Comparison · Headless CMS platforms
Directus vs Hygraph: which is better in 2026?
Directus ranks higher in our list of headless CMS platforms (#4 against #7, score 86.5 against 82.5).
- 86.5Editorial score82.5
- 2Platforms1
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Directus if you want
Admin layer over an existing SQL database.
Adds a headless CMS and admin app to an existing SQL database, with a free Core plan you can self-host. It is source-available rather than open source, and the Team plan costs $499 a month.
Choose Hygraph if you want
GraphQL content APIs for product teams.
A GraphQL headless CMS with a Hobby plan that is free forever. The Growth plan starts at $199 a month, which costs more than Storyblok's Growth plan, and Enterprise pricing is set through sales.
Side by side
 Directus |  Hygraph | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 86.5 | 82.5 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 10 | #7 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesCore plan $0 with seat and collection limits; Team $499 a month | Free plan, paid upgradesHobby free forever; Growth from $199 a month; Enterprise custom |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted | WebWeb |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Hosting | Self-hosted or Directus Cloud | Hosted |
| Editor | Admin app over SQL | Hosted content editor |
| Best for | Admin layer over an existing SQL database | GraphQL content APIs for product teams |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Directus vs Hygraph
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
