Strapi vs Directus(2026)
Strapi is better for teams that need open source. Directus is the stronger choice if works with your existing database. Strapi is freemium (from $29/month (cloud)) and Directus is open-source (from $15/month (cloud)).
Full feature breakdown, pricing details, and pros & cons below.
By Bikram Nath
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Strapi
Strapi is an open-source headless CMS that is fully customizable and developer-first.
Starting at $29/month (cloud)
Visit StrapiDirectus
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 DirectusHow Do Strapi and Directus Compare on Features?
| Feature | Strapi | Directus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | freemium | open-source |
| Starting price | $29/month (cloud) | $15/month (cloud) |
| REST and GraphQL APIs | ✓ | — |
| Custom content types | ✓ | — |
| Media library | ✓ | — |
| Role management | ✓ | — |
| Plugins | ✓ | — |
| Self-hostable | ✓ | — |
| Auto-generated REST API | — | ✓ |
| GraphQL support | — | ✓ |
| Any SQL database | — | ✓ |
| Role-based permissions | — | ✓ |
| Data studio UI | — | ✓ |
| Real-time webhooks | — | ✓ |
Strapi Pros and Cons vs Directus
Strapi
Directus
Should You Use Strapi or Directus?
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 open source or works with your existing database more.
Choose Strapi if…
- •Open source
- •Self-hostable (free)
- •Highly customizable
Choose Directus if…
- •Works with your existing database
- •Open source (self-host free)
- •Flexible data model