Next.js + Capacitor vs React Native
Next.js with Capacitor lets you use your existing web skills to build mobile apps, while React Native is purpose-built for mobile development. The choice depends on your team's expertise and project requirements.
🎯 Quick Answer
Choose Next.js + Capacitor if you have a web app or web developers, want to share code across web and mobile, or need faster development. Choose React Native if you need complex native animations, heavy native integrations, or are building mobile-only apps.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Next.js + Capacitor | React Native |
|---|---|---|
| Development Language | React + Web APIs | React Native API |
| Code Sharing (Web + Mobile) | 100% shared codebase | Requires separate web app |
| Learning Curve | Use existing web skills | Learn mobile-specific APIs |
| Performance | Near-native (WebView) | Native |
| UI Components | HTML/CSS/Tailwind | React Native components |
| Native Features | Via Capacitor plugins | Built-in + community |
| Bundle Size | Smaller (web assets) | Larger (native bridge) |
| Development Speed | Faster (web tools) | Moderate |
| Hot Reload | Instant (web dev server) | Fast Refresh |
| SEO (Web Version) | Excellent (Next.js) | Requires separate web app |
| Complex Animations | CSS/Framer Motion | Reanimated (better) |
| Debugging | Browser DevTools | React Native debugger |
| Deployment | Simple (web + mobile) | Mobile only |
| Community Size | Massive (web + mobile) | Large (mobile-focused) |
Pros & Cons
Next.js + Capacitor
✓ Pros
- Use your existing web development skills
- Share 100% of code between web and mobile
- Faster development with familiar web tools
- Instant hot reload with web dev server
- Smaller bundle sizes
- Use any CSS framework (Tailwind, etc.)
- Browser DevTools for debugging
- Built-in SEO with Next.js
- Easy deployment to web and mobile
- No need to learn mobile-specific APIs
✗ Cons
- Slightly lower performance than native
- Limited for complex animations
- Dependent on WebView capabilities
- Some advanced native features need plugins
- Not ideal for graphics-heavy apps
React Native
✓ Pros
- True native performance
- Excellent for complex animations
- Better for graphics-intensive apps
- Mature ecosystem for mobile
- Direct access to native APIs
- Better gesture handling
- Industry-standard for mobile-only apps
✗ Cons
- Steeper learning curve for web developers
- Cannot share code with web version
- Longer development time
- Larger bundle sizes
- Need separate web app for SEO
- More complex debugging
- Platform-specific styling differences
- Expo limitations or complex setup
When to Use Each
Choose Next.js + Capacitor
- You have an existing Next.js web app
- Your team consists of web developers
- You need both web and mobile versions
- You want faster time-to-market
- You're building a content-heavy app
- You need strong SEO capabilities
- You want to use Tailwind CSS
- Your app is mostly forms and content
Choose React Native
- You're building a mobile-only app
- You need complex native animations
- You're creating a graphics-intensive app
- You have mobile developers on your team
- You need maximum performance
- You're building a game or camera app
- You need advanced gesture controls
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Next.js match React Native's performance?
For most apps (content, forms, dashboards), Next.js with Capacitor performs excellently. React Native has an edge for graphics-heavy apps and complex animations, but the difference is negligible for typical business applications.
Can I use my existing web app with Capacitor?
Yes! That's the main advantage. If you have a Next.js web app, you can wrap it with Capacitor and publish to app stores with minimal changes. You maintain one codebase for web and mobile.
Is Next.js + Capacitor cheaper than React Native?
Generally yes. You can use web developers (more available, often lower cost), share code 100% between platforms, and develop faster. React Native requires specialized mobile developers and separate web development.
Which has better developer experience?
For web developers, Next.js + Capacitor offers superior DX with familiar tools, instant hot reload, and browser DevTools. React Native has excellent mobile-focused DX but requires learning new APIs and tools.
Can I access native features with Next.js?
Yes, through Capacitor plugins. You get access to camera, push notifications, file system, biometrics, and more. The Capacitor community has plugins for most native features.
Should I migrate from React Native to Next.js?
Consider migrating if you also need a web version, want to reduce team specialization, or struggle with React Native's complexity. Stick with React Native if you're mobile-only and happy with your setup.
Conclusion
Both approaches are valid, but for most web developers and startups, Next.js with Capacitor offers the fastest path to mobile apps. You leverage existing skills, share code across platforms, and ship faster. React Native excels for mobile-only, graphics-heavy apps where maximum performance is critical.
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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.