Directus vs DragDrop
Directus is a smart open-source tool: point it at a SQL database and get an admin and an API. For internal tools and existing data, it shines. DragDrop is aimed at the public-facing website: blocks, templates, hosting, and your domain, with no infrastructure on your plate.
One site per project
Many sites, one platform
TL;DR
Directus wraps your database in an API. DragDrop wraps your whole website in one product.
Use Directus if…
- You have an existing SQL database you want an admin and API for.
- You are building internal tools, not marketing sites.
- You want open-source software on your own servers.
Use DragDrop if…
- You want a website, not a database admin.
- You want zero infrastructure: hosting, backups, and SSL included.
- Your editors want drag-and-drop pages with inline editing.
- You want structured content through friendly collections.
Key differences.
Different jobs entirely
Directus turns data into an API and leaves the website to you. DragDrop is the website: pages built from blocks, hosted on your domain, editable by anyone on the team.
Structured content, no schema work
Collections give you projects, listings, and menus without designing tables. Listing blocks render them on the page automatically.
Nothing to operate
No server, no database to run, no backup script. DragDrop backs your sites up automatically and keeps the lights on for you.
The same job, two ways.
Shipping a page for one client in Directus, and for every client at once in the DragDrop studio.
Building in Directus
Building in DragDrop
Side-by-side.
| Feature | DragDrop | Directus |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | Drag, type, publish | Built for developers |
| Templates | Templates plus a marketplace | Not really its job |
| Custom domain on free plan | Yes | You handle hosting and domains |
| Forms | Built in, with email alerts | Build your own |
| Multi-language | Built in | Built in |
| Code access | Open any block as code | Everything is code |
| Price to start | Free, €0 forever | Free if you run it yourself |
| Run many sites | One account, many sites | One instance per project |
Checked against Directus's current docs, July 2026. Spot something outdated? Tell us and we'll fix it.
Switching from Directus, in three moves.
Most teams run both platforms in parallel for a week and cut over on a quiet afternoon.
Bring your content
Export pages, posts, and media from Directus. Our importer maps them onto blocks, and our team helps with the fiddly parts when you ask.
Rebuild with blocks
Recompose your layouts from 90+ ready-made blocks. Anything custom, a developer can rebuild as a block right inside the studio.
Point your domain
Connect your domain, SSL issues automatically, and 301 redirects carry over every ranking you’ve earned. Nothing breaks on launch day.
Want a second pair of hands? Talk to the migration team. It costs nothing to ask.
Ready to switch?
Join the waitlist and be first to move when DragDrop launches, no credit card. Our team helps with the migration when you ask.
Free plan at launch · Early access invites · Launching soon