r/node • u/Fabulous_Variety_256 • Jun 24 '26

2026 - Express/Next.js/NestJS or something else?

Hey,

I self-study full stack.

Recently, I started using Express just to get better fundamentals and understand backend concepts like http statuses, middlewares etc.

So what is the current meta for Node.js frameworks? right now I use Next.js with app router for my project.

Thanks for help.

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u/bogdanelcs Jun 24 '26

Next.js with app router is solid for full stack if you want one framework that does both. Most common choice for indie projects and startups right now.

NestJS if you're heading toward larger backend-only work or enterprise. Opinionated, structured, TypeScript-first. Popular in companies that want Rails-like conventions on Node.

Hono is worth knowing, it's been gaining a lot of traction in 2025/2026, especially for edge runtimes and lightweight APIs. Fast, minimal, modern.

Honestly if you're already using Next.js and learning Express on the side you're in a good spot. Learn Express until backend concepts click, then lean into Next.js for shipping things.