10 Django Packages You Should Be Using in 2025 (But Probably Aren’t)

Django is a powerful web framework that provides nearly everything you need out of the box. But if you're only using the core features, you're missing out on a treasure trove of packages that can drastically improve your productivity, code quality, and project scalability.

In this article, we’ll uncover 10 underrated Django packages that every developer should explore in 2025 — but most aren’t. Whether you're building APIs, dashboards, or full-stack web apps, these tools can supercharge your development process.

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1. Django Ninja

A lightning-fast framework for building APIs with Django and Python type hints. Think of it as Django REST Framework’s faster sibling — perfect for building modern, type-safe APIs.

• Why use it: Async-ready, FastAPI-style validation, and OpenAPI docs out of the box.

2. Django Environ

Managing environment variables and sensitive data can get messy. django-environ simplifies this with .env file support and cleaner settings management.

• Why use it: Cleaner configuration, 12-factor app compatibility.

3. Django HTMX

Bring interactivity to your Django apps without writing heavy JavaScript. django-htmx lets you make dynamic updates via partials and headers with minimal JS.

• Why use it: Add dynamic behavior easily while keeping your frontend stack lean.

4. Django Tailwind

Seamlessly integrate Tailwind CSS into your Django project with a built-in build pipeline and hot-reloading during development.

• Why use it: Native Tailwind support in Django projects without the pain of manual setup.

5. Django Debug Toolbar

If you’re not using this in development, you’re coding blind. It shows SQL queries, cache usage, template context, and more — right in your browser.

• Why use it: Essential for performance tuning and spotting bottlenecks fast.

6. Django Model Utils

Provides helpful model mixins like TimeStampedModel, SoftDeletableModel, and more, helping you build cleaner and DRY-er models.

• Why use it: Reduces boilerplate and improves maintainability of models.

7. Django Storages

A must-have if you're working with cloud file storage (like AWS S3, Azure, or GCS). It makes media handling scalable and production-ready.

• Why use it: Plug-and-play cloud storage for your media files.

8. Django-Extensions

Packed with developer productivity tools like runserver_plus, shell enhancements, graph models, and more.

• Why use it: Speeds up development and provides advanced management commands.

9. Django Filter

Simplifies filtering of querysets in DRF views or generic Django views. If you need user-defined filtering in APIs, this is your go-to package.

• Why use it: Clean, customizable filtering for list endpoints.

10. Wagtail CMS

Not your typical CMS — Wagtail is built for developers who want flexibility without sacrificing editorial UX. Great for client-facing projects.

• Why use it: Powerful, extendable, and beautiful content editing experience.

Final Thoughts

These tools might not be part of your everyday stack yet — but give them a try and you’ll wonder how you ever built Django apps without them.

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You’ll learn how to build full-scale apps, integrate these packages, and master Django like a pro.