIs, or content management systems. Additionally, it implements HTTP caching through a stale-while-revalidate directive, achieving performance benefits similar to static site generation but without the limitations of build-time constraints [12].
With its focus on speed, efficient rendering, and robust data management, Remix is a strong choice for projects that prioritise performance and reliability.
2. Next.js
Next.js is one of the most established frameworks built on React, offering a robust set of tools for creating modern web applications. Supported by Vercel and Meta, it was ranked as the fourth most popular web framework in the 2024 Stack Overflow survey [19]. Its popularity lies in its ability to balance performance, flexibility, and a developer-friendly experience.
Performance
Next.js is designed with performance in mind, thanks to its built-in optimisation features. It automatically handles code splitting by routes and implements vendor splitting, ensuring users only download the resources they actually need [15]. Additionally, it minimises JavaScript and CSS files automatically, keeping applications fast and lightweight.
Its Image component is another standout feature, as it resizes images, uses lazy loading, and serves them in modern formats like WebP [16]. For example, one project saw a 30% reduction in its client-side bundle size, while another achieved a 60% drop in data transfer and a 45% faster Time to Interactive. Further tweaks even brought execution time down from 2 seconds to just 200 milliseconds [18].
Rendering Capabilities
Next.js offers flexible rendering options, catering to different project requirements with Server-Side Rendering (SSR) and Static Site Generation (SSG) [13]. SSR generates HTML on the server for each request, keeping dynamic content fresh, while SSG creates static HTML at build time, resulting in faster load times and better scalability through CDNs.
| Feature | SSR (Server-Side Rendering) | SSG (Static Site Generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Slower due to server-side processing | Faster loading |
| Cost | Requires more server resources | Minimal server needs |
| SEO | Great for dynamic content | Ideal for static content |
| Scalability | Supports personalised content | Easily scales with CDNs |
| Complexity | More complex due to server logic | Simpler with pre-generated HTML |
For massive sites, Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) offers a hybrid approach. It allows pages to be generated on demand while still benefiting from static generation [14]. These rendering options, combined with Next.js’s developer tools, make it a versatile choice for a variety of projects.
Developer Experience
Next.js is built to make developers’ lives easier. It handles complex configurations like bundlers and compilers automatically, letting developers focus on writing code [23]. Its seamless TypeScript integration, along with enhanced IDE support, further streamlines the development process [21]. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, the detailed documentation and step-by-step guides make it accessible. Plus, its component-driven design fits naturally within the React ecosystem [22].
"Next.js has been a game-changer for our agency work and team collaboration. Its powerful features have allowed us to build high-performance websites quickly and efficiently like never before."
- Daniel Lopes, Frontend Developer [20]
The framework also benefits from a strong ecosystem, offering a wealth of resources, plugins, and a large pool of skilled developers. This ensures its reliability and continuous improvement over time [19].
Data Handling
Next.js provides tools like getStaticProps for static generation and getServerSideProps for server-side rendering [17]. These features allow developers to fine-tune caching strategies based on how often content changes. The framework integrates seamlessly with various data sources, including REST APIs and GraphQL endpoints. Performance monitoring tools like Chrome DevTools help developers identify and address bottlenecks effectively. Many have reported significant performance gains by shifting data processing to the server and implementing smarter caching strategies [18].
"At first, I tried to convince myself that there was nothing useful in the Performance Tab, but I was simply intimidated by the data I didn't understand at the time. Now, I see how much valuable information it provides about your app, and I use it every day. I highly recommend it to everyone."
- Jakub Dakowicz, CTO at Pagepro [18]
With its mature ecosystem, flexible rendering options, and proven performance features, Next.js continues to be a solid framework for projects that demand scalability and reliability.
3. Astro
Astro is a framework built with content-heavy websites in mind, focusing on speed and simplicity. Its standout feature is the "Islands Architecture", which ensures only the interactive components users actually need are loaded, keeping JavaScript to a minimum [25]. This approach caters perfectly to sites like blogs, documentation hubs, and marketing pages, where performance is key.
Performance
Astro has earned a reputation for exceptional performance. In a 2023 web framework performance report, it was the only framework where more than 50% of websites passed Google's Core Web Vitals Assessment [24]. Alongside SvelteKit, it outperformed the average of 52% for the Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) metric [24]. Astro also achieved a 68.8% passing rate on Interaction to Next Paint (INP), coming closer to an 80%+ pass rate than any other framework [24].
These stats aren't just numbers - they translate to real-world improvements. Websites built with Astro can load 40% faster while using 90% less JavaScript compared to those built with popular React frameworks [31]. By default, Astro ships with zero JavaScript, hydrating components only when necessary, which is a game-changer for performance [26].
Rendering Capabilities
Astro takes a server-first approach to rendering, prioritising server-side rendering (SSR) over client-side rendering to boost performance [31]. It also supports static site generation (SSG), giving developers flexibility in how they deliver content [30]. Its Islands Architecture allows dynamic components to exist within static pages, reducing load times and simplifying code [29]. For projects needing a mix of strategies, Astro offers hybrid rendering, enabling prerendering for some pages while keeping a deployed server for others [30].
