Directus vs Strapi

by Gralio Feb 03, 2025

Directus and Strapi are both headless CMS platforms, but they cater to different user groups. Directus excels in its user-friendly approach for non-technical users while also providing customization for developers. Strapi, on the other hand, is more developer-centric, providing extensive customization and API features but potentially a steeper learning curve for non-technical users.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 340 reviews and 60 websites, saving 2 hours, 23 minutes of reading.

Directus

Website LinkedIn Twitter

Strapi

Website LinkedIn Twitter

About

Directus is a tool that makes it easier for your company to manage its data, even if you don't have a team of tech experts. It works directly with your existing databases and provides a user-friendly interface for non-technical staff to update and manage website content, product information, and more. Directus offers developers powerful tools to customize the platform while giving everyone in the company access to the information they need. This means Directus can be customized to your company's needs and can grow with your business.

Strapi is a tool that helps developers create and manage content for websites and apps. It's considered "headless", meaning it focuses on the behind-the-scenes content management while giving developers flexibility in how that content looks and works on the front-end. Strapi is popular among developers because it's open-source (free to use and customize) and works well with other tools they might use. Large and small companies use it to streamline their content management processes.

Summary

Main difference

Directus is a database-first headless CMS offering a user-friendly interface for non-technical users to manage data directly from databases. Strapi, also a headless CMS, prioritizes developer experience with robust customization and API-centric features.

Relative strengths of Directus (compared to Strapi)

Easier for non-technical users: Directus provides an intuitive interface for non-technical staff to manage and update data.
Direct database connection: Works directly with existing databases, eliminating the need for separate data storage.
Customization for developers: Offers robust customization options for developers while maintaining user-friendliness for non-technical users.

Relative weaknesses of Directus (compared to Strapi)

Smaller community and plugin ecosystem compared to Strapi.
Documentation can be incomplete for complex setups.
Occasional bugs and regressions reported by users.

What companies are using Directus and Strapi?

The Shift Network

Ripley Entertainment

Copa Airlines - Colombia

No data

Who should use Directus VS. Strapi

Directus simplifies data management for businesses without large tech teams. It integrates with existing databases, providing a user-friendly interface for non-technical staff to manage content. Users praise its intuitive interface and powerful API but note occasional bugs and documentation gaps.

Strapi is an open-source headless CMS empowering developers to build and manage content effortlessly. Its flexible API and plugin system simplifies connecting with other tools. Users praise Strapi's ease of setup and comprehensive documentation, while some note areas for improvement in the admin experience and deployment process.

Best for small to medium-sized businesses.
Ideal for Software, IT, and Telecommunications companies.

Best for small to enterprise-level companies seeking a flexible and open-source headless CMS.
Ideal for industries such as Software, IT & Telecommunications, Media & Entertainment, and Education, looking to streamline content management.

Directus and Strapi features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

API documentation

Not supported

Directus does not explicitly support OpenAPI or Swagger UI.

Supported

Strapi supports OpenAPI documentation and Swagger UI via its Documentation plugin.
REST and GraphQL API

Supported

Directus instantly generates REST and GraphQL APIs for seamless data access and manipulation.

Supported

Strapi instantly generates REST and GraphQL APIs, enabling seamless data access.
Custom data browsing and filtering

Supported

Directus supports custom data browsing and filtering through its API and low-code platform.

Supported

Strapi offers robust filtering with basic and complex filters, enabling custom data browsing experiences.
Third-party tool integration

Supported

Directus supports integrations with external tools and systems through various methods, including REST and GraphQL APIs, database integrations, custom extensions, webhooks, and triggers. It can also serve as a composable platform, enabling communication with other systems via APIs. While a proposed feature aims to integrate external API data fetching, it is not yet confirmed to be available.

Supported

Strapi offers robust support for integrating with external tools and systems through its RESTful and GraphQL APIs, custom API endpoints, webhooks, plugin system, and custom services. This makes Strapi a versatile tool for connecting with various third-party applications and services.
Community support

Supported

Directus can be configured to work with MySQL, but it might require additional configuration compared to PostgreSQL.

Supported

Strapi itself does not have a community edition as it supports only MySQL version 8 or later. However, MySQL v8 or later have a free community edition available.
Document management

Supported

Directus provides robust document management with version control, metadata management, and storage flexibility, making it suitable for PIM and web content management.

Supported

Strapi offers robust document management features, including version control with Content History and Draft & Publish, and metadata management via its Document Service API.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

No data

+0.56

Rather positive sentiment
Customer Service

+1

Strongly positive sentiment

+0

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Use

+1

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.8

Strongly positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

+0

Neutral sentiment

+0.33

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Implementation

+1

Strongly positive sentiment

+0.58

Rather positive sentiment
Scalability

No data

+0.67

Rather positive sentiment

Directus and Strapi Pricing

No data

We couldn't find a pricing page for Directus.

Strapi offers self-hosted plans with varying features and support levels. The Community plan is free and open-source, while the Growth plan adds features like databases and content retention for a monthly fee per seat. The Enterprise plan offers extended benefits and requires contacting sales for pricing.

