Vercel vs Netlify: Frontend Deployment Platform Comparison

The Best Time to Be a Frontend Developer

Remember when deploying a website meant FTP-ing files and crossing your fingers? Vercel and Netlify have made deployment magical. Push to Git, and your site is live in seconds.

But which should you choose?

The Simple Answer

Using Next.js? Choose Vercel. Vercel literally built Next.js. The integration is flawless.

Using anything else? Compare based on features. Both are excellent for static sites, Gatsby, Hugo, 11ty, etc.

Key Differences

Next.js Optimization

Vercel has first-party support for Next.js features:

• Automatic ISR (Incremental Static Regeneration)
• Edge middleware
• Image optimization
• Analytics

Netlify supports Next.js but can't match the native integration.

Winner: Vercel 🏆 (for Next.js)

Framework Support

Netlify is more framework-agnostic:

• Native support for 30+ frameworks
• Better documentation for non-React frameworks
• Netlify CMS for content management

If you're not using Next.js, Netlify might feel more welcoming.

Winner: Netlify 🏆 (for diversity)

Edge Functions

Both offer edge functions, but Vercel's are more mature:

• Faster cold starts
• Better documentation
• Tighter framework integration

Winner: Vercel 🏆

Forms & Identity

Netlify has built-in form handling and identity management. No external services needed for basic authentication or contact forms.

Vercel doesn't have these—you'll need external services.

Winner: Netlify 🏆

Pricing Comparison

For hobby projects, both are genuinely free. Paid plans kick in around the same usage level.

Who Should Choose What?

Choose Vercel If:

• You're building with Next.js
• Performance is critical
• You need edge functions
• You want the "it just works" experience

Choose Netlify If:

• You're using a variety of frameworks
• You need built-in forms or identity
• You prefer more feature flexibility
• You're building JAMstack sites

Our Recommendation

For Next.js projects: Vercel, no question.

For static sites and JAMstack: Both are excellent. Try both free tiers.

For large teams: Compare enterprise features carefully—pricing varies significantly.

The good news? You can't really go wrong. Both platforms are pushing the industry forward.