A great example of Astro's impact is Madappgang's migration from Gatsby to Astro in March 2023. The process took just two days, and the results were impressive: their site scored 100% in SEO and Best Practices, over 93% in Performance and Accessibility, and improved their main page load speed from 0.3 to 0.7 seconds. They also optimised images to eliminate layout shifts during loading [28].
Developer Experience
Astro is designed to make life easier for developers, regardless of their skill level [31]. Its tools are robust yet straightforward, including a CLI, an official VS Code extension, and built-in support for TypeScript and Intellisense. Astro's .astro UI language is a superset of HTML, making it accessible to developers familiar with basic web development. It also supports a wide range of UI frameworks like React, Preact, Svelte, Vue, Solid, HTMX, and web components, combining flexibility with performance benefits [31].
Migrating to Astro is often a smooth process. Developers are encouraged to start with HTML and CSS, gradually incorporating features and APIs as needed [31].
"Out of all the tools I've used in the past ten years, Astro is the one that makes me most excited about where web development is going." - Brian Holt [32]
Data Handling
Astro simplifies content management with built-in support for collections that integrate seamlessly with Markdown [27]. Its server-first architecture reduces complexity when dealing with data, making it a strong choice for improving Core Web Vitals and SEO [31][28]. By generating less JavaScript compared to frameworks like Next.js, Astro ensures faster loading times while maintaining the flexibility needed for content-heavy applications [27].
4. SvelteKit
SvelteKit stands out by focusing on simplicity and speed, thanks to its unique compilation process. Instead of relying on virtual DOMs like many other frameworks, SvelteKit compiles components into optimised vanilla JavaScript during build time. The result? Smaller bundles and faster load times [34]. This approach makes it a favourite among developers who want high performance without sacrificing ease of use.
Performance
SvelteKit shines in performance benchmarks, delivering the fastest Speed Index and matching Remix for the quickest First Contentful Paint (FCP) [4]. Its compilation process minimises client-side JavaScript, and features like lazy loading, code splitting, and gzip compression can improve performance by up to 30% while reducing file sizes by as much as 70% [33].
A real-world example of its scalability is Yahoo Finance, which switched to SvelteKit in November 2024 to handle hundreds of pages seamlessly [35].
Rendering Capabilities
One of SvelteKit's strengths is its flexibility in rendering. It supports Server-Side Rendering (SSR), Static Site Generation (SSG), and client-side rendering (CSR) [1][36]. This allows developers to choose the best approach for their needs - whether it's prerendering static content like blogs or using SSR for dynamic, real-time applications. For pages without interactive elements, disabling CSR can significantly improve load times.
The framework's load functions, which operate on both server and client sides, simplify data fetching from various sources. These functions integrate seamlessly with Svelte's data-binding features, making the development process smoother [34]. Additionally, SvelteKit adheres to progressive enhancement principles, ensuring core functionality works even in older browsers or environments with limited JavaScript [34].
Developer Experience
SvelteKit is designed with developers in mind, offering a smooth and productive experience. Its approach to building components with plain HTML, CSS, and JavaScript makes it accessible to developers of all skill levels [37]. The setup is straightforward, requiring minimal configuration [1]. Features like file-based routing and the separation of concerns through actions, loaders, and hooks simplify route management and make projects easier to maintain [2]. Deployment is also flexible, thanks to integration with cloud adaptors.
| Feature | SvelteKit | Next.js |
|---|---|---|
| Bundle Size | Smaller bundle size with less client-side JavaScript | Larger bundle size due to more features and flexibility |
| ISR Support | No built-in support (requires workarounds) | Built-in Incremental Static Regeneration support |
| Learning Curve | Easier learning curve | Steeper learning curve |
Developers often highlight SvelteKit's gentle learning curve and clear architecture. Its documentation supports both newbies and seasoned professionals, making it a tool that prioritises efficiency and simplicity.
Data Handling
When it comes to managing data, SvelteKit keeps things straightforward. Its built-in reactive state management system uses lightweight stores that naturally integrate with its component structure [1]. The load functions provide a unified way to fetch data, working seamlessly across server and client environments. This makes it easy to handle data from multiple sources while maintaining high performance [34].
Companies like Hugging Face have successfully used SvelteKit in production, proving it can handle complex data needs without compromising speed or efficiency [34].
Advantages and Disadvantages
Every framework has its own strengths and trade-offs, making each better suited for specific types of projects. Here's a summary to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Next.js has established itself as a reliable choice with a large and active community backing it up [38]. Big names like Netflix, TikTok, Nike, and Notion trust Next.js for their production-level applications, showcasing its scalability and dependability [38]. That said, its robust feature set comes with added complexity. To get the most out of it, you’ll need a solid understanding of React, JSX, and JavaScript, which can make it challenging for beginners [1].
