Quick Verdict
Directus is the better choice for most self-hosters because it has a pre-built Docker image, works with any existing SQL database, and requires less setup. Strapi is better for developers who want a code-first content modeling experience and don't mind building their own Docker image.
Overview
Directus and Strapi are the two most popular open-source headless CMS platforms. Both provide visual admin panels for content management and auto-generated APIs (REST + GraphQL). The fundamental difference: Strapi creates and owns the database schema, while Directus wraps any existing SQL database without modifying it.
This distinction shapes everything about how they work.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Directus | Strapi |
|---|---|---|
| API generation | REST + GraphQL (auto-generated) | REST + GraphQL (GraphQL via plugin) |
| Database approach | Wraps existing database schema | Creates its own schema |
| Supported databases | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite, CockroachDB, MS-SQL, OracleDB | PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite |
| Docker image | Official pre-built image | No official image — build from source |
| Admin panel | Data Studio (Vue.js) | Admin Panel (React) |
| Content-Type Builder | Visual in admin (always available) | Visual in development mode only (disabled in production) |
| Built-in automations | Flows (event/schedule-based) | No (use webhooks + external tools) |
| File management | Built-in DAM with S3/GCS/Azure support | Local + S3 via plugins |
| Authentication | Local, OAuth2, OpenID, LDAP, SAML | Local + third-party providers via plugins |
| WebSockets | Built-in real-time subscriptions | Via custom controllers |
| Granular permissions | Field-level CRUD per role | Field-level per role |
| Plugin ecosystem | Extensions directory | Marketplace with 1,600+ plugins |
| Node.js version | 22 | 22 |
| License | BSL 1.1 (free under $5M revenue) | MIT (v5) |
Installation Complexity
Directus pulls a pre-built Docker image and starts immediately:
docker compose up -d # Using directus/directus:11.15.4
Time to running: 2-3 minutes.
Strapi requires creating a project, adding a Dockerfile, and building the image:
npx create-strapi@latest my-project
# Add Dockerfile
docker compose up -d --build
Time to running: 10-15 minutes (including build time). The multi-stage Docker build compiles the React admin panel, which is CPU-intensive.
Directus wins on deployment simplicity. Strapi's build-from-source approach means every deployment requires compilation. CI/CD pipelines need to account for build time and caching.
Performance and Resource Usage
| Metric | Directus | Strapi |
|---|---|---|
| RAM (app only) | ~300-400 MB | ~400-500 MB |
| RAM (with PostgreSQL + Redis) | ~800 MB-1.2 GB | ~700 MB-1 GB (no Redis needed) |
| Startup time | 5-10 seconds | 15-30 seconds |
| Build time | N/A (pre-built) | 3-8 minutes (compiles admin panel) |
| API response time | Fast (PM2 process manager) | Fast |
Both perform similarly for API requests. Directus has the edge in deployment speed because there's no build step. Strapi uses slightly less memory in a minimal configuration (no Redis required), but Directus with Redis caching will be faster under load.
Community and Support
| Metric | Directus | Strapi |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | ~30K | ~66K |
| Plugin ecosystem | Growing | 1,600+ plugins |
| Documentation | Excellent | Excellent |
| Enterprise offering | Directus Cloud + Enterprise license | Strapi Cloud + Enterprise features |
| Community size | Large | Very large |
Strapi has a significantly larger community and plugin ecosystem. It's been around longer and has more tutorials, guides, and Stack Overflow answers. If you get stuck, you're more likely to find help for Strapi.
Directus's community is smaller but highly engaged, and the documentation is thorough.
Use Cases
Choose Directus If...
- You want the simplest Docker deployment (pre-built image)
- You need to wrap an existing database with APIs
- You use PostgreSQL, CockroachDB, MS-SQL, or OracleDB (Strapi doesn't support these)
- You want built-in automation flows (like n8n but integrated)
- You need built-in WebSocket real-time updates
- You want a built-in DAM (digital asset management) with S3 support
Choose Strapi If...
- You want the largest plugin ecosystem
- You prefer a code-first approach to content modeling
- You need a fully MIT-licensed CMS (Directus BSL has revenue limits)
- You're building with a JavaScript/TypeScript stack and want deep customization
- You want the most community resources and tutorials available
- Your organization exceeds $5M in revenue (Directus BSL licensing applies)
Final Verdict
Directus is the better choice for most self-hosters. The pre-built Docker image, database-agnostic design, built-in automations, and simpler deployment make it the more practical option. The Data Studio admin interface is polished and capable.
Strapi is the better choice for developer teams who want deep customization, a code-first workflow, and the largest ecosystem of plugins and community resources. The MIT license is also a significant advantage for larger organizations.
Licensing caveat: Directus's BSL 1.1 license is free for organizations under $5M in total finances. If that applies to your use case (and for most self-hosters, it does), there's no practical difference from MIT. But if you're building a commercial product, review the license terms carefully.
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