Directus vs Payload
Directus vs Payload: which to choose
Payload has the larger community with 43.3k GitHub stars against 36.3k for Directus, which usually means more integrations, examples and third-party help when you get stuck.
Choose Directus if you lean toward headless and sql; choose Payload if headless and typescript matters more for your stack. All figures above are pulled from live GitHub and pricing data, not vendor marketing.
Frequently asked questions
Is Directus or Payload better?▾
It depends on your priorities. Directus has 36.3k GitHub stars and uses a open-source pricing model, while Payload has 43.3k stars and uses a open-source model. Both offer a free plan so you can try each before committing.
Is Directus cheaper than Payload?▾
Directus starts at $0/mo while Payload starts at $0/mo. Directus has a free plan. Payload has a free plan.
What are the main differences between Directus and Payload?▾
Directus is tagged as headless, sql, open-source while Payload is tagged as headless, typescript, code-first. Directus uses a open-source pricing model and has a community of 36.3k GitHub stars. Payload uses a open-source model with 43.3k GitHub stars.
Does Directus or Payload have a free plan?▾
Yes, both Directus and Payload offer a free plan.