open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host★ 38.8kactive nov 2026
Directus
Instant REST and GraphQL APIs for SQL databases.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-11-04
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- Open Source
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- Installation
- Clone https://github.com/directus/directus or deploy with Docker Compose
- Operational Setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- Where Your Data Lives
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Contentful.
Replaces 1 paid app
up to $300/mo ($3,600/yr) in subscriptions
Directus FAQ
Common questions
Is Directus free and open source?+
Directus is an open-source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Instant REST and GraphQL APIs for SQL databases.
What paid software does Directus replace?+
Directus serves as a free replacement for 1 paid SaaS application: Contentful, saving up to $300/month ($3,600/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Directus?+
Installation: Clone https://github.com/directus/directus or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup notes: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
What is the catch or trade-off with Directus?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Contentful.