What is AWS Amplify and are there better options for deploying React/Next.js apps?

I see Amplify more as a platform to help connect mobile apps to backend services. If you're already using AWS CDK, you're ahead of the game. Amplify can feel buggy and tightly coupled to specific services, which limits your options unless you're just doing quick demos. If you use something like NX monorepo along with CDK, it could help you create a more flexible architecture.

Some say Amplify is AWS's version of Netlify or Vercel, but it's pretty widely viewed as subpar compared to them. If you're looking for a simple hosting option for your React/Next.js app, checking out Vercel might be a good idea.

AWS Amplify is designed to help you host web applications fast with serverless configuration, so you don't have to dive into all the AWS services' setups. It can simplify development, especially if your team lacks AWS expertise. However, in reality, it can be a major headache. I've experienced many bugs and issues, and it tends to break CI/CD pipelines unexpectedly. You might spend more time troubleshooting than if you just handled deployment manually using tools like CloudFront and S3. If you aren't familiar with AWS, I'd recommend steering clear of Amplify entirely. And even if you are experienced, it might still not be worth it.

Think of Amplify as a bundled service offering S3 hosting with added features like CI/CD and a load balancer for your front end. While it's positioned as a solution for frontend developers to build without dealing with backend management, it can be overly opinionated and not cost-effective.