Northflank abandoned Next.js due to severe performance issues, slow rendering times, and a lack of control. They faced SEO penalties and a frustratingly complex ecosystem. Rather than continue struggling, they developed a custom server-side rendering solution with React and Express, significantly improving load times and SEO rankings. They concluded Next.js may suit small projects but is inadequate for scalable, high-performance needs, advocating for DIY approaches for better control and efficiency.
https://northflank.com/blog/why-we-ditched-next-js-and-never-looked-back