# Strapi vs Directus

> 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.

## 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 Strapi: New websites and apps that need a customizable headless CMS
- Best for Directus: Wrapping an existing SQL database with APIs and an admin UI

## Key differences

| 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 numbers

| Metric | Strapi | Directus |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 73,281 | 38,026 |
| Forks | 9,883 | 4,959 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 1,477 | 736 |
| Last commit | Oct 5, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 |
| Latest release | v5.56.0 | v12.4.1 |
| License | MIT | Monospace Sustainable Core License 1.0 |
| License type | Open source | Source-available |
| Language | TypeScript | TypeScript |
| Docker image | No | Yes |
| Repository | https://github.com/strapi/strapi | https://github.com/directus/directus |

App pages: [Strapi](https://appsgit.com/apps/strapi), [Directus](https://appsgit.com/apps/directus)

## FAQ

### 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.

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Canonical page: https://appsgit.com/compare/strapi-vs-directus
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