Vercel vs AWS vs Azure for UK Next.js Hosting — Honest Comparison (2025)
Vercel is the right choice for most UK Next.js projects: zero infrastructure management, automatic deployments, edge functions, and the best Next.js compatibility (Vercel created Next.js). AWS (Lambda + CloudFront or ECS) is better when UK GDPR data residency requirements are strict (Vercel's edge network processes globally — not suitable for NHS or highly regulated UK applications). Azure is right for NHS applications (NHS Landing Zone) or Microsoft-heavy enterprises. Next.js hosting choice affects performance, UK GDPR data residency, and operational overhead. Here is an honest comparison based on real UK deployments.
| Factor | Vercel | AWS (Lambda + CloudFront) | Azure (Static Web Apps / AKS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK GDPR data residency | ⚠️ Edge network globally | ✅ eu-west-2 London specific | ✅ UK South London specific |
| NHS DSP Toolkit compliance | ❌ Not DSP Toolkit compliant | ✅ NHS-approved data regions | ✅ NHS Landing Zone |
| Deployment simplicity | ✅ Git push = deploy | Complex (CDK/Terraform) | Complex (Bicep/ARM) |
| Next.js App Router support | ✅ First-class (Vercel built it) | Good (OpenNext adapter) | Good (adapter needed) |
| Edge functions | ✅ Native + fast | Lambda@Edge (slower) | Azure CDN Functions |
| Cost (small projects) | Hobby: free; Pro: £20/mo | Variable — can be cheaper | Variable |
| Cost at scale | Higher per request | Better TCO at high volume | Better TCO at high volume |
| GovTech / NHS use | ❌ Not appropriate | ✅ Appropriate | ✅ Appropriate (NHS Landing Zone) |
| ClickMasters default | Consumer/SaaS projects | Regulated/enterprise UK | NHS / Microsoft-heavy |
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