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Directus vs Strapi
Strapi is a Node.js headless CMS with code-defined content types; Directus wraps an existing SQL database with a no-code data studio.
Which to pick
Pick Directus if you want…
- Headless CMS with AI-enabled data actions
- A free plan to start with (Core)
- Integrations with Nuxt, Astro or SvelteKit (on Directus' list, not Strapi's)
Pick Strapi if you want…
- Customizable open-source headless CMS
- Integrations with Node.js, JavaScript or TypeScript (on Strapi'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.
- Strapi:Strapi is an open-source, Node.js-based headless CMS that lets you model content and instantly expose REST or GraphQL APIs.
- Best for
- Directus:Headless CMS with AI-enabled data actions
- Strapi:Customizable open-source headless CMS
- Who it’s for
- Directus:Developers, content teams, and ops who need a collaborative backend over existing databases.
- Strapi:Developers and teams building content-driven web or mobile apps who need full control over code and hosting.
- Pricing
- Directus:Freemium
- Strapi:Paid
- Plans
- Directus:Core $0 per month · Team $499 per month · Open Innovation Grant Free
- Strapi:Starter $35 per project / month · Pro $90 per project / month · Business $450 per project / month
- Open source
- Directus:Yes, 38,004 GitHub stars
- Strapi:Yes, 73,268 GitHub stars
- Works with
- Directus:Next.js, Nuxt, Astro, SvelteKit, React, Angular, Laravel, Django
- Strapi:Node.js, JavaScript, TypeScript, Next.js, Vercel, REST, GraphQL
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.
Strapi features
- Content Type Builder. Design content models, components and dynamic zones with a no-code UI that generates typed APIs.
- Full-stack Customization. Write custom controllers, services, middleware and admin panel extensions using JavaScript/TypeScript.
- Deploy Anywhere. Self-host on any infrastructure or use Strapi Cloud with managed Postgres, CDN and email.
- Enterprise Governance. SOC 2, GDPR compliance, audit logs, review workflows, SSO and SLA support.
- Marketplace Plugins. Add reviewed plugins and integrations or create your own to extend functionality.
- Scalable Architecture. Supports unlimited database entries, multi-environment deployments and edge caching.
Directus vs Strapi FAQ
Is Directus or Strapi free?+
Directus has a free plan (Core); paid plans start at $499/month (Team). Strapi is paid.
Is Directus or Strapi open source?+
Yes, both are open source: Directus (directus/directus on GitHub) and Strapi (strapi/strapi on GitHub).
Do Directus and Strapi integrate with the same tools?+
Partly. Both list Next.js. Directus also lists Nuxt, Astro, SvelteKit, React and 9 more; Strapi also lists Node.js, JavaScript, TypeScript, Vercel and 2 more.
On DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.