On paper, they look similar. Developers often point out how Vercel created Next.js, while others choose Netlify for its support for Next.js and built-in platform features–especially observability and tooling that’s included by default rather than sold as an add-on.
In this guide, we’ll compare Netlify and Vercel to see how each platform handles the features that matter most, costs, and which option fits best for your specific use case.
If you’re stuck trying to make the right call, this breakdown will give you the clarity to move forward.
Netlify vs Vercel: A quick comparison
Choosing between Netlify and Vercel depends on what you’re building, who’s building it, and how your project needs to grow over time. Both platforms offer powerful features, but their strengths show up in different places.
Here’s a side-by-side look at where each platform stands across common evaluation points to make it easier for you:
Pricing (based on 2025 updates)
| Netlify | Vercel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit-based plans. Personal plan: $9/month (1,000 credits). Pro plan: $20/month (5,000 credits). | New flexible Pro plan with credit-based usage. $20/month starting balance with $20 in flexible credits, $150+ Fast Data Transfer, $20+ Edge Requests. Includes free Viewer seats and optional Enterprise features. | Both have moved to credit-based, flexible models. Netlify pricing emphasizes simplicity across five usage categories; Vercel emphasizes team collaboration, spend management, and self-serve Enterprise access. |
Platform features
| Feature | Netlify | Vercel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Next.js support | Complete feature parity with production-ready features | Complete feature parity with experimental features | Vercel created Next.js, but Netlify has feature parity |
| Other frameworks | First-class support for many | Next.js-centric | Netlify offers consistent experience across all modern web frameworks with available primitives |
| Edge network | 119+ points of presence; self-serve network and dedicated enterprise network | 119+ points of presence; single shared network | Netlify’s enterprise network offers more consistent performance without “noisy neighbors” |
| Free commercial use | Yes | No | Netlify’s free tier supports commercial projects, it’s against Vercel’s terms of service |
AI development and inference
| Feature | Netlify | Vercel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI development for production apps | ✓ | No | Agent Runners let’s anyone modify their live apps |
| AI tool integrations | Bolt, Windsurf, and a dozen others | v0 only | One-click deploy from AI development tools |
| MCP Server | ✓ | ✓ | Both offer remote MCP servers for Claude and other clients |
| AI Gateway | Limited | ✓ | Manage tokens, rate limits, costs in one place; Vercel provides a unified API while Netlify works with open standards |
| AI development credits | Included in all plans | No | Start experimenting with AI immediately on Netlify |
Compute and functions
| Feature | Netlify | Vercel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serverless functions | ✓ | ✓ | Both support traditional serverless functions |
| Edge functions | ✓ | No | Fluid compute edge support is limited to edge middleware |
| Background functions | ✓ | ✓ | Netlify supports longer-running processes (up to 15 minutes) |
| Scheduled functions (CRON jobs) | ✓ | ✓ | Netlify supports time-based automated functions |
| Durable functions | Yes with async workloads extension | No | Durable, atomic function execution that persists across deployments with automatic retries |
Application performance
| Feature | Netlify | Vercel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image CDN | ✓ | Limited | Vercel is limited to Next.js, Astro, Nuxt image |
| Cache Key Variation | Yes with Netlify-Vary header | Limited | Netlify allows fine-grained control over which request attributes affect caching |
| Durable cache (ISR cache) | ✓ | Limited | Netlify’s durable directive reduces function calls and improves performance across all modern web frameworks; Vercel requires framework authors to bespoke integration |
| Cache Control Headers | Extensive support for CDN-specific headers | Limited framework-specific approach | Netlify uses standard web protocols extended with CDN-specific headers |
| Cache debugging | ✓ | Limited | Netlify provides better tools to understand cache behavior with a status set per request |
| Cache purging | ✓ | Limited framework-specific approach | Netlify’s cache purging API works with any content type |
Application security
| Feature | Netlify | Vercel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate limiting | ✓ | ✓ | Both platforms provide rate limiting with immediate global enforcement. |
| Firewall traffic rules | ✓ | ✓ | Netlify and Vercel allow for customizable firewall rules on all plans. |
| Bot challenges | Limited | ✓ | Vercel includes built-in bot detection and challenge modes (e.g., CAPTCHAs); Netlify requires third party implementation. |
| Web application firewall | Enterprise-only | ✓ | Vercel and Netlify’s WAF includes managed and custom rulesets with rapid rule propagation; Netlify’s is available on enterprise plans. |
Data storage
| Feature | Netlify | Vercel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blob storage | ✓ | ✓ | Both offer first party support for object storage |
| Key value store | Limited | Partner | Netlify provides support for caching key value pairs via the Cache API |
| Edge config | Limited | ✓ | Vercel’s Edge Config offers low-latency access for feature flags and configs; Netlify’s Cache API can solve for in most scenarios |
| Database | Partner | Partner | Both offer database support through 3rd party partners |
Build and deploy
| Feature | Netlify | Vercel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollbacks | One-click | One-click | Both support one-click rollbacks |
| Preview Deployments | ✓ | ✓ | Both support traditional serverless function |
