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Directus

Open-source headless CMS and data platform that wraps any SQL database with a real-time API and intuitive admin app

GPL-3.0 Directus GitHub stars Directus latest release Directus last commit Website ↗

Overview

Directus is an open-source data platform that sits on top of any SQL database and instantly provides REST and GraphQL APIs, a visual admin app, and granular access control. Unlike traditional CMS platforms that impose their own data schema, Directus mirrors your existing database schema and lets you manage it through a beautiful interface.

This makes Directus equally useful as a headless CMS, a backend-as-a-service, a client portal, or an internal data management tool. With 29K+ GitHub stars, it has one of the largest open-source CMS communities.

Key Features

  • Database Mirroring — Wraps any SQL database without migration
  • Auto-Generated APIs — REST and GraphQL endpoints for every table
  • Admin App — Visual data management with custom layouts
  • Access Control — Field-level permissions with custom roles
  • Flows — Visual automation builder for data pipelines
  • Extensions — Custom modules, interfaces, displays, and hooks

Pricing: Self-Hosted vs Contentful

Users Contentful Directus (self-hosted) Savings
5 users $99/mo (Contentful) $5/mo (VPS) $94/mo
10 users $300/mo (Contentful) $10/mo (VPS) $290/mo
25 users $499/mo (Contentful) $10/mo (VPS) $489/mo
50 users $499+/mo (Contentful) $20/mo (VPS) $479+/mo

Pros

  • + Wraps any existing SQL database — no migration needed
  • + Real-time REST and GraphQL APIs auto-generated
  • + Beautiful admin app with custom layouts and dashboards
  • + Granular role-based permissions
  • + Supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, MSSQL, OracleDB

Cons

  • - Heavier resource usage than simpler CMS options
  • - Learning curve for advanced flows and extensions
  • - Some features require understanding of relational data modeling
  • - Marketplace for extensions is still growing

Deployment Options for Directus

🐳

Docker

Self-host with Docker Compose

🚀

Coolify

One-click via Coolify panel

☁️

Elestio

Managed hosting from $9/mo

🫛

PikaPods

Simple managed hosting

Need help deploying Directus? We offer turnkey deployment and migration services. Learn more at upready.dev →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Directus a CMS or a database tool?
Both. Directus wraps your SQL database with APIs and an admin app. Use it as a headless CMS for content, a backend for apps, or an admin panel for any relational data.
Can I use Directus with an existing database?
Yes — that's its superpower. Point Directus at your existing PostgreSQL, MySQL, or other SQL database and it introspects the schema automatically.
How does Directus compare to Strapi?
Directus mirrors existing databases while Strapi creates its own schema. Directus is better for existing projects; Strapi is simpler for greenfield projects.
What frontend frameworks work with Directus?
Any framework that can consume REST or GraphQL: Next.js, Nuxt, SvelteKit, Remix, Astro, or plain HTML/JS.

Our Verdict

Directus is an open-source data platform that sits on top of any SQL database and instantly provides REST and GraphQL APIs, a visual admin app, and granular access control. Unlike traditional CMS plat...

Best for: Teams that need a flexible headless CMS or data studio without vendor lock-in on their database