Directus vs NocoDB

Directus provides a headless CMS on top of SQL databases, while NocoDB offers spreadsheet-style views and full CRUD UI without a CMS layer.

DirectusHeadless CMS and data platform on top of any SQL database

NocoDBOpen-source Airtable alternative on your SQL database

Which to pick

Pick Directus if you want…

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

Pick NocoDB if you want…

Self-hosted no-code database UI
Integrations with MySQL, Webhooks or Okta (on NocoDB's list, not Directus')

Side by side

What it is: 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.; NocoDB:Open-source platform that turns SQL databases into a no-code spreadsheet-style interface with multiple views and APIs.
Best for: Directus:Headless CMS with AI-enabled data actions; NocoDB:Self-hosted no-code database UI
Who it’s for: Directus:Developers, content teams, and ops who need a collaborative backend over existing databases.; NocoDB:Product teams, developers, and businesses that need a self-hosted Airtable-like UI on existing Postgres/MySQL databases.
Pricing: Directus:Freemium; NocoDB:Freemium
Plans: Directus:Core $0 per month · Team $499 per month · Open Innovation Grant Free; NocoDB:Free $0 · Plus $12 per seat per month, billed ann · Business $24 per seat per month, billed ann · Scale $45 per seat per month, billed ann · Community (Self-hosted) $0
Open source: Directus:Yes, 38,004 GitHub stars; NocoDB:Yes, 65,214 GitHub stars
Works with: Directus:Next.js, Nuxt, Astro, SvelteKit, React, Angular, Laravel, Django; NocoDB:MySQL, Webhooks, Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace, GitHub, Jira

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.

NocoDB features

Multiple Views. Grid, Kanban, Gallery, Form, Calendar and Map views let users interact with data in the format they prefer.
External DB Connectivity. Connect to existing Postgres or MySQL databases and work with live data without migration.
API & Webhooks. Generate REST APIs and trigger webhooks for automation directly from your tables.
ERD Diagram. Visualise database schema instantly with an interactive entity-relationship diagram.
Collaboration. Invite team members, assign roles, comment on records and share projects for real-time teamwork.
Automation & Workflows. Create conditional automations, scripts and workflows that run on record changes.
Row-Level Security. Define access per row, role or team to restrict data visibility without custom SQL.
Self-Hosted Community Edition. Free forever, fair-code version that can be deployed anywhere with unlimited records and seats.

Directus vs NocoDB FAQ

Is Directus or NocoDB free?+

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

Is Directus or NocoDB open source?+

Yes, both are open source: Directus (directus/directus on GitHub) and NocoDB (nocodb/nocodb on GitHub).

Do Directus and NocoDB integrate with the same tools?+

Their integration lists don't overlap: Directus lists Next.js, Nuxt, Astro, SvelteKit and 10 more; NocoDB lists MySQL, Webhooks, Okta, Azure AD and 3 more.

On DevHunt

Directus

Listed by DevHunt

Directus on DevHunt →Directus alternatives

NocoDB