Next.js and React are two prominent JavaScript frameworks often compared for their distinct features and use cases. React is a popular library for building user interfaces with a component-based architecture and a virtual DOM that enhances performance. It allows for flexibility in app structure and is supported by a vast community, but it requires additional configuration for features like server-side rendering (SSR). Next.js, built on top of React, offers out-of-the-box SSR, automatic code splitting, and static site generation, making it well-suited for SEO-friendly and high-performance applications. While React is ideal for single-page applications and scenarios where SEO is not a priority, Next.js is preferable for projects requiring fast load times and server-side capabilities. The choice between the two depends on project requirements, such as the need for SSR, SEO optimization, and ease of configuration. Both frameworks have strong documentation and community support, though Next.js simplifies many processes that would require manual setup in React.