Nextly vs Directus.
Directus is a mature, database-first platform that wraps any existing SQL database with a beautiful admin UI, flows, and automation. Nextly is built specifically for Next.js with both code-first and visual approaches.
Quick comparison
| Aspect | Nextly | Directus |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | BSL 1.1 (free under $5M revenue) |
| Approach | Code-first + Visual | Database-first (wraps existing DB) |
| Language | TypeScript (Next.js) | TypeScript (Node.js) |
| Database | Postgres, MySQL, SQLite | Any SQL database |
| Framework | Next.js native | Framework-agnostic |
| API | REST + Direct API | REST + GraphQL + WebSockets |
| Admin UI | Built into Next.js app | Standalone Vue.js app |
| Community | New (beta) | Mature (v11+, 30k+ GitHub stars) |
Database agnostic
Connects to any existing SQL database without migration, instantly get an admin UI and API over your data. Nextly manages its own schema via Drizzle ORM.
Beautiful admin UI with 50+ features
Directus has a polished, feature-rich admin panel with dashboards, insights, visual workflow builder (Flows), and real-time updates via WebSockets.
Flows and automation
Visual automation builder for workflows (like Zapier built into your CMS). Nextly uses code-based hooks for similar functionality.
Framework agnostic
Works with any frontend framework or even no frontend at all. Nextly is built specifically for Next.js.
GraphQL and real-time
Built-in GraphQL API and real-time subscriptions via WebSockets. Nextly offers REST only, with GraphQL planned.
Maturity
Directus is on v11+ with years of production use, a large community, and proven stability at scale.
Next.js native, lives in your app
Installs inside your Next.js app at /admin as a single codebase. Directus is a separate standalone service you deploy and manage independently.
Dual approach: code-first + visual
Code-first TypeScript schema definitions plus the Schema Builder. Directus is database-first only, it reads your existing schema rather than defining new ones in code.
MIT license with no revenue restrictions
Free regardless of your company's revenue. Directus uses BSL 1.1, which requires a paid license if your revenue exceeds $5M/year.
Direct API (zero overhead)
Server-side data access in Next.js Server Components with zero HTTP overhead. Directus requires REST, GraphQL, or SDK calls.
Feature by feature
| Feature | Nextly | Directus |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Yes | Partial |
| Self-Hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Offering | Planned | Yes |
| Code-First Config | Yes | No |
| Visual Config | Yes | Yes |
| TypeScript Native | Yes | Yes |
| Next.js Integration | Yes | No |
| REST API | Yes | Yes |
| GraphQL | Planned | Yes |
| Rich Text Editor | Yes | Yes |
| Media Library | Yes | Yes |
| Access Control / RBAC | Yes | Yes |
| Hooks / Lifecycle | Yes | Yes |
| i18n / Localization | Planned | Yes |
| Content Versioning | Planned | Yes |
| Live Preview | Yes | No |
| Webhooks | Planned | Yes |
| Plugins / Marketplace | Partial | Yes |
| Database Support | Yes | Yes |
| Community Size | Partial | Yes |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Directus if you need:
- •Wrapping an existing database without migration
- •Visual workflow automation (Flows)
- •A framework-agnostic backend
- •GraphQL API and real-time WebSocket support
- •A mature platform with 50+ built-in features
- •Dashboards and data insights
Choose Nextly if you need:
- •Building a new Next.js project from scratch
- •Both code-first and visual content management
- •MIT license with no revenue restrictions
- •Single-codebase deployment (framework inside your app)
- •Zero-overhead Direct API in Server Components
Common questions
What is the difference between Nextly and Directus?
Nextly is a Next.js-native framework where the CMS lives inside your app. Directus is a database-first headless CMS that wraps any existing SQL database with an API and admin panel. Directus is framework-agnostic; Nextly is purpose-built for Next.js.
Is Nextly better than Directus for Next.js projects?
For Next.js specifically, Nextly has a tighter integration: it runs inside your Next.js app with shared routing, server components, and a single deployment. Directus runs as a separate service, requiring API calls and separate hosting.
Does Directus support TypeScript like Nextly?
Directus offers a TypeScript SDK for client-side usage, but its core is written in JavaScript. Nextly is TypeScript-native throughout: schema definitions, API responses, hooks, and access control are all fully typed.
Can I use Nextly with any database like Directus?
Nextly supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite via Drizzle ORM. Directus supports any SQL database including MS SQL and Oracle. Directus has broader database support, but Nextly covers the three most common choices for web applications.
Is Nextly open source like Directus?
Both are open source, but with different licenses. Nextly uses the MIT license (fully permissive). Directus uses the Business Source License (BSL), which has some commercial restrictions that convert to open source after a time delay.
Start building with Nextly
Free, open source, and yours to own. No sign-up required.
npx create-nextly-app@latest