reactjsnext.jsrouter

What is different between App Router and Pages Router in Next.js?


I’ve just started learning Next.js through the official docs next.js official document

and came across two routing options: App Router and Pages Router. I get that the App Router lets you use cool features like Server Components and Streaming, while the Pages Router is the original way to build server-rendered apps.

But I’m still a bit confused about when to use one over the other. Can someone break down:

  1. The key differences between the two?

  2. Which one is better for performance and usability?

  3. Are there any best practices or real-world scenarios where one clearly makes more sense than the other?


Solution

  • Well to easily understand it, I have created the below table of difference, based on your requirement you can use desired router however app router is prefered in the official docs.

    Feature App Router Pages Router
    Routing type Server-centric Client-side
    Support for Server Components Yes No
    Complexity More complex Simpler
    Performance Better Worse
    Flexibility More flexible Less flexible