Astro vs Next.js (eastondev benchmark, Dec 2025): ~40% faster, ~90% less JS for static content

Claim: Astro benchmarks show ~40% faster page loads and ~90% less JavaScript than equivalent Next.js builds for static content sites.

Source: eastondev.com Astro vs Next.js benchmark (December 2025, updated May 2026); also Alex Bobes 2026.

Confidence: Single-source (vendor-neutral practitioner benchmark; methodology disclosed but small sample).

Why it matters for Candid: The Astro/Next.js/Hugo/Qwik wave is winning on CWV because partial hydration / islands architecture / static-first rendering sends 60-90% less JavaScript than a hydrated React app for the same content. For content-heavy SMB marketing sites, the architectural choice can be more impactful than any post-launch optimization. Pairs with the brief 10 examples ([[astro-cloudflare-pages-cost-vs-nextjs]], [[state-of-js-2025-astro-satisfaction-lead]]).