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Django vs Spring Boot

Django logo

Django

Web Development

The web framework for perfectionists with deadlines

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Spring Boot logo

Spring Boot

Web Development

Stand-alone, production-grade Spring based applications that you can just run

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Django does not fully support asynchronous database access; Spring Boot requires Java 17 as the minimum version for Spring Boot 4.1.0, per docs.spring.io/spring-boot/system-requirements.html (Aug 2026); older Java runtimes are not supported
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Django and Spring Boot actually diverge.

Attributes where Django and Spring Boot differ
AttributeDjangoSpring Boot
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 Spring Boot

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 Spring Boot
  • Content management systemsnot Spring Boot
  • E-commerce platformsnot Spring Boot
  • API developmentnot Spring Boot
  • News websitesnot Spring Boot
  • Social networksnot Spring Boot

Spring Boot

  • Building microservices and standalone Java applicationsnot Django
  • Rapid application development with embedded servers and production-ready configurationsnot 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

Spring Boot

  • Requires Java 17 as the minimum version for Spring Boot 4.1.0, per docs.spring.io/spring-boot/system-requirements.html (Aug 2026); older Java runtimes are not supported
  • Requires Spring Framework 7.0.8 or above and Gradle 8.14+ or Maven 3.6.3+, per Spring's own system requirements page, so older toolchains must be upgraded first

Pricing, plan by plan

Django

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

Spring Boot

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Spring Boot 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 Spring Boot if

  • You want to start without paying.
Spring Boot review

Questions people ask

Is Django or Spring Boot better?
Neither clearly leads. Django starts at Free and Spring Boot at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Django or Spring Boot?
Django starts at Free and Spring Boot at Free.
Does Django or Spring Boot run on more platforms?
Django runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. Spring Boot 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 Spring Boot is typically brought in for.
What can Django do that Spring Boot 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
Spring Boot: Is Spring Boot free?

Yes, Spring Boot is free and open-source software. The core framework is available without cost, and users can download and use it immediately.

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
Spring Boot: What commercial support is available for Spring Boot?

While Spring Boot itself is free, VMware offers optional commercial support, training, and certification through Spring Academy. Tanzu Spring provides support and binaries for OpenJDK, Spring, and Apache Tomcat through a subscription model for enterprises requiring guaranteed support.

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
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
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