Astro vs. Next.js vs. SvelteKit for eCommerce: Which Should You Pick?
Table of Content
So your friend wants to build a simple eCommerce site with payment checkout, static pages, and Pocketbase as a backend. They’re stuck between Astro, Next.js, and SvelteKit. Let’s break this down like we’re chatting over coffee—no jargon, no fluff, just real talk.
First, the TL;DR
- Astro: Best for static sites that load insanely fast. Perfect if you want simplicity, minimal JavaScript, and stellar SEO.
- Next.js: The Swiss Army knife. Great if you might need SSR, dynamic features, or a massive ecosystem later.
- SvelteKit: Lightweight and slick, but its ecosystem is still growing. Feels like a sports car—fast, but not as many spare parts.
(Spoiler: Astro might just steal your heart 🚀)
The Showdown: Astro, Next.js, and SvelteKit
1. Astro 🌌
Why it’s awesome:
- Static-first: Astro generates static HTML by default. Your product pages? Lightning-fast.
- Partial hydration: Only load JavaScript where needed (like a checkout button). The rest? Pure HTML/CSS.
- No client-side bloat: Perfect for content-heavy sites where users shouldn’t notice any lag.
- Pocketbase integration: Just fetch data via API. No need for complex SSR setups.
When it’s overkill:
- If you need real-time features (e.g., live inventory updates) or heavy user auth flows.
Scalability:
- Scales effortlessly for static content via CDNs. If you outgrow static, you can add serverless functions or migrate to a hybrid setup later.
Ecosystem:
- Growing fast. Integrates with React, Vue, or Svelte components if you need interactivity.
2. Next.js 🌍
Why it’s awesome:
- Full-stack power: Built-in API routes, SSR, ISR, and SSG. If your friend’s site might need dynamic pricing or user dashboards later, Next.js is ready.
- Massive ecosystem: Plugins for payments (Stripe, PayPal), auth (NextAuth), and analytics are a npm install away.
- Pocketbase + Next.js: Use API routes to proxy requests or secure sensitive logic on the server.
When it’s overkill:
- For a simple static site. Next.js adds complexity (Webpack, Node.js) you might not need.
Scalability:
- Scales well for both static and dynamic needs. Vercel’s hosting makes it a breeze.
Ecosystem:
- The biggest community of the three. You’ll find tutorials, templates, and troubleshooting help everywhere.
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3. SvelteKit 🚀
Why it’s awesome:
- Zero-runtime magic: Svelte compiles components to vanilla JS, so your site feels snappy.
- Simple syntax: Less code = fewer bugs. Great for devs who hate boilerplate.
- Adapters for everything: Deploy to Netlify, Vercel, or even a Raspberry Pi.
When it’s overkill:
- If you need a massive ecosystem. SvelteKit’s community is smaller, so you might DIY more.
Scalability:
- Scales well, but you’ll need to lean on serverless functions or external services (like Pocketbase) for backend-heavy tasks.
Ecosystem:
- Growing, but not as mature as Next.js. You might write custom code for payment integrations.
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Comparison Table
| Feature | Astro | Next.js | SvelteKit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 🚀 Blazing fast | ⚡ Fast (SSR/SSG) | 🏃 Lean & quick |
| Static Site Gen | ✅ Default | ✅ Optional | ✅ Optional |
| Server-Side Rendering | ❌ Limited | ✅ Built-in | ✅ Built-in |
| Ecosystem | 🌱 Growing | 🌳 Massive | 🌱 Growing |
| Learning Curve | 📈 Gentle | 📈 Moderate | 📈 Gentle |
| Best For | Static content | Hybrid apps | Lightweight projects |
| Overkill? | ❌ No | ✅ Maybe | ❌ No |
The Verdict
Astro wins here. Why?
- Your friend’s site is simple: static pages, products, checkout.
- Astro’s static-first approach means faster load times and cheaper hosting (CDNs love static assets).
- Pocketbase integration is straightforward—just fetch data client-side or via serverless functions.
- Scalability? You can always add dynamic features later with Astro’s “islands” architecture.
But wait!
- Pick Next.js if you think the site will grow into a dynamic app (user accounts, subscriptions, etc.).
- Pick SvelteKit if you want a lightweight, modern stack and don’t mind a smaller ecosystem.
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When to Use Each Framework
- Astro: Blogs, portfolios, marketing sites, simple eCommerce.
- Next.js: Apps needing SSR, dashboards, or hybrid rendering.
- SvelteKit: Lightweight apps, PWAs, or devs who love Svelte’s syntax.
Need a Custom Plan?
If you’re helping companies or agencies pick the right tool, here’s my advice:
- Start with Astro for content-driven projects.
- Go Next.js for apps that need scalability and SSR.
- Try SvelteKit for passion projects or teams that hate boilerplate.
And if you’re stuck? Hit me up—I’ll help you navigate the chaos. 🛠️
Final Thought: Don’t over-engineer. Your friend’s site doesn’t need a rocket ship if a bicycle will do. But if you want to future-proof? Astro’s simplicity + Pocketbase’s backend is a match made in heaven. 🌠
P.S. Pocketbase is a genius pick. Low-code backends FTW!
