Zustand vs Redux – Which One I Actually Choose for My React & Next.js Projects
Frontend · 2026-04-03 · 23 min · Barthez Kenwou
Redux or Zustand in 2026? After migrating several client apps (React/Next.js) from Redux to Zustand, here’s my honest analysis: boilerplate, performance (bundle ~1.2kB vs 13-20kB), re-renders, scalability, debugging and ecosystem. When Zustand wins hands-down (MVPs, medium apps, speed), when Redux Toolkit remains unbeatable (large teams, complex state, RTK Query). The decision rule I actually apply + concrete examples and benchmarks.
Tags : Zustand, Redux, ReactStateManagement, NextJS, Performance, Boilerplate, DevExperience