Next.js + Capacitor vs Expo
Next.js with Capacitor uses web technologies to build cross-platform apps, while Expo is a managed React Native platform. Next.js favors web developers and code sharing; Expo favors mobile-first development.
🎯 Quick Answer
Choose Next.js + Capacitor if you have web developers, need a website too, or want faster development with web tools. Choose Expo if you're mobile-only, need React Native's ecosystem, or want Expo's managed workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Next.js + Capacitor | Expo |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Base | Web (HTML/CSS/JS) | React Native |
| Code Sharing (Web + Mobile) | 100% shared | Requires Expo Router (complex) |
| Developer Skills | Web developers | Mobile developers |
| Backend/API | Built-in (Next.js API) | Separate backend needed |
| SEO | Excellent (SSR/SSG) | None (mobile-only) |
| Performance | Near-native | Native-like |
| Development Speed | Very fast | Fast |
| Debugging | Browser DevTools | Expo DevTools |
| OTA Updates | Via web hosting | Expo Updates |
| Native Modules | Capacitor plugins | Expo SDK + custom |
| Learning Curve | Low (web skills) | Medium (RN concepts) |
| Deployment | Vercel (easy) | EAS Build (managed) |
Pros & Cons
Next.js + Capacitor
✓ Pros
- 100% code sharing between web and mobile
- Built-in backend with API routes
- Excellent SEO capabilities
- Use web developers (more available)
- Faster development with familiar tools
- Easy deployment with Vercel
- Browser DevTools for debugging
- Smaller learning curve
- One codebase for everything
- Strong TypeScript support
✗ Cons
- Slightly lower performance than native
- WebView-based rendering
- Not ideal for complex animations
- Some advanced features need plugins
- Less mobile-focused community
Expo
✓ Pros
- Better performance for mobile
- Managed build service (EAS)
- Large React Native ecosystem
- Good animation libraries
- OTA updates built-in
- Strong mobile development tools
- Native module system
- Active mobile community
✗ Cons
- Cannot easily share with web app
- No backend (need separate API)
- No SEO (mobile-only)
- Requires RN knowledge
- Complex web integration with Expo Router
- Larger bundle sizes
- EAS costs for builds
- Platform-specific issues
When to Use Each
Choose Next.js + Capacitor
- You need both web and mobile apps
- You have web developers
- You want built-in backend/API
- SEO is important for you
- You're building SaaS or content apps
- You want faster development
- Your budget is limited
- You prefer Next.js ecosystem
Choose Expo
- You're building mobile-only apps
- You have React Native developers
- You need top mobile performance
- You don't need a website
- You're using Expo's managed workflow
- You need complex mobile animations
- You want React Native ecosystem
- Mobile is your primary platform
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Next.js match Expo's mobile experience?
For most apps, yes. With Capacitor and proper mobile UX design, Next.js apps feel very native. Expo has an edge for graphics-heavy apps and complex animations.
Which is cheaper to develop?
Next.js + Capacitor is typically cheaper because web developers are more available and you maintain one codebase. Expo requires React Native specialists and separate web development.
Can I use Next.js features with Expo?
No. Expo uses React Native, which is different from Next.js. They're competing frameworks. You choose one or the other.
Which has better developer experience?
For web developers, Next.js wins with familiar tools and instant hot reload. For mobile developers, Expo provides excellent mobile-focused DX with managed builds.
Can Expo apps have a web version?
Expo Router attempts this, but it's complex and results in two different experiences. Next.js naturally supports web + mobile from one codebase.
Should I migrate from Expo to Next.js?
Consider it if you need a proper web version, want to simplify your stack, or struggle with React Native complexity. Stay with Expo if you're happy with mobile-only.
Conclusion
Next.js with Capacitor is the better choice for full-stack applications needing web and mobile. Expo excels for mobile-only apps where React Native's ecosystem is valuable. Most businesses benefit from Next.js's unified web + mobile approach.
Start building with Next.js + Capacitor
NextNative provides a complete Next.js + Capacitor starter to ship mobile apps fast with the tools you already know.
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Ready to Get Started?
Follow these step-by-step tutorials to build your mobile app
How to Convert Your Next.js App to iOS & Android
30 minutes • beginner
Learn how to transform your Next.js web application into fully functional iOS and Android mobile apps using Capacitor. This guide covers installation, configuration, and deployment to app stores.
How to Add Push Notifications to Your Next.js Mobile App
45 minutes • intermediate
Implement push notifications in your Next.js mobile app using Capacitor's Push Notifications plugin and Firebase Cloud Messaging. Send notifications to iOS and Android users.
How to Add In-App Purchases to Your Next.js App
60 minutes • intermediate
Monetize your Next.js mobile app with in-app purchases and subscriptions using RevenueCat. This guide covers setup, implementation, and testing for both iOS and Android.