Host your Next.js front end on Vercel for the best developer experience, run your backend and database on AWS for control and scale, or use Render as a simple all-in-one middle ground. A very common, pragmatic setup is Next.js on Vercel plus data and services on AWS.
The options
- Vercel: best-in-class Next.js hosting, edge network, zero-config deploys — ideal for the front end.
- AWS: maximum control, scale, and compliance options — more setup and ops expertise required.
- Render: a simple platform-as-a-service for apps, databases, and jobs — a good middle ground for small teams.
Which to choose
- Early-stage, want to move fast: Vercel for frontend, a managed database, minimal ops.
- Need scale, compliance, or complex infrastructure: AWS.
- Want simplicity without going full AWS: Render.
Our approach
We often host the Next.js front end on Vercel and put data, backend services, and anything compliance-sensitive on AWS, using Docker for portability and infrastructure-as-code with CI/CD so deploys are repeatable. The goal is the simplest setup that meets your scale and compliance needs — no more.