Which is the best frontend framework? 2024 Comparison

Choosing the right framework for your frontend project can make the difference between an agile, scalable application and a complex project to maintain. Today I’m comparing four of the most popular technologies: Astro, React, NextJS, and Angular, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses so you can make the best decision.

Astro: Speed and simplicity

Astro has gained popularity for its unique philosophy: generate static sites by default and add JavaScript only when necessary through its component islands.

Pros

• Exceptional performance: Less JavaScript means faster load times
• Framework flexibility: You can use React, Vue, Svelte or any other within the same project
• Native SEO: Static content improves search engine rankings
• Easy to learn: If you know HTML and JavaScript, you can start quickly

Cons

• Smaller ecosystem: Fewer plugins and resources than more established frameworks
• Limited dynamic features: Not ideal for highly interactive applications
• Growing community: Although growing fast, it has fewer resources than React or Angular

React: The industry standard

React remains the most popular library for building user interfaces, with a huge ecosystem and Meta support.

Pros

• Massive ecosystem: Thousands of libraries, components and solutions available
• Total flexibility: You can structure the project however you want
• Job market: Most frontend positions require React
• Reusable components: The component system facilitates maintenance
• React Hooks: Modern and elegant state management

Cons

• Not a complete framework: You need to add routing, state management, etc.
• Learning curve: Concepts like hooks and state management can be complex
• Constant decisions: You have to choose between many alternatives for each feature
• Initial setup: Taking a project to production requires additional configuration

NextJS: The complete framework

NextJS takes React to the next level by adding SSR, SSG, routing and many other out-of-the-box features.

Pros

• Full-stack: You can create both frontend and API routes
• SSR and SSG: Server-side rendering and static generation integrated
• Developer experience: Hot reload, TypeScript, automatic image optimization
• Easy deployment: Vercel offers zero-config deployment
• Excellent SEO: SSR/SSG combination perfect for ranking

Cons

• Vendor lock-in: Some features are optimized for Vercel
• Complexity: More features means more configurations and concepts
• Bundle size: Can generate heavier applications than alternatives
• Versioning: Major changes between versions may require refactoring

Angular: The enterprise solution

Angular is Google’s complete framework, with native TypeScript and an opinionated architecture.

Pros

• Complete framework: Everything included (routing, forms, HTTP, testing)
• Native TypeScript: Strong typing from the start
• Clear architecture: Opinionated structure facilitates consistency in large teams
• Powerful tooling: Robust CLIs and excellent development tools
• Ideal for enterprises: Widely used in large corporate projects

Cons

• Very steep learning curve: RxJS, dependency injection, decorators…
• Verbose: Requires more code than other alternatives
• Performance: Can be heavier than React or Vue
• Less flexibility: The opinionated structure can limit certain decisions

Conclusion: You don’t always need the most modern framework

After analyzing these four frameworks, I want to emphasize something important: not all projects need a complex solution. In fact, for many corporate websites, business pages or informational sites, traditional technologies like HTML and PHP are more than sufficient.

If you’re looking for a fast, secure and easy-to-maintain website without unnecessary complications, often the simplest solution is the best. I’ve worked on projects where a modern stack added more complexity than necessary, and others where traditional development turned out to be more efficient and economical.

Need help with your project?

Whether you need a complex application with React or NextJS, an ultra-fast static site with Astro, or simply a classic and efficient website, I can help you choose the right technology and develop it professionally.

Contact me to discuss your project and find the best solution for your needs, without unnecessary technologies, just what you really need.