Netlify vs Vercel
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right hosting & deployment solution for your project.
Quick Verdict
Both tools are excellent choices with similar feature sets. Your decision should be based on pricing, ecosystem fit, and specific use case requirements.
Netlify
Build and deploy modern web projects
Best for
Decision Guide
Vercel is the default choice for Next.js and edge-heavy apps. Netlify is more flexible for multi-framework and static-heavy workloads with predictable pricing.
Choose Netlify if you need
- Multiple frameworks across teams
- Static-heavy marketing sites
- Custom build pipelines and monorepos
- More predictable pricing for static traffic
Choose Vercel if you need
- Next.js App Router projects
- Teams that rely on preview deployments
- Edge middleware and low latency routing
- Tight integration with the Vercel ecosystem
Decision factors
- Framework fit and preview workflows
- Edge functions and routing
- Build customization needs
- Traffic-based pricing sensitivity
Pricing notes
- Vercel pricing can scale with usage and bandwidth
- Netlify pricing is often more predictable for static sites
- Check build minutes and bandwidth limits for both
Migration notes
- Environment variables and build caches differ
- Redirect and rewrite rules are not identical
- Plan for preview URL changes
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Netlify | Vercel |
|---|---|---|
| Static Hosting | Yes | Yes |
| Serverless Functions | Yes | Yes |
| Edge Functions | Yes | Yes |
| Preview Deployments | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Domains | Yes | Yes |
| CI/CD | Yes | Yes |
| Docker Support | No | No |
Pricing Comparison
Netlify
Vercel
Netlify Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Great for static sites
- +Good forms and identity features
- +Framework agnostic
- +Generous free tier
Cons
- -Build times can be slow
- -Functions less mature than Vercel
- -Less optimized for Next.js
Vercel Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Best Next.js experience
- +Incredibly fast deploys
- +Great DX and preview URLs
- +Global edge network
Cons
- -Can get expensive
- -Limited to serverless model
- -No Docker/containers
Netlify Verdict
Netlify is excellent for static sites and non-Next.js projects. Great free tier and framework flexibility.
Vercel Verdict
Vercel is the obvious choice for Next.js projects. The DX is unmatched. Consider alternatives if you need containers or have cost concerns.
More options in Hosting & Deployment
Looking for different tradeoffs? Explore alternatives to each tool.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions: Netlify vs Vercel
Is Netlify or Vercel better?
It depends on your use case. Netlify is best for static sites and jamstack projects. Vercel is best for next.js apps and frontend projects. Netlify is excellent for static sites and non-Next.js projects. Great free tier and framework flexibility.
Is Netlify free?
Yes, Netlify offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $19/mo.
Is Vercel free?
Yes, Vercel offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $20/mo.
Can I migrate from Netlify to Vercel?
Yes, you can migrate from Netlify to Vercel, though the complexity depends on how deeply integrated your current solution is. Most developers recommend evaluating both tools in a test environment before committing to a migration.
Which is more popular, Netlify or Vercel?
Both Netlify and Vercel are popular choices in their category. The best choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and budget rather than popularity alone.