How to Set Up React 19 in 2025: Comparing Vite, Next.js, and More

React 19 is shaping the future of frontend development in 2025 with exciting features like the React Compiler, streaming SSR, and the enhanced use hook. But for developers, one question remains tricky:

How should I set up a new React 19 project in 2025 — with Next.js, Vite, or something else?

Let’s break it down and help you choose the best React 19 setup for your project.

🚀 What’s New in React 19?

React 19 (currently in Release Candidate) introduces:

React Compiler for automatic memoization
Concurrent Features built-in
Streaming Server-Side Rendering (SSR)
Better React Server Components support
Improved ergonomics for hooks via the new use() syntax

To take full advantage, your framework needs to support these.

✅ Best Framework for React 19: Next.js 14

Next.js (maintained by Vercel) is officially aligned with the React core team, and it’s the first to adopt new React features.

Benefits:

✅ Built-in support for React Server Components

✅ Out-of-the-box App Router

✅ Seamless SSR, SSG, and Edge Functions

✅ Scalable structure for large projects

✅ Excellent for SEO, performance, and accessibility

Ideal For:

Production apps
Full-stack apps
SEO-heavy websites
Blog & eCommerce platforms

Setup:

npx create-next-app@latest my-app
# Select React 19 if available

⚡️ Fast & Simple: Vite with React 19

Vite is a lightning-fast bundler that’s perfect for single-page apps and dashboards.

Benefits:

⚡ Super fast dev server
🛠️ Easy configuration
🎯 Ideal for SPAs and internal tools
🔥 Supports react@rc and experimental features

Ideal For:

Dashboards
Tools and utilities
Lightweight SPAs

Setup:

npm create vite@latest my-app -- --template react
cd my-app
npm install react@rc react-dom@rc

You can also use vite-plugin-react to enable advanced features like hot reload and SWC-based fast refresh.

🛑 Avoid Using: Create React App (CRA) in 2025

Create React App was great in the past, but in 2025:

❌ No React 19 support out of the box

❌ Outdated Webpack config

❌ No SSR, RSC, or app routing

❌ Poor performance vs. Vite or Next.js

👉 If you’re still using CRA, consider migrating to Vite or Next.js.

🧠 Which One Should You Choose?

Use Case	Best Choice
Full-stack, SEO-focused, scalable apps	Next.js 14
Lightweight dashboards or SPAs	Vite + React 19
Learning or experimenting	Vite or Next.js
Legacy projects	Consider migrating from CRA

💡 Pro Tips for React 19 Projects in 2025

Use react@rc or react@canary to access React 19 features.
Avoid custom Webpack unless necessary.
Try Turbopack (experimental) if you’re using Next.js for even faster bundling.
Use TypeScript for better DX and future-proofing.
Always monitor the React 19 changelog for updates.