SvelteKit shines when it comes to performance and simplicity. Thanks to its compilation-based approach, it offers a smoother learning curve and requires minimal configuration [1]. On the downside, its community is smaller - SvelteKit has 17,400 stars and 512 active contributors, which pales in comparison to Next.js’s expansive ecosystem [1].
Astro is tailored for static content, such as blogs or portfolios, with its default behaviour of shipping zero JavaScript [39]. It also simplifies content management through built-in support for collections that integrate seamlessly with Markdown [27]. However, its focus on static content means it’s not the best fit for highly interactive applications.
Remix takes a unique approach by emphasising web standards and server-side rendering. It handles forms using native methods rather than relying on JavaScript [3]. This creates fast and resilient user experiences, even under poor network conditions. Its edge-native design aligns well with modern deployment strategies, but it does require developers to rethink traditional client-side patterns.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key strengths, weaknesses, and best use cases for each framework:
| Framework | Key Strengths | Main Weaknesses | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Next.js | Large community, proven scalability, rich features | Steep learning curve, larger bundle sizes | Complex apps, e-commerce, enterprise projects |
| SvelteKit | High performance, beginner-friendly, minimal setup | Smaller community, less tested in large-scale projects | Performance-critical apps, SPAs, content sites |
| Astro | Zero JavaScript by default, great for static content | Limited interactivity, narrow focus | Blogs, marketing sites, documentation |
| Remix | Strong on web standards, excellent SSR, edge-ready | Requires rethinking traditional client-side patterns | Server-rendered apps, progressive enhancement |
If you’re building a complex and scalable application, Next.js is a solid choice. For performance-focused apps or simpler setups, SvelteKit is a great fit. Astro works best for static, content-heavy sites, while Remix is ideal for modern server-rendered applications. Use this summary alongside the detailed analysis above to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Choosing the right framework boils down to your project's unique needs. Here's a quick recap of the key strengths each framework brings to the table:
- Next.js: A proven choice for scalability and flexibility. It's ideal for e-commerce sites or projects requiring a mix of rendering strategies, backed by strong community support.
- Astro: Perfect for content-heavy sites like blogs, marketing pages, or documentation. Its zero-JavaScript approach ensures lightning-fast loading speeds.
- SvelteKit: Delivers high performance with minimal setup and smaller bundle sizes. Its gentle learning curve makes it an excellent choice for developers looking for simplicity.
- Remix: Focuses on web standards and server-side rendering, making it a great fit for progressive web apps.
Your framework choice also influences how you evaluate technical freelancers. Look for candidates with strong coding test results or open-source contributions, as these often reflect real-world expertise [40].
FAQs
How do I choose between Next.js and Remix for a server-rendered application?
When deciding between Next.js and Remix for a server-rendered application, it all boils down to what your project needs most. Both frameworks are equipped with server-side rendering (SSR), which is great for improving SEO and managing dynamic content.
Remix shines when it comes to fast data loading and handling dynamic, interactive elements. Its modern approach to routing and data fetching simplifies data management, making it a strong contender for projects that prioritise speed and streamlined workflows. Meanwhile, Next.js offers a more versatile toolkit, featuring options like Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR), a well-established ecosystem, and a large, active community. This makes it suitable for a broader variety of use cases.
In short, if your project demands cutting-edge performance and efficient data handling, Remix could be your go-to. But if you need a robust, widely-supported framework with advanced features, Next.js is probably the better choice.
Is Astro a good choice for projects that need interactive features?
Astro is an excellent choice for projects that need a touch of interactivity, thanks to its partial hydration feature. This clever approach ensures that only specific components load JavaScript for interactivity, while the rest of the site remains static HTML. The result? Faster performance and a smoother user experience.
Another standout feature is Astro's island architecture. This method allows you to create isolated interactive sections on an otherwise static site. It means you can introduce dynamic elements without overloading the entire application with unnecessary JavaScript. Plus, Astro integrates effortlessly with popular frameworks like React, Vue, and Svelte. So, you can stick with the tools you know and love while taking advantage of Astro's performance-focused design.
For content-heavy projects that also need a bit of interactivity, Astro offers an ideal mix of speed and functionality.
Is SvelteKit a good choice for large-scale projects, and how does its smaller community affect its usability?
SvelteKit is absolutely capable of handling large-scale projects, but there are a few factors worth considering. As the complexity of a project increases, developers might face hurdles such as longer build times and slower IDE responsiveness, both of which can affect overall productivity. For example, some developers have noted that production build times can significantly stretch out, potentially disrupting development workflows.
Another aspect to think about is the size of SvelteKit's community. Being relatively newer compared to some well-established frameworks, it has a smaller pool of resources, tutorials, and support options available. This can make troubleshooting issues or onboarding new team members a bit more challenging.
While SvelteKit shines with its focus on simplicity and performance, these potential limitations should be weighed carefully when deciding whether it’s the right fit for a large-scale application.