Plans

User sentiment

Rather positive

+0.6

See full Pricing page

Directus and Strapi review insights

336 reviews analysed from and

Users love

Intuitive and user-friendly interface for both developers and content managers
Flexible and customizable data models and content structures
Powerful API (REST and GraphQL) for seamless integration with various platforms
Open-source nature allows for full control, customization, and community support
Active development and frequent updates with new features and improvements

Strapi is very easy to setup locally as a developer to begin experimenting with.
The documentation quickly guides you through the steps to get started, but also is thorough when you need a bit more detail.
It was simple to configure API access to content as well - allowing certain collection types to be available without credentials, while restricting others.
Strapi’s flexibility and customization options are what we appreciate the most.

Users dislike

Occasional bugs and regressions can disrupt workflows
Documentation can be lacking for some features, especially for complex setups or customizations
Limited plugin/extension ecosystem compared to some other CMS options
Steep learning curve for advanced customizations and extending the platform

Limited Database Migration/Seed Support: the platform has limited support for database migration and seeding, which can be a challenge when moving content types or making updates
The Admin user experience could be improved.
Deploying Strapi is tricky if you are self hosting this tool.
As a CMS, I expect to see more user-friendly rich text entry than what you get with Strapi Basic.

Directus and Strapi Ratings

G2

5.0/5

(35)
Capterra

4.5/5

(60)

G2

4.6/5

(186)
Capterra

4.7/5

(60)
TrustPilot

3.3/5

(4)
Glassdoor

4.6/5

(23)

Company health

Employee growth

91% increase in the last year

9% decrease in the last year

Web traffic

No data

17% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

No data

March 2022 - $45M

How do Directus's customization options compare to Strapi's for developers?

Both Directus and Strapi offer extensive customization options, being open-source and developer-focused. Directus allows customization directly within its platform through its low-code interface and extensions, while Strapi relies more heavily on code customization via its plugin system and API integrations. This means Directus might offer slightly easier customization for less technical users, while Strapi offers potentially more extensive control for experienced developers.

Which product offers a more intuitive interface for non-technical content editors?

Directus offers a more intuitive interface for non-technical content editors. Directus explicitly focuses on providing a user-friendly experience for non-technical staff to manage and update content, while Strapi is primarily developer-focused, though it does offer content management features. Directus's user reviews also highlight its intuitive interface as a key strength.

What are the advantages of Directus?

Directus offers a more user-friendly interface for non-technical users, enabling broader access to data management across the company. It works directly with existing databases, simplifying implementation and reducing the need for data migration. Directus's open-source nature provides greater control and customization potential compared to Strapi.

What are the disadvantages of Directus?

Directus users have reported occasional bugs and regressions that can disrupt workflows. The documentation is sometimes lacking, especially for complex setups, and the platform has a limited plugin/extension ecosystem compared to other CMS options. Finally, some users find a steep learning curve for advanced customizations.

Alternatives to Directus and Strapi

Bynder

Bynder is a cloud-based digital asset management (DAM) software that helps mid-sized and larger companies organize, manage, and distribute their digital content. It offers tools to streamline workflows, ensure brand consistency, and gain insights into content performance. Key features include AI-powered search, automated workflows, and integrations with other marketing tools. Bynder is used by companies like Spotify and Puma to manage a large volume of assets and streamline their creative processes.

Appian

Appian is a leading software platform designed to help businesses improve their operations. It provides tools for automating tasks, connecting different systems, and analyzing data to identify areas for improvement. Appian's low-code approach allows even non-technical users to build and adapt business applications. This helps companies streamline their processes, reduce manual work, and gain better insights into their performance. Appian is particularly valuable for mid-sized to large companies in sectors like finance, insurance, and the public sector, seeking to simplify and modernize their complex workflows.

ReadMe

ReadMe helps you create an interactive and user-friendly website specifically for developers who use your company's technical tools. It takes your existing technical information and makes it easy to understand and navigate. ReadMe offers features like customized branding, usage analytics, and troubleshooting tools to improve how developers experience your products and solve problems efficiently.

prismic.io

Prismic.io is a headless content management system (CMS) that makes websites faster and easier to update. It lets developers build websites with their preferred tools while giving marketing teams the ability to edit and publish content independently, without needing technical help. This means faster website updates, a consistent brand, and the flexibility to grow. It's ideal for mid-sized companies looking for a balance of powerful technology and ease of use.

OpenAsset

OpenAsset is a cloud-based digital asset management software designed specifically for architecture, engineering, and construction companies. It helps you organize, find, and use your digital files like images and plans for proposals and marketing. OpenAsset aims to make creating proposals quicker and easier, helping your team win more business.

Microsoft Windows Server 2016 with SQL Server 2017 Enterprise

Microsoft Windows Server 2016 with SQL Server 2017 Enterprise is a powerful combination for businesses that need a reliable and scalable platform for their applications and databases. This pairing offers enhanced performance, security features, and cloud integration. It's designed for businesses of all sizes and provides the tools needed to manage data, users, and applications efficiently. While robust, keep in mind that managing server software often requires internal technical expertise or support.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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