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Appwrite vs Directus

Open-source backend focused on generic APIs, not a full CMS with AI features
AppwriteOpen-source backend for web and mobile appsDirectusHeadless CMS and data platform on top of any SQL database

Which to pick

Pick Appwrite if you want…

  • All-in-one open-source backend
  • Open-source backend for web/mobile apps

Pick Directus if you want…

  • Headless CMS with AI-enabled data actions
  • Integrations with Next.js, Nuxt or Astro (on Directus' list, not Appwrite's)

Side by side

What it is
Appwrite:Appwrite is an open-source backend platform offering auth, databases, storage, functions, messaging, realtime and hosting.
Directus:Directus is a self-hostable headless CMS and data platform that adds instant REST/GraphQL APIs and AI-driven workflows to any SQL database.
Best for
Appwrite:All-in-one open-source backend
Directus:Headless CMS with AI-enabled data actions
Who it’s for
Appwrite:Developers building web, mobile or AI-agent applications who need a unified backend.
Directus:Developers, content teams, and ops who need a collaborative backend over existing databases.
Pricing
Appwrite:Freemium
Directus:Freemium
Plans
Appwrite:Free $0
Directus:Core $0 per month · Team $499 per month · Open Innovation Grant Free
Open source
Appwrite:Yes, 57,531 GitHub stars
Directus:Yes, 38,004 GitHub stars
Works with
Appwrite:React
Directus:Next.js, Nuxt, Astro, SvelteKit, React, Angular, Laravel, Django

Appwrite features

  • Auth. User authentication via email, SMS, OAuth, magic links and anonymous sessions.
  • Databases. Managed TablesDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL and vector stores with query and scaling tools.
  • Storage. File storage with compression, encryption, image transformations and access control.
  • Functions. Serverless functions with isolated runtimes, event-driven triggers and cron schedules.
  • Messaging. Unified email, SMS and push notification service with templating.
  • Realtime. Live event subscription for collaborative and real-time app experiences.
  • Sites. Deploy static, SSR or CSR front-ends from Git with instant previews.
  • Firewall. Edge security with traffic rules, rate limiting and abuse protection.

Directus features

  • Instant API generation. Creates production-ready REST and GraphQL endpoints directly from your SQL schema.
  • No-code admin interface. Provides a visual studio for content editors, asset management, and live preview without coding.
  • AI Assistant & MCP. Embedded conversational AI can write, translate, tag, and create records via Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, etc.
  • Role-based access control. Granular permissions govern both human users and AI agents.
  • Realtime & WebSockets. Subscribe to collections for live updates, enabling collaborative apps and dashboards.
  • Digital Asset Manager. Upload, transform, and serve media with on-the-fly resizing and CDN readiness.

Appwrite vs Directus FAQ

Is Appwrite or Directus free?+

Appwrite has a free plan and paid plans. Directus has a free plan (Core); paid plans start at $499/month (Team).

Is Appwrite or Directus open source?+

Yes, both are open source: Appwrite (appwrite/appwrite on GitHub, BSD-3-Clause license) and Directus (directus/directus on GitHub).

Do Appwrite and Directus integrate with the same tools?+

Partly. Both list React. Directus also lists Next.js, Nuxt, Astro, SvelteKit and 9 more.

On DevHunt

Appwrite

Listed by DevHunt

Appwrite on DevHunt →Appwrite alternatives

Directus

Listed by DevHunt

Directus on DevHunt →Directus alternatives

Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.