Chromatic vs Directus Pricing (2026)

Which one is cheaper?

Chromatic starts lower at $179/mo, compared to $599/mo for Directus.

Can I use either one for free?

Both offer free plans, so you can try each without paying. Start with whichever fits your workflow better and upgrade when you hit the limits.

How do they charge?

Different approach here. Chromatic uses usage-based pricing, while Directus goes with flat-rate. That changes the math depending on your team size and usage.

Which one is a better deal?

Depends on what you need. Chromatic: Chromatic is the dominant player in Storybook-native visual testing, so they're not really competing on price — they're competing on ecosystem fit. Compared to broader visual testing tools like Percy or Applitools, they're mid-market on price but own a specific niche that makes switching costs high. Directus: They're positioning as the open-source-friendly alternative to Contentful or Sanity — free to start, but the Team tier at $599/mo monthly is actually mid-to-premium for a headless CMS, sitting above many competitors' growth tiers. The Open Innovation Grant is a smart move to lock in early-stage startups before they scale into paying customers.

Still deciding? See the best Chromatic alternatives or the best Directus alternatives, ranked with verified pricing.