Baserow vs Directus
Both Baserow and Directus are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the online databases space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.
Quick Overview
Baserow
EU- Headquarters
- Amsterdam, NL
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Directus
EU- Headquarters
- Amsterdam, NL
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Key Differences
- Baserow offers a free tier, while directus offers a free tier. The different pricing models mean you should evaluate which approach better fits your usage pattern.
- Directus was founded in 2004, giving it a 16-year head start over Baserow (founded 2020). More time in market often means a larger user community and more mature integrations, though newer entrants may offer more modern architectures.
- Each product has unique strengths: Baserow offers Spreadsheet-like interface and Relational database, while Directus provides REST and GraphQL APIs and Admin app. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Baserow | Directus |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Baserow | Directus |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Amsterdam, NL | Amsterdam, NL |
| Data Centers | EU | EU |
| Spreadsheet-like interface | ||
| Relational database | ||
| Multiple views (grid, Kanban, gallery, form, calendar) | ||
| Formula fields | ||
| REST API | ||
| Real-time collaboration | ||
| Application builder | ||
| Webhooks and integrations | ||
| Role-based access control | ||
| Self-hosting option | ||
| REST and GraphQL APIs | ||
| Admin app | ||
| Custom dashboards | ||
| Flows automation | ||
| Role-based access | ||
| File management | ||
| Webhooks | ||
| Self-hosting |
Pricing Comparison
Baserow
Freefreemium
Directus
Freefree (self-hosted) / cloud plans
Compliance Comparison
Baserow
GDPRDPA
Directus
GDPRDPA
Get Started
Categories
Baserow vs Directus — FAQ
What is the main difference between Baserow and Directus?
Both Baserow and Directus are European online databases solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Baserow uses freemium pricing while Directus uses free (self-hosted) / cloud plans. Baserow is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, while Directus is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Baserow or Directus?
Both Baserow and Directus offer free tiers, so you can try either without cost. Pricing models differ (freemium vs. free (self-hosted) / cloud plans), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both Baserow and Directus GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Baserow and Directus are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.