| CMS previews | ✓ | Limited | Preview Servers work with headless CMS webhooks |
Developer experience
| Feature | Netlify | Vercel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI agent support | ✓ | ✓ | Both platforms offer various integrations for AI codegen and IDEs. |
| Local development | ✓ | Limited | Netlify provides stronger local-to-production parity with Netlify dev, while Vercel relies more on framework emulation |
| Analytics & observability | Server-side analytics, logs, metrics, and tracing included on all plans | Advanced analytics and observability features are paid add-ons | Netlify includes observability out of the box; Vercel gates logs, traces, and advanced insights behind paid products |
| Forms handling | ✓ | No | Netlify has native form handling |
Choose Vercel if:
- You are exclusively committed to Next.js and want early access to new features
- You need the platform created by the Next.js team
- You want more detailed analytics out of the box
Choose Netlify if:
- You work with–or plan to in the future–multiple frameworks, not just Next.js
- You want more control over how content is cached and invalidated
- You need different types of compute (edge, background, scheduled)
- You want logs, metrics, and observability included by default instead of paying separately for monitoring
- You prefer predictable pricing without surprise overages
- You’re building a commercial app on the free tier
- You need enterprise-grade performance and reliability
Where Netlify and Vercel differ most
Although both platforms are built for developers deploying frontend frameworks, their core philosophies are different.
Netlify takes an open ecosystem approach. Netlify works with any framework and any workflow–whether you’re building with AI tools like Bolt and Cursor or pushing from Git. Backend features like databases, functions, and storage come built-in and work with any stack. Eliminating the need for additional services. With generous free tiers, instant deployment from anywhere, and no vendor lock-in, Netlify enables everyone from AI-first builders to enterprise teams to ship apps on their terms.
Vercel, on the other hand, is optimized for Next.js. Vercel relies on the framework for its functionality. While it supports other frameworks, the platform is primarily designed around Next.js and v0 workflows and ecosystem. Teams committed to Next.js may benefit from this specialized optimization, though it may require additional services for complete backend functionality.
Local development & CLI experience
Netlify: offers a CLI that mirrors its production environment, making it easy to test serverless functions, redirects, and use environment variables locally. This minimizes surprises during deployment and speeds up debugging. Developers can spin up local previews with minimal setup and see exactly how their site will behave in production.
Vercel: provides a developer-friendly CLI with real-time deploy and preview features, especially optimized for Next.js apps. However, simulating production environments can require more manual configuration. Particularly for projects outside of the Next.js framework.
Monorepo & multi-site support
Netlify: supports monorepos out of the box, allowing teams to deploy multiple projects from a single repository using build contexts, directory targeting, and branch-based configurations. This is especially helpful for agencies or companies managing multiple microsites.
Vercel: supports monorepos through project linking and custom configuration, but setup can be more involved. Managing multiple apps may require deeper coordination within the dashboard.
Security & compliance
Netlify: includes security features like free SSL, environment variable protection, audit logs, and access controls across its plans, with enterprise options for WAF, SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance. Many of these features are accessible without jumping to the highest tier, making it ideal for growing teams.
Vercel: supports security best practices and offers enterprise-grade features such as SSO and audit logs, but many of its advanced security tools are gated behind higher pricing tiers. For teams that require compliance but are still growing, accessing those features may require a more significant investment.
Which companies use Netlify?
Netlify is trusted by a diverse range of organizations, from startups to global enterprises, to power their digital experiences.
Here are some notable companies using Netlify:
Check out the full list of companies who currently use Netlify here.
FAQs about Netlify vs Vercel
Can Netlify handle dynamic Next.js applications like Vercel?
Yes. Netlify fully supports all Next.js capabilities including SSR, ISR, and the App Router. The platform handles dynamic applications just as effectively as static sites.
Does Netlify support all Next.js features?
Absolutely. Netlify maintains complete feature parity with Next.js for production-ready features and has a dedicated framework team ensuring day-one compatibility with each major release.
Is migration from Vercel to Netlify difficult?
No. Most Next.js applications can be migrated in under an hour by following a simple process. Netlify’s configuration is straightforward and the platform automatically detects most Next.js settings.
Can I use Netlify’s free plan for commercial projects?
Yes. Unlike Vercel, Netlify’s free plan can be used for commercial projects and businesses, making it ideal for startups and small businesses.
Still deciding between Netlify and Vercel?
Both platforms bring powerful tools to the table, but the right choice depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a frontend-focused workflow with built-in features and automated deploys, Netlify is worth a closer look. It’s fast to start, easy to manage, and designed for modern development teams.
Get started quickly with our Next.js starter template, comprehensive documentation, and expert support available every step of the way.