Directus vs Strapi(2026)
Directus is better for teams that need works with your existing database. Strapi is the stronger choice if open source. Directus is open-source (from $15/month (cloud)) and Strapi is freemium (from $29/month (cloud)).
Full feature breakdown, pricing details, and pros & cons below.
By Bikram Nath
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Directus
Directus is an open source headless CMS and data platform that wraps any SQL database with a REST and GraphQL API.
Starting at $15/month (cloud)
Visit DirectusStrapi
Strapi is an open-source headless CMS that is fully customizable and developer-first.
Starting at $29/month (cloud)
Visit StrapiHow Do Directus and Strapi Compare on Features?
| Feature | Directus | Strapi |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | freemium |
| Starting price | $15/month (cloud) | $29/month (cloud) |
| Auto-generated REST API | ✓ | — |
| GraphQL support | ✓ | — |
| Any SQL database | ✓ | — |
| Role-based permissions | ✓ | — |
| Data studio UI | ✓ | — |
| Real-time webhooks | ✓ | — |
| REST and GraphQL APIs | — | ✓ |
| Custom content types | — | ✓ |
| Media library | — | ✓ |
| Role management | — | ✓ |
| Plugins | — | ✓ |
| Self-hostable | — | ✓ |
Directus Pros and Cons vs Strapi
Directus
Strapi
Should You Use Directus or Strapi?
For most teams, Directus is the better default: it offers works with your existing database and is open-source (from $15/month (cloud)). Choose Strapi instead if open source matters more than more complex setup than sanity. There is no universal winner — the right pick depends on your budget, team size, and whether you value works with your existing database or open source more.
Choose Directus if…
- •Works with your existing database
- •Open source (self-host free)
- •Flexible data model
Choose Strapi if…
- •Open source
- •Self-hostable (free)
- •Highly customizable