SSR vs Prerendering
Which is Right?
Not sure whether to use server-side rendering or prerendering? Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Prerendering
Generates HTML for search bots on-demand. No code changes needed. Best for existing apps.
Setup: 5 minutes
SSR
Server renders HTML for every request. Built into Next.js/Nuxt. Best for dynamic content.
Setup: Days to weeks
CSR Only
Browser renders everything. Search bots may not see your content. Often causes SEO issues.
SEO: Problematic
Find Your Rendering Strategy
When to Use Each Approach
General guidelines for choosing a rendering strategy
Choose Prerendering When...
- •You have an existing React/Vue/Angular app
- •Content doesn't need real-time updates
- •You want quick results without code changes
- •Team resources are limited
- •Budget is a concern
Choose SSR When...
- •Building a new app from scratch
- •Content needs to be real-time accurate
- •Already using Next.js or Nuxt
- •Have engineering resources for refactoring
- •Need fine-grained control over rendering
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between SSR and prerendering?
SSR (Server-Side Rendering) generates HTML on your server for every request. Prerendering generates HTML only when search bots visit, while serving normal JavaScript to users. SSR requires code changes and server infrastructure; prerendering works with any existing app without modifications.
Is prerendering the same as dynamic rendering?
Yes, prerendering is often called dynamic rendering. Google officially recommends dynamic rendering as a solution for JavaScript SEO issues. It means serving different content to bots (pre-rendered HTML) and users (normal JavaScript app).
Which is better for SEO: SSR or prerendering?
Both achieve excellent SEO results when implemented correctly. The main differences are implementation effort and real-time capabilities. SSR is better for content that must be real-time accurate. Prerendering is better for existing apps where you want SEO benefits without code changes.
Can I use prerendering with Next.js?
Next.js already has built-in SSR and SSG, so you typically don't need prerendering. However, if you're using Next.js in client-side mode only, or have specific pages that aren't rendering properly for bots, prerendering can still help.
How long does it take to implement each approach?
Prerendering can be set up in 5-10 minutes with no code changes. SSR implementation varies: if starting fresh with Next.js/Nuxt it's built-in, but retrofitting SSR to an existing CSR app can take weeks to months depending on complexity.
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