Custom React/Next.js Development vs Templates: What’s the Real Difference?

At 5Hz, we often meet founders who ask: “Why should I pay for custom React/Next.js development when I can just use a ready-made template?” The answer lies in scalability, performance, and long-term ROI. Let’s break it down.

Yaroslav Kubik

1 min read
Custom React/Next.js Development vs Templates: What’s the Real Difference?

At 5Hz, we often meet founders who ask: “Why should I pay for custom React/Next.js development when I can just use a ready-made template?” The answer lies in scalability, performance, and long-term ROI. Let’s break it down.

Templates: Quick but Limited

Templates (WordPress, Webflow, even Next.js boilerplates) are great for MVPs, landing pages, or small projects. You get speed and lower cost, but:

  • Limited customization.

  • Performance issues as you grow.

  • Harder integration with APIs, payment systems, or custom business logic.

Custom Development: Built for Growth

With custom React/Next.js development, your product is designed for your needs:

  • Faster load times with server-side rendering (SSR).

  • Seamless API & third-party integrations.

  • Scalable architecture to handle 10 users or 100,000.

  • Unique UI/UX, not another “template look.”

When to Choose What

Choose a template: testing an idea quickly, low budget, short-term project.

Choose custom development: when you plan to scale, need unique features, or handle sensitive data.

Conclusion

Templates are a sprint, custom development is a marathon. At 5Hz, we help startups move from MVPs to scalable products that attract real users.