# Deploying Next.js to Vercel vs AWS: What I Choose and When
By Govind Bajaj · 2026

Tags: deployment, vercel, aws, next.js, infrastructure
I deploy most projects to Vercel. Two projects are on AWS. The decision comes down to one question: how much control do I actually need?
I deploy most of my Next.js projects to Vercel. Two projects are on AWS ECS. The decision comes down to one question: how much control do I actually need?

Vercel gives you zero-config deployments, automatic previews for pull requests, and global CDN. AWS gives you complete control over the infrastructure, custom server configurations, and no vendor lock-in.

Here is how I decide which to use.

## When Vercel Is the Right Choice

Vercel is the default for Next.js projects. It is built by the same team that builds Next.js, so features are supported on day one.

Use Vercel when: you want zero-config deployment (git push, get URL), you need preview deployments for every pull request, you are using Next.js features like Edge Functions or ISR, your traffic is variable (Vercel scales automatically), and you want built-in analytics and monitoring.

The Sans Herbals store runs on Vercel. It handles traffic spikes during sales without any configuration. Preview deployments let me test changes on real URLs before merging.

## When AWS Is the Right Choice

AWS is the choice when you need infrastructure control that Vercel does not provide.

Use AWS when: you need custom server configurations (specific Node.js version, custom OS packages), you have long-running server-side processes, you need to integrate with existing AWS infrastructure (VPC, RDS, Lambda), or you want to avoid vendor lock-in.

The IoT sensor platform runs on AWS because it needs a persistent MQTT broker and custom network configuration that Vercel does not support.

## The Hybrid Approach

You can use both. Frontend on Vercel, backend services on AWS. This gives you the developer experience of Vercel for the frontend and the flexibility of AWS for infrastructure.

The Blue Ocean Exports project uses this pattern: Next.js frontend on Vercel, Node.js API on AWS ECS, MongoDB on MongoDB Atlas. Each piece runs where it makes sense.

## Cost Comparison

For small to medium projects, Vercel is cheaper because you pay nothing for infrastructure management. Your time has value.

For large projects with consistent high traffic, AWS can be cheaper because you are not paying Vercel's premium for managed infrastructure. But you are paying with engineering time for management.

## Takeaways

- Vercel for Next.js projects that need zero-config deployment and automatic scaling
- AWS for projects that need custom infrastructure or long-running processes
- The hybrid approach (Vercel frontend + AWS backend) gives you the best of both
- Start with Vercel, move to AWS only when you have a specific requirement Vercel cannot meet
- Your time managing infrastructure has a cost — factor that into the decision
- The question is not which is better, but which trade-offs fit your project