Comparison
Vercel vs AWS: where to deploy your app
Different platforms for different needs. Here's an honest comparison to help you choose the right deployment target.
Vercel
Platform built for frontend and Next.js. Zero-config deployments, edge network, and preview deployments out of the box.
AWS
The most comprehensive cloud platform. Full infrastructure control with hundreds of services for any architecture.
| Feature | Vercel | AWS |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Minutes — connect repo and deploy | Hours to days — significant configuration |
| Next.js Support | First-class — built by the same team | Good — via Amplify or custom setup |
| Pricing | Simple — per-seat + usage | Complex — pay per service/resource |
| Scalability | Automatic, managed | Virtually unlimited, self-managed |
| Control | Limited — managed platform | Full — own everything |
| CI/CD | Built-in, automatic | CodePipeline or third-party |
| Edge Functions | Built-in, easy | Lambda@Edge or CloudFront Functions |
| Preview Deployments | Automatic per PR | Custom setup required |
When to choose each
Choose Vercel
Choose Vercel when you're building with Next.js, want zero-config deployments, need preview deployments for your team, and don't need custom backend infrastructure.
Choose AWS
Choose AWS when you need custom backend services (databases, queues, ML), require specific compliance certifications, or need fine-grained infrastructure control.
Our verdict
We default to Vercel for Next.js frontend deployment — the developer experience is unmatched. For backend services, databases, and complex infrastructure, we pair it with AWS or use AWS exclusively when the project demands it.
Frequently asked questions
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