Edge runtime runs closer to users and can reduce latency for lightweight logic (redirects, simple auth). Node.js runtime is more flexible (full Node APIs, heavier dependencies) and is better for complex server work like DB drivers and heavy computation.
Expanding on the short answer — what usually matters in practice:
A tiny example (an explanation template):
// Example: discuss trade-offs for "edge-runtime-vs-node.js-runtime-in-next.js-—-whe"
function explain() {
// Start from the core idea:
// Edge runtime runs closer to users and can reduce latency for lightweight logic (redirects,
}