Directus logo
Open Source
Self-hosted
Data Platform
Free

Directus

The Open-Source Headless Data Platform

4.6/ 5
198 verified reviews on G2
directus.io

Quick Specs

Type
Open Source Data Platform
Databases
PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite +
Pricing
Free & Paid (Cloud)
Self-hosted
Yes
APIs
REST + GraphQL + WebSockets
Language
Node.js / TypeScript

What is Directus?

Directus is an open-source data platform that instantly wraps any SQL database with a REST and GraphQL API and a no-code admin application. Unlike traditional CMSes, Directus does not impose a schema — it works with whatever database tables you already have.

It is used as a headless CMS, an internal data tool, a backend for mobile apps, and a data gateway. Version 11 added real-time WebSocket subscriptions and a visual automation engine called Flows.

G2 Reviews

Rated 4.6/5 from 198 verified reviews.

"Directus is the most flexible backend tool I have ever used. We connected it to our existing PostgreSQL database on day one and had a full admin UI and REST API without writing a single line of backend code. The Flows engine replaced three different integration tools we were using."

Backend Developer · Startup

"We use Directus as both a headless CMS and a data management layer for internal tools. The ability to connect to any SQL schema and manage permissions at the field level has made it our default backend for every project."

Solutions Architect · Mid-Market

"Directus v11 with WebSocket subscriptions has been a game-changer for one of our real-time dashboard projects. The API is clean, the SDK is well-typed, and Docker deployment is fast. My only gripe is that some of the documentation for newer features is still catching up."

Full-stack Developer · Agency

"Switched from Strapi to Directus and have not looked back. Directus's relationship to the underlying SQL schema feels much more honest — what you see in the admin panel is exactly what is in the database. No magic, no surprises."

CTO · Small Business

Platform Features

Data Platform

  • Wraps any existing SQL database schema automatically
  • Collection and field management with a no-code interface
  • M2M, M2O, O2M, and M2A relationship types supported
  • File management with local, S3, or Cloudinary storage

APIs

  • Auto-generated REST API for every collection and field
  • GraphQL endpoint with deep nested query support
  • Real-time WebSocket subscriptions on any collection
  • Token-based authentication with role and permission scoping

Automation

  • Flows automation engine with visual workflow builder
  • Webhook, schedule, database event, and manual triggers
  • Built-in operations: HTTP request, email, transform, conditional
  • Custom JavaScript operations for advanced logic

Developer Experience

  • Directus SDK for JavaScript and TypeScript
  • Docker-based deployment with official images
  • Extensions API for custom panels, layouts, and operations
  • Self-hosted with full data portability and no vendor lock-in

Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Works with your existing SQL database without requiring schema migration
  • The most versatile open-source data backend — not just a CMS
  • WebSocket real-time subscriptions built in from v11
  • Flows automation engine replaces the need for external tools like Zapier
  • Excellent GraphQL support with deeply nested queries
  • Full self-hosting with Docker in under 10 minutes

Limitations

  • Business Source License limits commercial use at scale without a paid license
  • Less purpose-built for content workflows compared to Strapi or Payload
  • No built-in visual page builder
  • Smaller plugin and integration marketplace than Strapi

Directus Pricing

Self-hosted Directus is free for non-commercial use. Directus Cloud provides managed hosting. Enterprise licensing covers commercial self-hosted deployments above certain scale thresholds.

Community

Free

self-hosted

Non-commercial projects

  • Full REST + GraphQL API
  • No-code admin app
  • Flows automation
  • WebSocket subscriptions
  • Community support
Cloud StarterPopular

$15

per month

Managed hosting on Directus Cloud

  • 1 project
  • Managed infrastructure
  • Automated backups
  • Custom domain
  • Email support
Enterprise

Custom

contact sales

Commercial self-hosted or cloud

  • Commercial license
  • SSO & SCIM
  • Audit logs
  • SLA
  • Priority support

Not sure which plan is right for you?

Speak with the Directus team to get a recommendation for your use case and scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Directus Alternatives

Other platforms worth evaluating alongside Directus.

Strapi

Strapi

Better for teams who want a purpose-built headless CMS with a larger plugin ecosystem and a more traditional content modelling approach.

Payload CMS

Payload CMS

A code-first alternative that is more tailored specifically to content management with TypeScript-native schema definitions.

Hygraph

Hygraph

Better if you need a managed federated GraphQL platform that merges multiple data sources into one endpoint.

Contentful

Contentful

The managed SaaS option for teams that want enterprise features and compliance without managing their own infrastructure.