Head to head · Best Headless CMS Platforms
Directus vs Strapi
Directus scores higher overall (2.6 vs 2.4), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you.
| Criterion | DirectusLimited | StrapiLimited |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 2.6— higher score for Directus | 2.4 |
| Capability45% of composite | 3.5 | 3.8— higher score for Strapi |
| Publisher fit40% of composite | 1.0— higher score for Directus | 0.5 |
| Total cost of ownership15% of composite | 4.3— higher score for Directus | 3.0 |
| Best for | Small, Mid-Market | Small, Mid-Market |
| Pricing | Self-hosted Community Edition is free; Cloud plans start at $99/month for Standard, with Enterprise options available. | Free Community Edition; Strapi Cloud from $29/mo (Developer), $99/mo (Pro), and $499/mo (Team); Enterprise custom pricing available. |
Directus
- Strong headless data that works as the framework of content delivery
- Compatible with any SQL database
- No-code Admin App makes content editing easy for non-technical teams
- Not suitable for the editorial workflow of newsrooms
Strapi
- Open-source allows a high level of customization
- No vendor lock-in
- Self-hosted API allows teams to have complete control over data and deployment
- The scope of native newsroom features is limited
- Hosting, workflow, and role setup might require technical assistance
Common questions
Is Directus or Strapi better?
Directus scores higher overall (2.6 vs 2.4), but the right pick depends on which dimension matters most to you. Directus scores 2.6/5 and Strapi scores 2.4/5 on Benchmark Grid's independent assessment. Scores are set editorially by SODP against published criteria and cannot be purchased.
Which is cheaper, Directus or Strapi?
On total cost of ownership — which covers pricing transparency, entry cost, implementation, hidden-fee risk and ongoing cost — Directus scores 4.3/5 and Strapi scores 3.0/5. A higher score means better value, not a lower sticker price.
How are these scores calculated?
Each tool is assessed across 12 criteria grouped into Capability (45% of the composite), Publisher Fit (40%) and Total Cost of Ownership (15%). Assessment is carried out by SODP's editorial team against a published methodology. Vendors cannot pay for inclusion, scores or rankings.
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Both tools are scored in Best Headless CMS Platforms. See alternatives to Directus or alternatives to Strapi.
