Next.js vs Webflow: When to Choose Code Over No-Code
Webflow is a powerful no-code tool. But sometimes you need the flexibility that only code can provide. Here's how to decide.
The Short Answer
Choose Webflow if you need to ship fast, your team doesn't have developers, you want visual editing, and your site fits within Webflow's constraints.
Choose Next.js if you need maximum performance, custom functionality, full control over your code, or you're building something Webflow can't do. Explore our Next.js development services to see what's possible.
What Webflow Does Well
Let's be fair to Webflow—it's genuinely good at what it does:
Webflow Strengths
- • Visual design interface is excellent
- • Non-developers can make content changes
- • Built-in CMS is user-friendly
- • Hosting is simple and included
- • Interactions and animations are easy
- • Fast to prototype and ship
For many marketing teams, Webflow is the right choice. If your site is mostly static content with some animations, and you don't need custom functionality, Webflow can get you to market faster.
Where Webflow Falls Short
Webflow has real limitations that become painful at scale:
Webflow Limitations
- • CMS limited to 10,000 items
- • No server-side logic
- • Limited API integrations
- • Can't access or version control your code
- • Locked into Webflow's ecosystem
- • Performance ceiling is lower
- • Monthly fees add up ($200+/month for business)
Performance Comparison
Webflow sites can be fast, but they have a performance ceiling. Next.js sites can be faster because you have full control. Our performance optimization experts can help you achieve 90+ Lighthouse scores.
| Factor | Webflow | Next.js |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Lighthouse | 70-85 | 90-100 |
| Image Optimization | Automatic (limited) | Full control |
| Code Splitting | Limited | Automatic |
| Caching | Webflow CDN | Edge + ISR |
| Custom Optimization | Not possible | Full control |
Cost Comparison
Webflow's pricing seems simple until you need more:
- • Basic site: $14-23/month
- • CMS site: $23-39/month
- • Business site: $39-63/month
- • Enterprise: Custom pricing
- • Plus workspace seats: $16-35/month each
Over 3 years, a business-tier Webflow site costs $2,000+ in hosting alone. A Next.js site on Vercel could be free or cost significantly less.
The Lock-In Problem
This is the biggest issue with Webflow: you don't own your code.
If you want to leave Webflow, you can export HTML/CSS, but it's not clean, maintainable code. You're essentially starting over. With Next.js, you own a production-ready codebase that any React developer can maintain.
When to Choose Webflow
- • Marketing team needs to edit content without developers
- • You need to ship in days, not weeks
- • Site is mostly static with basic CMS needs
- • Budget is limited and you can't afford custom development
- • You don't need custom functionality
When to Choose Next.js
- • Performance is a competitive advantage
- • You need custom functionality or integrations
- • You want to own your code
- • You're building something complex
- • Long-term cost matters
- • You have access to developers
The Bottom Line
Webflow is a great tool for the right use case. If you need to ship fast and your site fits within Webflow's constraints, it's a reasonable choice.
But if you're building a site that's core to your business, where performance and flexibility matter, Next.js is the better long-term investment. You'll pay more upfront, but you'll own something valuable. We also offer white-label development for agencies looking to expand their service offerings.
Outgrowing Webflow?
If you've hit Webflow's limits and need something more powerful, let's talk about a Next.js build.