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Web Development · head to head

Django vs FastAPI

Django logo

Django

Web Development

The web framework for perfectionists with deadlines

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
FastAPI logo

FastAPI

Web Development

A modern, fast, high-performance web framework for building APIs with Python

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Django does not fully support asynchronous database access; FastAPI no built-in ORM, requires separate database libraries
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Django and FastAPI actually diverge.

Attributes where Django and FastAPI differ
AttributeDjangoFastAPI
Pricing modelfreeopen-source
PlatformsLinux, macOS, WindowsWeb
Founded2005Unknown

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

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 Django

  • Model-View-Template (MVT)
  • Object-relational mapping
  • Automatic admin interface
  • URL routing
  • Template engine
  • Form handling
  • Authentication system
  • Internationalization

Only in FastAPI

Nothing recorded that Django does not also cover.

What people use each for

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

Django

  • Web application developmentnot FastAPI
  • Content management systemsnot FastAPI
  • E-commerce platformsnot FastAPI
  • API developmentnot FastAPI
  • News websitesnot FastAPI
  • Social networksnot FastAPI

FastAPI

  • Building production-ready REST APIs with automatic validationnot Django
  • Serving machine learning model predictions as REST servicesnot Django
  • Building crisis management and orchestration platformsnot Django
  • Enabling real-time APIs with WebSocket connectionsnot Django
  • Rapid API development reducing boilerplate code significantlynot Django

Where each one falls short

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

Django

  • Does not fully support asynchronous database access
  • Monolithic design can feel restrictive for small-scale or lightweight applications
  • Batteries-included approach adds overhead if features are not needed
  • Slower framework evolution due to backward compatibility requirements

FastAPI

  • No built-in ORM, requires separate database libraries
  • Python-only, cannot build with other languages
  • Async/await learning curve for developers new to async programming
  • Production deployment requires separate ASGI server configuration

Pricing, plan by plan

Django

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full web framework
    • Admin interface
    • ORM system

FastAPI

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FastAPI review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Django if

  • You need model-view-template (mvt).
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want object-relational mapping.
Django review

Choose FastAPI if

  • You want to start without paying.
FastAPI review

Questions people ask

Is Django or FastAPI better?
Neither clearly leads. Django starts at Free and FastAPI at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Django or FastAPI?
Django starts at Free and FastAPI at Free.
Does Django or FastAPI run on more platforms?
Django runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. FastAPI runs on Web.
Can I use Django for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Django best used for?
Django is most often used for web application development, content management systems, e-commerce platforms, api development. Of those, web application development and content management systems are not what FastAPI is typically brought in for.
What can Django do that FastAPI cannot?
Django covers Model-View-Template (MVT), Object-relational mapping, Automatic admin interface, URL routing.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Django: What databases does Django support?

Django natively supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite3, and Oracle databases through its ORM, allowing developers to switch databases without rewriting code.

Source
FastAPI: Is FastAPI free to use?

Yes. FastAPI is free and open-source under the MIT License. It costs nothing to download, use, or deploy in production. An optional paid service, FastAPI Cloud, offers one-command deployment for additional convenience, but the core framework is free.

Source
Django: How does Django handle database schema changes?

Django includes a built-in migration system. Developers use makemigrations to create migration files and migrate to apply changes to the database schema.

Source
FastAPI: Can I use FastAPI for commercial applications?

Yes. FastAPI's MIT License permits unrestricted commercial use, modification, and distribution. You can build and sell products powered by FastAPI without licensing fees or restrictions.

Source
Django: Does Django support asynchronous programming?

Django added basic async/await support, but full asynchronous database access remains limited. The framework does not fully support asynchronous programming, which can be a limitation for real-time applications.

Source
FastAPI: Does FastAPI include a database or ORM?

No. FastAPI does not include a built-in database or ORM. You must add separate libraries like SQLAlchemy for database access. This gives flexibility to choose the database solution best suited to your project.

Source
Django: Is Django free and open source?

Yes, Django is free and open-source software maintained by the Django Software Foundation, founded in June 2008.

Source
FastAPI: What Python versions does FastAPI support?

FastAPI supports Python 3.7 and later. Older Python versions are not compatible, so you must run at least Python 3.7 to use FastAPI.

Source
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