Headless CMS that lets developers build content APIs fast while giving content creators a friendly editing interface.
- MIT
- TypeScript
- Actively maintained
CMS comparison
Strapi vs Directus: which should you self-host in 2026?
Pick Strapi for a code-first, MIT-licensed headless CMS you shape in JavaScript; pick Directus to put an instant API and admin app on top of an existing SQL database.
Both are open source and run on your own server. Below: a side-by-side of license, stack and features, live GitHub activity, and our verdict on who should pick which.
An Instant App & API for your SQL Database. Directus wraps your new or existing SQL database with a realtime GraphQL+REST API for developers, and an intuitive admin app for non-technical users.
- BUSL-1.1
- TypeScript
- Docker
- Actively maintained
Head-to-head
Strapi vs Directus, side by side
Hand-checked differences first, then live numbers from GitHub, refreshed with every catalog update.
| Aspect |  Strapi |  Directus |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT, except code under ee/ folders (Enterprise Edition license) | Monospace Sustainable Core License 1.0: no competing use; each version becomes GPL-3.0 after four years |
| Language/stack | Node.js and TypeScript with a React admin panel | Node.js and TypeScript with a Vue admin app |
| Architecture | Content types defined in the project and stored in its own schema | Mirrors any existing SQL schema without migrating data |
| Database | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB or SQLite | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, MS SQL, Oracle, CockroachDB |
| Standout features | Plugin marketplace, REST plus GraphQL plugin, internationalisation | REST and GraphQL out of the box, Flows automation, dashboards |
| GitHub stars | 73,281 | 38,026 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 1,477 | 736 |
| Last commit | Oct 5, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 |
| Latest release | v5.56.0Sep 30, 2026 | v12.4.1Sep 23, 2026 |
| Main language | TypeScript | TypeScript |
| Official Docker image | No | Yes |
| Repository | strapi/strapi | directus/directus |
Swipe the table sideways to see both apps. GitHub figures come from the public API. Highlighted values are the higher of the two.
Verdict
Strapi suits developer teams building a new content backend: you model content types, extend it with plugins and custom code, and the core is MIT. Directus is database-first, so it mirrors whatever SQL schema you already have and gives non-technical users a polished data studio and automation flows. Read the Directus license first: you may not offer it as a service that competes with Directus's own commercial offering.
Best for
Choose Strapi for
New websites and apps that need a customizable headless CMS.
Best for
Choose Directus for
Wrapping an existing SQL database with APIs and an admin UI.
Deploy either in minutes
Not sure yet? Spin up a small VPS or a managed instance, try both for a week, and keep the one that fits.
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Is Directus open source?
It is source available. The Monospace Sustainable Core License allows internal use and services to clients but forbids competing commercial offerings, and each release converts to GPL-3.0 four years after publication.
Can Directus use my existing database?
Yes. Directus introspects an existing SQL database and builds APIs and an admin UI around it without changing your tables.
Does Strapi support GraphQL?
Yes, through its official GraphQL plugin. REST APIs are generated by default.
Which is more popular on GitHub, Strapi or Directus?
Strapi has 73,281 GitHub stars against 38,026 for Directus. Over the last twelve months Strapi received 1,477 commits and Directus received 736, so Strapi is the more actively developed of the two right now. Stars measure interest, not fit, so weigh them against the differences above.