🔧 Backend & BaaS Comparison
Directus vs Hasura
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs.
Last updated: 2026-02-07
Directus
Free self-hosted, cloud from $15/mo
Strengths
- + Works with existing SQL databases without migration
- + Visual admin panel for non-technical content management
- + Self-hostable for free under MIT license
Weaknesses
- − Revenue threshold requires a paid license for self-hosted (over $5M/yr)
- − More CMS-oriented, less suited for complex application logic
Hasura
Free tier, paid from $99/mo
Strengths
- + Generates a full GraphQL API from a database in minutes
- + Fine-grained row-level authorization built in
- + Supports connecting multiple databases and remote schemas
Weaknesses
- − GraphQL-centric approach has a learning curve if unfamiliar
- − Professional plan at $99/mo is expensive for early-stage projects
The verdict
Which one is right for you?
Choose Directus if you want
- → Works with existing SQL databases without migration
- → Visual admin panel for non-technical content management
Choose Hasura if you want
- → Generates a full GraphQL API from a database in minutes
- → Fine-grained row-level authorization built in
In depth
About each tool
Directus
Open-source headless CMS and backend-as-a-service that wraps any SQL database with a REST and GraphQL API
Directus is an open-source data platform that layers a real-time API and intuitive admin app on top of any SQL database. It supports REST and GraphQL out of the box, with granular role-based access control and built-in file storage. Ideal for solo founders who need a content backend with a visual dashboard, or who want to expose an existing database as an API without rewriting anything.
Hasura
Instant GraphQL and REST API engine that connects to existing databases and services
Hasura generates instant GraphQL and REST APIs from your PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, or other databases. It includes a built-in authorization engine with row-level permissions, event triggers, and the ability to federate multiple data sources into a single API. The free cloud tier is suitable for prototyping, though solo founders should note the jump to $99/mo for the Professional plan.
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