What I Like and Dislike About Next.js App Router After Using It ⚛️🚀

When Next.js introduced the App Router, it promised a new way to build modern React applications — more powerful, more scalable, and more aligned with the future of the web.

After actually using the App Router in real projects, my opinion is no longer based on documentation or hype. It’s based on experience.

This blog is an honest reflection on what I like and dislike about Next.js App Router, and how it has shaped the way I build applications today.

First Impressions

At first glance, the App Router feels overwhelming.

New concepts appear everywhere:

Layouts
Server Components
Streaming
Suspense boundaries
File-based conventions

Coming from the Pages Router, this felt like learning a new framework rather than an upgrade.

But once I got past that initial friction, things started to make sense.

What I Like About the App Router

1. Layouts Changed How I Structure Apps

The layout system is one of my favorite additions.

Instead of repeating logic across pages, layouts allow shared UI and logic to live in one place. Navigation, headers, footers, and providers feel cleaner and more intentional.

It encouraged me to think in application structure, not just individual pages.

2. Server Components Feel Powerful

Server Components initially felt confusing, but once understood, they unlock a lot of power.

They:

Reduce client-side JavaScript
Improve performance
Allow direct data access on the server

I now think more carefully about what actually needs to run in the browser, which has improved performance and clarity in my apps.

3. Streaming Improves Perceived Performance

Streaming responses make apps feel faster, even when they’re doing heavy work.

Instead of waiting for everything to load, users see content progressively. This small UX improvement makes a big difference in how responsive an app feels.

It’s one of those features you don’t notice when it works — but you really feel when it’s missing.

4. Better Alignment With Modern React

The App Router feels closer to where React itself is heading.

Suspense, async rendering, and server-first thinking are no longer optional patterns — they’re built into the framework.

This makes Next.js feel future-ready rather than backward-compatible.

What I Dislike About the App Router

1. The Learning Curve Is Real

The App Router is not beginner-friendly.

Understanding when to use server components, client components, layouts, and streaming takes time. The mental model shift is significant, especially for developers coming from traditional React or Pages Router.

It’s powerful — but not immediately intuitive.

2. Debugging Can Be Confusing

When something breaks, it’s not always obvious why.

Is it:

A server component issue?
A client-only hook?
A hydration mismatch?
A rendering boundary problem?

Debugging sometimes requires understanding internal framework behavior, which can slow development.

3. Too Much Magic at Times

The App Router does a lot automatically.

While this is great for productivity, it can feel like too much abstraction when things don’t behave as expected. Sometimes I wished for clearer control and more explicit behavior.

4. Migration Isn’t Always Smooth

Migrating existing projects from Pages Router to App Router isn’t always straightforward.

Some patterns don’t translate cleanly, and certain third-party libraries aren’t fully optimized for the new architecture yet.

For new projects, it’s great.
For older ones, migration needs careful planning.

How It Changed My Development Approach

After working with the App Router, I now:

Think server-first by default
Reduce client-side state whenever possible
Structure apps around layouts, not pages
Care more about loading states and transitions
Design with performance in mind from the start

Even when I’m not using Next.js, these habits carry over.

When I Would Recommend the App Router

I would recommend it when:

Starting a new project
Building performance-sensitive apps
Working with modern React patterns
Planning for long-term scalability

It shines in greenfield projects.

When I Would Be Careful

I’d be cautious when:

Working on legacy projects
Teaching beginners
Migrating large codebases quickly

In those cases, the Pages Router can still be a practical choice.

Final Thoughts

The Next.js App Router isn’t perfect — but it’s a strong step forward.

It forces better architecture, encourages performance-first thinking, and aligns closely with the future of React. At the same time, it demands patience and a willingness to learn new mental models.

For me, the benefits outweigh the frustrations.

And after using it, I don’t see myself going back.

This is not just a new router.

It’s a new way of thinking about how modern web applications should be built.