Softwr

APIs · head to head

Directus vs PocketBase

Directus logo

Directus

APIs

Open-source data platform providing REST and GraphQL APIs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PocketBase logo

PocketBase

APIs

Open-source backend with REST API, real-time subscriptions and Admin UI

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Directus free permissive use of the self hosted product is limited to organisations under $5M annual revenue with fewer than 50 employees, so crossing either threshold turns a free dependency into a paid licence; PocketBase requires technical expertise to deploy and maintain
  • They diverge on capability: Directus covers GraphQL API, PocketBase covers Real-time subscriptions.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Directus and PocketBase actually diverge.

Attributes where Directus and PocketBase differ
AttributeDirectusPocketBase
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
PlatformsNode.js, Cloud, Self-hosted, DockerLinux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD
Founded20142021

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (APIs).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Directus

  • GraphQL API
  • Database management
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • Node.js support
  • Cloud support

Only in PocketBase

  • Real-time subscriptions
  • Admin UI
  • File storage
  • Go support

Both cover

  • REST API
  • SQLite
  • Webhooks
  • Self-hosted support
  • Docker support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Directus

  • Wrapping an existing SQL database in a REST and GraphQL API with an admin interfacenot PocketBase
  • Running a self hosted headless CMS over a schema you already ownnot PocketBase

PocketBase

  • Embedded realtime database with REST APInot Directus
  • Backend-as-a-service for single-file deploymentsnot Directus
  • Rapid application development with email/OAuth2 authenticationnot Directus
  • File storage and media attachment managementnot Directus
  • Lightweight alternative to Firebase or traditional backend infrastructurenot Directus
  • Go and JavaScript customisable application frameworknot Directus

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Directus

  • Free permissive use of the self hosted product is limited to organisations under $5M annual revenue with fewer than 50 employees, so crossing either threshold turns a free dependency into a paid licence
  • The free Core tier is a hard limit of 3 seats, 25 collections and 5 flows
  • The Team plan is $499 a month billed annually, or $599 monthly, with extra seats at $50 each
  • Team caps collections at 50, expandable to 100, and flows at 20

PocketBase

  • Requires technical expertise to deploy and maintain
  • No built-in hosting provided
  • Community support only

Pricing, plan by plan

Directus

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Self-hosted Directus
    • Community support
  • Cloud$25/monthly
    • Managed cloud
    • Automatic updates
    • Backups

PocketBase

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PocketBase review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Directus if

  • You need graphql api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Node.js, Cloud, Self-hosted, Docker.
  • You also want database management.
Directus review

Choose PocketBase if

  • You need real-time subscriptions.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD.
  • You also want admin ui.
PocketBase review

Questions people ask

Is Directus or PocketBase better?
Neither clearly leads. Directus starts at Free and PocketBase at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Directus or PocketBase?
Directus starts at Free and PocketBase at Free.
Does Directus or PocketBase run on more platforms?
Directus runs on Node.js, Cloud, Self-hosted, Docker. PocketBase runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD.
Can I use Directus for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Directus best used for?
Directus is most often used for wrapping an existing sql database in a rest and graphql api with an admin interface, running a self hosted headless cms over a schema you already own. Of those, wrapping an existing sql database in a rest and graphql api with an admin interface and running a self hosted headless cms over a schema you already own are not what PocketBase is typically brought in for.
What can Directus do that PocketBase cannot?
Directus covers GraphQL API, Database management, PostgreSQL, MySQL. PocketBase covers Real-time subscriptions, Admin UI, File storage, Go support. Both handle REST API, SQLite, Webhooks, Self-hosted support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Directus: What is Directus's pricing?

Directus Core is free and self-hosted. The Team tier costs $499/month (annual) or $599/month (rolling), including 10 user seats and cloud hosting at $99/month additional. Enterprise plans have custom pricing. Additional seats cost $50/month each.

Source
PocketBase: How much does PocketBase cost?

PocketBase is completely free and open-source. It is a self-hosted backend solution with database, authentication, and file storage capabilities at no cost.

Source
Directus: Can I use Directus for free?

Yes, Directus Core is completely free with 3 user seats, 25 Collections, 5 Flows, AI Assistant, and Advanced RBAC. Self-hosting is available at no cost.

Source
PocketBase: Is PocketBase open-source?

Yes, PocketBase is open-source software. You can download, modify, and deploy it yourself at no cost with no licensing restrictions.

Source
Directus: How many user seats does each Directus tier include?

Core includes 3 user seats, Team includes 10 SSO seats, and Enterprise includes custom SSO seat counts. Additional Team seats cost $50/seat per month.

Source
Directus: What happens to my monthly Directus plan if I switch?

Monthly plans are grandfathered for six months after switching, and annual plans are honored until renewal. Self-hosted licenses are handled case-by-case at renewal.

Source
Directus: Is there a free trial for Directus?

No trial period is mentioned. Users can start with the free Core tier immediately without a credit card.

Source
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