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Directus

Turns any SQL database into an API and editing app

Headless CMS

4/ 5

Our score

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Directus wraps a new or existing SQL database with instant REST and GraphQL APIs and a no-code admin app, making it as much a data platform as a CMS.

Overview

Directus sits on top of your SQL database (Postgres, MySQL and others) without changing its schema. It generates APIs and a polished admin app, and Flows automate tasks without code.

Strengths

  • Works with existing databases; no lock-in to a proprietary store.
  • Instant REST and GraphQL APIs.
  • Flows for no-code automation.
  • Self-host or use Directus Cloud.

Watch out for

  • Source-available license requires a paid license above a revenue threshold.
  • Content modeling is database-shaped, which editors may find technical.
  • AI is extension-based rather than built in.

Pricing

What each plan costs and what the bill is counted by: seats, sites, usage or a one-off license. The bottom of each card shows what you pay on top.

Open Innovation Grant

Free

Free

Free to self-host. You apply and must qualify.

Organizations under $5M revenue and 50 staff

  • Unlimited seats, collections and flows
  • SSO and custom access policies
  • AI translations, custom LLM
  • No feature limits

Costs extra

Directus Cloud hosting costs $99 / month.

Core

Flat fee

$89 / month

Billed yearly. $99 if paid monthly.

Evaluating Directus or small individual builds

  • 3 user seats (hard limit)
  • 25 collections, 5 flows
  • AI Assistant, advanced roles
  • Community support

Costs extra

No extra seats or collections, and no SSO.

Team

Flat fee

$499 / month

Billed yearly. $599 if paid monthly.

Teams running production with SSO

  • 10 SSO seats
  • 50 collections, 20 flows
  • Granular roles and permissions
  • Basic support, 90-day revisions

Costs extra

Directus Cloud hosting adds $89 / month. Extra seats $50 each per month; extra collections $100 per 25-pack.

Enterprise

Custom quote

Custom

Businesses needing scale, security and dedicated support

  • 20+ SSO seats, 200+ collections
  • Unlimited flows
  • Custom LLM, offline mode
  • Configurable log and revision retention

Costs extra

Extra seats and collections at volume pricing. Premium support is an add-on.

Prices checked See current prices on the vendor's site

Features

Free, included in the cheapest plan, on a higher plan, or enterprise only. Open a feature to compare it across every platform.

Automation and webhooks Free Flows: no-code automation Content modeling Free Works on your existing SQL schema; modeling is database-shaped GraphQL API Free Generated from your data model Headless API Free Instant REST API on top of your SQL database Hosting Included Directus Cloud Localization Free Translations interface Roles and permissions Free Granular roles and permissions Self-hosting Free Free for small organizations; a paid license is needed above a revenue threshold

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