Laravel is a PHP backend framework excelling at server-side web applications with built-in features like authentication and ORM, while Next.js is a React-based full-stack JavaScript framework that enables both frontend and backend development in a single language. Laravel requires separate frontend tools; Next.js unifies the stack.
Laravel vs Next.js — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Laravel if you need a traditional server-side MVC application with built-in ORM, authentication, and established DevOps patterns—ideal for complex business logic and large teams using PHP. Choose Next.js if you want unified full-stack JavaScript development with easy deployment to serverless platforms and seamless integration of frontend and backend—ideal for startups, modern JAMstack architectures, and teams already invested in JavaScript.
Modern full-featured PHP framework with Eloquent ORM, built-in testing, and extensive ecosystem.
React-based JavaScript framework with native support for SSR, SSG, API routes, and edge computing.
Structured comparison data for Laravel vs Next.js with 195 attributes.
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Laravel vs Next.js — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Laravel vs Next.js.
Can I build a full-stack application with Laravel?
Yes, Laravel can be used for full-stack development by pairing it with a frontend framework like Vue.js (via Inertia.js or Livewire) or React. However, Next.js handles this more seamlessly in a single codebase with unified JavaScript. Laravel excels when you want a dedicated backend API and separate frontend repository.
Which framework is better for beginners?
Next.js is easier for JavaScript-experienced developers (3-5 days to productivity). Laravel has a moderate learning curve (1-2 weeks) if you know PHP. If you're learning both a language and framework simultaneously, Next.js with JavaScript tutorials is more accessible due to larger online community resources and job market demand.
What about authentication—which is easier?
Laravel wins here with Laravel Breeze and Fortify providing complete authentication scaffolding out-of-the-box. Next.js requires setting up NextAuth.js or Auth0, adding 2-4 hours of configuration. Laravel's built-in solution handles sessions, 2FA, and password resets automatically.
Which has better long-term job prospects?
Both have strong demand. JavaScript/React skills are broader (2.8M+ developers globally), while PHP has an entrenched enterprise base. Next.js offers better startup and tech company prospects; Laravel is dominant in web development agencies and established companies. JavaScript salaries average $120k-$140k; PHP averages $110k-$130k in 2025 markets.
Next.js deploys free-tier on Vercel with generous limits. Laravel requires traditional hosting (Heroku, DigitalOcean, Linode) costing $5-$50+/month minimum. For learning projects, Next.js is more cost-effective; Laravel requires paid hosting from the start unless you self-host.