Gatsby vs Next.js

Side-by-side open-source comparison for 2026. Next.js currently leads on GitHub stars (138.9k) over Gatsby (56.0k). Both tools list each other as alternatives in this directory.

Quick comparison

Gatsby vs Next.js, ranked by GitHub stars
#ToolStarsLanguageLicense
1Next.js

Next.js is the React framework for production, enabling React-based web applications to be built with ease, offering a powerful, fully featured, headless solution.

138.9kJavaScriptMIT License
2Gatsby

The best React-based framework with performance, scalability, and security built in, perfect for building fast and modern websites.

56.0kJavaScriptMIT License

Overview

Gatsby

The best React-based framework with performance, scalability, and security built in, perfect for building fast and modern websites.

JavaScript ยท MIT License ยท 56.0k GitHub stars

Next.js

Next.js is the React framework for production, enabling React-based web applications to be built with ease, offering a powerful, fully featured, headless solution.

JavaScript ยท MIT License ยท 138.9k GitHub stars

Explore both tools

Frequently asked questions

Which is more popular, Gatsby or Next.js?

Next.js currently has more GitHub stars (138.9k) than Gatsby (56.0k). Star counts are a proxy for community adoption.

Are Gatsby and Next.js free?

Yes. Both are open source and free to use in your own projects.

How does this comparison work?

Pages only exist for mutual alternatives โ€” each tool lists the other in its alternatives metadata. Stats come from the canonical tool records in this directory.

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