Spring vs Nestjs | Which Framework Should You Choose?

Where Spring Framework Fits in Today's Stack

Spring is an open-source Java framework that offers an all-inclusive infrastructure for building Java and web applications. The framework is lightweight, loose-coupled, and includes dependency injection, aspect-oriented programming, and inversion of control in its core.

Overall, it presents a mature ecosystem for developing complex and enterprise-grade applications. 

Note: When looking for Spring, we often see “Spring Boot,” another framework built on top of the Spring, extending the Spring’s capabilities. 

A Closer Look at NestJS

It is a progressive node js framework for backend development. When we refer Nodejs framework, it means the Nestjs app requires Nodejs runtime to execute. In particular, NodeJS is a JavaScript runtime environment renowned for its exceptional speed in executing code. With Node.js, developers can use JavaScript outside the browser. 

NestJS harnesses the capabilities of Node.js and renowned Node.js frameworks like Express and Fastify. You can write backend programs in TypeScript/JavaScript. It provides multiple programming paradigms to choose from for developers, such as:

1. OOP (object-oriented programming)
   FP (functional programming)
   FRP(functional reactive programming).
2. This versatility enables rapid development and enhances the flexibility of the framework.

Let's explore the distinct features of the frameworks that contribute to their widespread adoption, emphasizing the factors that distinguish them from each other.

Top Features of Spring Framework

The Spring offers a range of features to simplify large and complex app development. Some of the key features of the framework include the following: 

1. Dependency injection

Dependency injection is the core of the Spring Framework. DI allows developers to build loosely coupled applications.

2. Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) support

AOP or aspect-oriented programming promotes modularity of cross-cutting concerns (examples of cross-cutting concerns are logging, error handling, caching, transactional management, and authentication). 

In other words,  it promotes reusability by encapsulating the cross-cutting concerns into aspects. Later, the aspects can be applied to various parts of the system, promoting code readability and maintainability. 

3. Data access framework

When it comes to communicating with a database, many frameworks do not provide the amount of ease required to focus on development parts. 

In the case of Spring, it greatly simplifies database communication by incorporating support for Java access frameworks such as Hibernate, JDBC, and JPA(Java Persistence API).  

4. Transaction management framework

Spring introduces its own transaction management component, streamlining the transaction management process within an application. 

5. Application testing

Testing is a critical process that enables the initial evaluation of an application to ensure it functions as planned. It contains various testing features that simplify the testing of the application. These features help in efficient and effective testing. 

In addition to the features mentioned above, the Spring Framework offers notable features like a well-defined MVC structure, web service support, a core container, etc.

Top Features of NestJS

NestJS, a popular framework for building Node.js applications, includes a diverse set of features that contribute to rapid application development. Below are some key features provided by NestJS:

1. Progressive framework

As mentioned above, it is a progressive framework, though “progressive” has a broad meaning, and it can have different meanings. In the context of software development frameworks, it refers to a progressive approach where you start with small and progressively build something bigger. 

For example, NestJS can be a perfect choice for building a single-page application, and later, the new functionality can be added to the application over time, enabling the creation of complex applications in a step-by-step and straightforward manner. 

2. Scalable

The framework allows the development of scalable applications so that if the app’s popularity grows over time and requires more resources to handle the increased demand, it can be scaled without compromising performance. 

3. Extensible

Extensibility refers to extending the framework’s capabilities beyond its core functionality. Its modular structure allows developers to add more functionalities, features, and modules without requiring significant modification to the existing database. As a result, you can efficiently customize your framework with ease.

4. Versatile

Though scalability and extensibility are part of a versatile ecosystem, the Nestjs framework has the ability to integrate with Express and Fastify easily, enabling the framework to achieve different functionality in order to serve a wide range of requirements. 

NestJS vs Spring Boot Performance Comparison

When comparing frameworks, performance is often a deciding factor. Both Spring Boot and NestJS have their strengths, but they behave differently under real-world conditions.

1. Startup Time:

Spring Boot applications typically take longer to start because they run on the JVM and require class loading, dependency injection setup, and other heavy initializations. NestJS, built on Node.js, offers faster startup times due to JavaScript’s lightweight runtime and asynchronous nature.

2. Runtime Efficiency:

Spring Boot delivers robust and consistent runtime performance, especially for enterprise-grade applications. The JVM optimizes execution over time using Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, which can lead to very efficient performance in long-running applications.

NestJS, on the other hand, leverages the non-blocking, event-driven Node.js architecture, making it highly efficient for handling concurrent requests and I/O-heavy workloads.

