Introduction – Choosing the right e-commerce platform is critical for companies like ours. Two popular options are WordPress (with WooCommerce) and Next.js with a headless integration. Both offer different benefits and challenges.
Advantages of WordPress
WordPress is easy to use, has a huge plugin and theme ecosystem and low initial cost. Its intuitive editor simplifies content management.
Drawbacks of WordPress
Despite its popularity, WordPress can suffer from performance and security issues due to numerous plugins and scaling can be challenging. Hidden costs from additional plugins and maintenance can add up.
Advantages of Next.js
Next.js delivers extraordinary performance and excellent SEO through static and server-side rendering. Scalability and complete flexibility allow for custom solutions. Hosting costs are lower due to its lightweight architecture.
Drawbacks of Next.js
This platform has a steep learning curve, requires higher initial investment and integration with an external CMS. Fewer plug-and-play modules mean more custom development.
Comparison and CoreIT's recommendations
In direct comparisons Next.js is 3–4 times faster than WordPress and offers greater scalability. WordPress remains attractive for smaller shops due to simplicity and ready-made plugins. We chose Next.js in a headless setup to achieve optimal performance and full control over the code.