Directus vs CrateDB
Both Directus and CrateDB 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
Directus
EU- Headquarters
- Amsterdam, NL
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
CrateDB
EU- Headquarters
- Dornbirn, AT
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Key Differences
- Directus offers a free tier, while crateDB uses usage-based pricing. The different pricing models mean you should evaluate which approach better fits your usage pattern.
- Data residency differs: Directus hosts data in EU, while CrateDB hosts in Austria, Germany, EU. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- Directus was founded in 2004, giving it a 9-year head start over CrateDB (founded 2013). 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: Directus offers REST and GraphQL APIs and Admin app, while CrateDB provides Distributed SQL and Time-series data. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Directus | CrateDB |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Directus | CrateDB |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Amsterdam, NL | Dornbirn, AT |
| Data Centers | EU | AT, DE, EU |
| REST and GraphQL APIs | ||
| Admin app | ||
| Custom dashboards | ||
| Flows automation | ||
| Role-based access | ||
| File management | ||
| Webhooks | ||
| Self-hosting | ||
| Distributed SQL | ||
| Time-series data | ||
| Full-text search | ||
| Geospatial queries | ||
| IoT optimized | ||
| PostgreSQL compatibility | ||
| Real-time analytics | ||
| Cloud or self-hosted |
Pricing Comparison
Directus
Freefree (self-hosted) / cloud plans
CrateDB
Freeusage-based
Compliance Comparison
Directus
GDPRDPA
CrateDB
GDPRDPA
Get Started
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How to Choose
You need enterprise-grade support and stability
Choose CrateDB
You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support
Choose Directus
Directus vs CrateDB — FAQ
What is the main difference between Directus and CrateDB?
Both Directus and CrateDB are European online databases solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: Directus uses free (self-hosted) / cloud plans pricing while CrateDB uses usage-based. Directus is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, while CrateDB is based in Dornbirn, Austria. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, Directus or CrateDB?
Both Directus and CrateDB offer free tiers, so you can try either without cost. Pricing models differ (free (self-hosted) / cloud plans vs. usage-based), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both Directus and CrateDB GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both Directus and CrateDB 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.