3. Memory Usage:

NestJS typically requires less memory than Spring Boot because of the lighter Node.js runtime. This makes it suitable for microservices and applications deployed in environments where resources are constrained. Spring Boot, while more resource-intensive, excels at managing large and complex applications with multiple integrations and dependencies.

Bottom Line:

1. Choose NestJS when speed of startup, lower memory usage, and handling concurrent requests are key priorities.

2. Choose Spring Boot when building large-scale, enterprise applications that benefit from JVM optimizations and mature tooling.

Pros and Cons

Spring Boot vs NestJS: Enterprise Use Cases

Spring Boot has long been the framework of choice for enterprise systems. Its deep ecosystem, mature tooling, and proven stability make it ideal for industries where uptime, compliance, and integration with legacy systems are critical.

Financial services, insurance, and healthcare organizations often prefer Spring Boot because of its strong transaction management, advanced security features, and compatibility with established Java-based infrastructure.

NestJS, while younger, is finding its place in modern enterprise use cases. Companies building SaaS platforms, microservices, or cloud-native applications can leverage NestJS for faster prototyping and smoother integration with JavaScript-heavy frontends.

Although it may not yet match Spring Boot’s decades of enterprise adoption, NestJS is proving effective in digital-first businesses that value agility over legacy alignment.

Spring Boot vs NestJS: Learning Curve & Developer Productivity

Learning curve often determines how quickly a team can deliver results. For Spring Boot, the learning curve is steeper. Developers need to be comfortable with Java, understand concepts like dependency injection, AOP, and Spring’s configuration patterns.

This depth of knowledge pays off with productivity gains once the framework is mastered, but onboarding new developers can take time. NestJS, on the other hand, is more approachable for teams already familiar with JavaScript or TypeScript.

Its syntax and modular structure feel natural to front-end developers transitioning into backend work, which can reduce ramp-up time. The framework’s well-defined conventions and TypeScript support also improve productivity by catching errors early and keeping the codebase maintainable.

In short, Spring Boot offers long-term productivity for seasoned Java teams, while NestJS enables faster onboarding and developer velocity for teams rooted in the JavaScript ecosystem.

Every framework, including Spring and Nest.js, has its flaws and limitations. This is because frameworks are developed to address specific problems, aiming to simplify development processes.

As a result, it’s unavoidable to encounter limitations associated with each framework. In this section, we will explore those of Spring and Nest.js.

Spring is excellent for working with complex and large applications. Its features, such as Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP), the Plain Old Java Object (POJO) paradigm, and a wealth of functionalities, will ease the development. By opting for Spring instead of Nest, you will get the following advantages:

1. Various kinds of pre-defined templates for Hibernate, JDBC, and JPA technologies eliminate the need to write complex code. 

2. Dependency injections for loose coupling, increasing modularity, and flexibility in application design. 

3. Spring streamlines testing by including features like dependency injection, mock objects, and integration testing support. 

4. Spring enables rapid application development with its rich set of pre-built components, simplified configurations, and efficient development patterns.

5. Spring offers strong abstraction capabilities, allowing developers to focus on business logic while abstracting away the complexities of underlying technologies and frameworks.

6. Spring’s lightweight Inversion of Control (IoC) container enables the creation and deployment of applications on systems with restricted memory and CPU resources.

7. It is complex to learn and use, especially for beginners, as it comes up with a lot of pre-built features that require prior knowledge of the acronyms and abbreviations it uses.

8. The allowance for dependency can make your development easier; at the same time, it can increase the risk of security vulnerabilities. 

9. Many people praise frameworks as being unopinionated in nature; Spring is not opinionated, which has its disadvantages.

10. Due to its complex configuration, it can be difficult to debug sometimes. 

Pros and Cons of Nestjs

There are numerous advantages to opting for NestJS in web development.

1. It’s a JavaScript framework; you will have a vast and supportive community that can provide excellent support and resources when stuck.

2. It is lightweight and faster; moreover, it is a beginner-friendly framework.

3. With a single-threaded architecture and efficient memory utilization, NestJS ensures optimal resource management.

4. It has event-driven capabilities, allowing the code execution in an asynchronous manner.

5. It has support for Typescript, Rest, and GraphQL.  

6. It is easier to start for a beginner.

7. It is easy to integrate it with other frameworks.

8. Nesjs has a highly defined structure that provides developers with a clear and organized structure, though it can present challenges for new developers, as it can also be overwhelming to get accustomed to a strict structure.

