ReqRes compared to Vercel

ReqRes and Vercel serve different layers of your stack. Vercel deploys and hosts your frontend; ReqRes provides a backend you call with fetch(). Understanding when to use each-or both-helps you ship faster.

TL;DR

• Vercel is a deployment platform for frontend frameworks. It hosts your React, Next.js, or Svelte app and provides edge functions for backend logic.
• ReqRes is a ready-made backend surface. It gives you collections, app users, auth, and logs without writing any backend code.
• Vercel requires you to build backend endpoints; ReqRes provides them out of the box.
• They complement each other: deploy your frontend on Vercel, call ReqRes for data and auth.

What ReqRes is

ReqRes is a frontend-first backend designed for teams that want to ship without writing server code. You create a project that bundles:

• Collections - JSON database with REST endpoints
• App users - Magic-link authentication built in
• Request logs - Debug and observe every API call
• Custom endpoints - Mock specific responses for testing
• Triggers - Automate actions on data changes

Everything is accessible via standard fetch() calls. No backend repo, no database setup, no auth implementation.

What Vercel is

Vercel is a deployment platform optimized for frontend frameworks. It provides:

• Instant deploys from Git with preview URLs
• Edge network for global performance
• Serverless functions for backend logic
• Edge functions for low-latency compute
• Framework integration with Next.js, Nuxt, SvelteKit, and more

Vercel excels at deploying and hosting your frontend application. For backend functionality, you write serverless functions or connect external services.

Key differences

When to choose ReqRes

ReqRes is the better choice when you:

• Don't want to write backend code - ReqRes gives you REST endpoints for data and auth without any server-side work
• Need a backend fast - Create a project and start calling APIs in seconds
• Build client-only apps - Browser extensions, Electron apps, or SPAs that need lightweight persistence
• Run QA automation - Predictable, resettable data for end-to-end tests
• Prototype or demo - Ship a working app before investing in backend infrastructure
• Learn frontend development - Focus on React, Vue, or Svelte without backend distractions

Example scenarios:

• A React developer building a todo app without touching Node.js
• A startup demoing their product before hiring backend engineers
• A QA team running Playwright tests with consistent API responses
• A design agency building interactive prototypes for clients

When to choose Vercel (alone)

Vercel alone is sufficient when you:

• Have backend engineers who write serverless functions
• Use Next.js API routes or similar framework-native backend features
• Need custom backend logic that can't be expressed as CRUD + filters
• Integrate existing databases like Postgres, MongoDB, or Prisma
• Require specific auth flows with OAuth providers or enterprise SSO

Example scenarios:

• A full-stack team building a Next.js app with API routes
• A company with existing backend infrastructure adding a new frontend
• An app requiring complex server-side computations

Using ReqRes + Vercel together

ReqRes and Vercel work well together. Deploy your frontend on Vercel; call ReqRes for data and auth.

Benefits of this combination:

• Ship frontend and backend simultaneously without separate repos
• Global edge performance for your UI, instant APIs for your data
• No serverless function cold starts for your data layer
• Built-in auth without implementing magic links yourself
• Request logs for debugging production issues

Example architecture:

┌─────────────────┐      ┌─────────────────┐
│   Vercel Edge   │      │     ReqRes      │
│  (Your React/   │ ───► │  (Collections,  │
│   Next.js app)  │      │  App Users,     │
└─────────────────┘      │  Auth, Logs)    │
                         └─────────────────┘

Your Vercel-deployed app calls ReqRes APIs directly from the browser. No backend repo needed.

ReqRes is not for you if...

• You need to deploy custom backend code with complex business logic
• Your app requires OAuth providers like Google or GitHub
• You need server-side rendering with database queries
• You're building a full-stack framework app (Next.js, Remix) with API routes
• You need real-time WebSocket connections

Common questions

Can I use ReqRes with Next.js on Vercel?

Yes. Your Next.js app deployed on Vercel can call ReqRes APIs from client components. Use server components or API routes for sensitive operations, but ReqRes handles public data and app user auth well.

Do I need Vercel functions if I use ReqRes?

Often no. ReqRes covers CRUD operations, authentication, and webhooks. You might still want Vercel functions for:

• Third-party API integrations with secrets
• Complex computations that shouldn't run client-side
• Server-side rendering with data fetching

How does latency compare?

Vercel's edge network and ReqRes both serve responses globally. For data operations, ReqRes provides consistent latency without cold starts. Vercel functions may have cold start delays depending on configuration.

Can I migrate from ReqRes to Vercel functions later?

Yes. ReqRes collections are JSON-based. Export your data and implement equivalent API routes in your Next.js app when you need custom backend logic.

Next step

Try ReqRes with your next Vercel project. Create a project and call the APIs from your deployed frontend.

• Try ReqRes Projects - Create your first project
• See Notes example - Explore a working app