Directus is an open-source headless CMS and data platform that wraps any SQL database (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, MariaDB) with a REST and GraphQL API and a no-code admin interface. Unlike Strapi (builds its own schema), Directus introspects existing databases — letting teams use it on top of existing data. Companies use Directus for content management, internal tools, and API creation from existing databases.
Directus
Open-source headless CMS and data platform
Best for: Teams wanting to add a headless CMS to an existing PostgreSQL or MySQL database
- Free plan
4.5/5 ratingEditorial score 83/100directus.io
The editorial note
What to know about Directus
Is it right for you?
Who Directus suits
Choose it if
- Teams wanting to add a headless CMS to an existing PostgreSQL or MySQL database
Look elsewhere if
- Teams building a fresh content model from scratch (Strapi is more structured)
What you get
Key features
- Database introspection
- REST and GraphQL API
- Flows automation
- Role permissions
- File storage
- Real-time events
- Webhooks
Works with
Integrations7
PostgreSQLMySQLSQLiteNext.jsNuxtReactCloudinary
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Works with existing databases
- Open-source
- REST and GraphQL
- Real-time events
- Role-based access
- No-code admin
Cons
- Less opinionated than Strapi
- Complex for first-time CMS users
- Self-hosting overhead
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Website & Hosting
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Free plan
- Available
- Free trial
- Not listed
- Website
- directus.io
The verdict
Our take on Directus
Best headless CMS for existing database projects. Directus's database-first approach lets teams add a content API to existing schemas without rebuilding data structures.
Keep exploring
More from Website & Hosting
Hetzner Cloud
Website & Hosting
Affordable German cloud servers with excellent performance.
Best for: Developers and businesses who need European cloud infrastructure at…
4.8/5 ratingRead review
Cloudflare Pages
Website & Hosting
Free static site and Jamstack hosting on Cloudflare's edge.
Best for: Developers who want the fastest, most generous free static and…
- Free plan
4.8/5 ratingRead review
Sanity
Website & Hosting
Flexible headless CMS for structured content.
Best for: Developers who need maximum flexibility in content modelling with a…
- Free plan
4.7/5 ratingRead review