9. It uses a lot of acronyms and abbreviations that can confuse a beginner. 

10. NestJS is not as mature as established frameworks such as Spring. Also, due to its newness, you may find fewer libraries and tools.   

Which One to Choose Between Spring vs NestJS? 

Spring Boot vs NestJS: Which One Scales Better?

Scalability is one of the deciding factors when choosing a backend framework. Both Spring Boot and NestJS can handle growth, but they approach it differently.

NestJS benefits from the non-blocking, event-driven architecture of Node.js. This makes it well-suited for applications that need to handle a large number of concurrent requests with relatively lightweight processing.

Its modular design also allows developers to break down features into independent units, making it easier to extend functionality as the project grows. For startups or businesses expecting unpredictable traffic spikes, NestJS offers a straightforward path to scale horizontally across multiple servers.

Spring Boot, on the other hand, leverages the robustness of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It excels at running long-lived, resource-intensive applications where consistent performance and reliability are critical.

Spring Boot also integrates seamlessly with enterprise infrastructure tools, cloud platforms, and microservices orchestration systems like Kubernetes. This makes it a strong candidate for large-scale, mission-critical systems where vertical scaling (increasing computing power on a single machine) and horizontal scaling must work in tandem.

In short, NestJS scales efficiently for I/O-heavy, modern applications, while Spring Boot shines in enterprise ecosystems that require complex integrations, heavy workloads, and long-term maintainability.

Spring Boot vs NestJS: Performance Insights

When performance is the priority, the differences between Spring Boot and NestJS become more noticeable.

NestJS, running on top of Node.js, is designed for high-throughput, I/O-heavy applications. Its event-driven, non-blocking model allows it to process thousands of concurrent requests efficiently with minimal resource consumption.

This makes it an attractive choice for real-time applications such as chat platforms, live updates, and streaming services. Developers also benefit from faster startup times, which can improve deployment agility in containerized or serverless environments.

Spring Boot, powered by the JVM, typically has a longer startup time compared to NestJS. However, once running, it provides consistent and reliable performance for CPU-intensive and long-running workloads.

Spring Boot applications handle complex transactions, heavy data processing, and enterprise-grade integrations more effectively than Node-based frameworks. The JVM’s mature garbage collection, thread management, and memory optimization mechanisms give Spring Boot stability at scale.

In practice, NestJS delivers speed and responsiveness in lightweight scenarios, while Spring Boot excels at maintaining performance under sustained, enterprise-level workloads. Choosing between them depends on whether your project emphasizes fast, concurrent request handling or long-term stability under heavy processing.

Top Companies using Spring 

1. Indeed

A leading job portal that connects seekers and employers, providing real-time updates, insightful reviews, and personalized recommendations. 

2. ZOOM

It is a leading video conferencing platform that allows businesses and individuals to host and schedule virtual meetings. 

3. McDonald’s Global Technology

A technology division of the renowned global fast-food chain, McDonald’s, focuses on developing technical solutions.  

4. Visa INC

It is among the world’s largest payment technology companies that offer electronic payment solutions. 

5. Best Buy

Best Buy is a multinational retailer specializing in electronics and technical appliances. 

6. Accenture

It is a world-renowned company providing consulting, technology, and outsourcing services across the globe. 

7. FNB

First National Bank is one of the leading financial institutions in South Africa.

8. Schneider Electric

It is the world’s leading energy management and automation solutions provider. 

9. Amazon

Amazon is the world’s leading online e-commerce store. 

Top Companies Using NestJs

1. Roche

It is a multinational healthcare company based in Switzerland, and is also one of the largest pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies in the world.

2. Adidas

It is a well-known global sportswear and athletic footwear company.

3. Capgemini

Capgemini is one of the well-known multinational consulting and professional companies that provide technical solutions. 

4. Decathlon

Decathlon is a global sporting goods retailer that offers a wide range of sports equipment and accessories. 

5. Autodesk

Autodesk is a leading corporation that makes products and services for the engineering, architecture, and entertainment industries.

Conclusion

This article aims to provide a concise overview of the main differences between Nest and Spring frameworks, helping you in choosing the right framework for your development endeavors. 

Have you decided on the technology to be used for your upcoming project development? Brilworks, a prominent Node js development company, offers the expertise of both Node and Spring developers. If you require further information or direct assistance in selecting the appropriate tool, feel free to reach out to us and hire a Node.js developer or Java Spring developer from our team today.