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2024-01-01T11:10:00+00:00

50 API tools for Every Budget and Requirement

API tools

APIs (application programming interfaces) play a critical role in software development today. They allow different systems and applications to communicate with each other by defining how one application can request and receive data from another.

As APIs become more prevalent, the tools used to build, manage, and monitor them are growing as well. Choosing the right API tool depends on an organization's specific requirements, budget, and use cases.

We will provide an overview and comparison of 50 leading API tools across key criteria like features, pricing, support, and more. The goal is to evaluate API tools across budgets and requirements to help identify the best options.

What to consider when choosing Api tool

  1. Answer the why and what question

What is your purpose, Testing? Documentation? Design? Management? Once you know your goals, you can filter out the noisy distractions and make a good decision.

  1. Compatibility

Is your tool fluent in your tech stack's language? Make sure it speaks the same programming languages and frameworks as your current systems. This helps in seamless integration.

  1. Consider traffic

Pick a tool that can handle increased traffic and data as your business scales. Don't get caught by slow response times or overwhelmed servers.

  1. Security

Protecting your data is paramount. Go for a tool with robust security measures that keep your api safe. Strong authentication and authorization protocols are your moat and drawbridge.

  1. Cost-Effective

Compare pricing models and factors in hidden costs like training and support. Choose a plan that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.

1. API Design & Documentation Tools

Apitoolkit

  1. Features: Monitor Errors & Performance, Debug Errors and See request happening live, Generate Swagger From live traffic or manually upload swagger, Payload Validation & Anomaly Detector, API Static Analysis & Linter, Live API tester
  1. Pricing: Free tier. Pay as you grow
  1. Support: Email, chat, forum and 24/7 support
  1. Community: Small but active user community

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2.Postman

  1. Features: Collections, environments, mock servers, monitoring
  2. Pricing: Free tier. Team plans start at $29 per month.
  3. Support: Email, chat, 24/7 support
  4. Community: Active community forums and documentation

3. ReadMe

  1. Features: Custom styling, code samples, SDK generation
  2. Pricing: Free for open source. $399+/month for commercials.
  3. Support: In-app messaging, email, chat.
  4. Community: Public API showcase, blog, and social media engagement.

4. Swagger UI

1.Features: Reference docs, UI interaction, mock generation 2. Pricing: 100% free and open source 3. Support: GitHub issues and community forums 4. Community: Very large as a popular OSS project

Document360

  1. Features: Custom themes, SEO optimization, content management
  1. Pricing: Free trial, then $149 - $599/month
  1. Support: Email, chat, phone
  1. Community: Blog, forum to share experiences

6. Apiary

  1. Features: Interactive docs, API blueprints, automated testing
  1. Pricing: Free for individuals(Limit). Team plans start at $39/month.
  1. Support: Email, forum
  1. Community: Events, case studies, blog

7. DapperDox

  1. Features: Comment-driven docs, multiple output formats, custom templates
  2. Pricing: Free for open source. Paid plans start at $14/month.
  3. Support: Email, chat
  4. Community: GitHub discussions and Q&A

8. Redocly

Redocly provides tools for OpenAPI spec-based API development.

  1. Features: Interactive reference docs, mocking, monitoring, metrics
  2. Pricing: Free tier. Paid plans range $69-$300/month.
  3. Support: Email, chat, phone
  4. Community: Forum, blog, webinars

9. OpenAPI Generator

  1. Features: Code generation, validation, integrations
  2. Pricing: 100% open source
  3. Support: GitHub issues, Stack Overflow, Slack
  4. Community: Large open source community

10.Stoplight

  1. Features: Visual modeling, mocks, testing, permissions
  2. Pricing: Starts at $39/month. Enterprise pricing available.
  3. Support: Email, chat, phone, 24/5 technical support
  4. Community: Forum, Slack channel, events and webinars

Read More 7 Tips for Creating User-Friendly Static REST API Documentation

2. API Client Libraries & SDKs

11. OpenAPI Generator

  1. Features: Client library generation from OpenAPI specs, wide language support
  2. Pricing: Free open source
  3. Support: GitHub issues, Stack Overflow
  4. Requirements: Valid OpenAPI spec, target language/platform

12. Swagger Codegen

  1. Features: Client SDK generation from OpenAPI specs, template customization
  2. Pricing: 100% open source
  3. Support: GitHub issues, Slack community
  4. Requirements: OpenAPI spec, customization for specific SDK needs

13. Apitoolkit

  1. Features: Auto-generated SDKs for JavaScript, Python, PHP, Java
  2. Pricing: Free and Pay as you grow(Very moderate)
  3. Support: Email, chat, forums
  4. Requirements: APIs with OpenAPI specifications

14. Plaid SDK for Ruby

  1. Features: Accounts, transactions, identity services
  2. Pricing: Free
  3. Support: GitHub issues, docs
  4. Requirements: Ruby services needing fintech capabilities

15. Okta SDK for Go

  1. Features: Authentication, authorization, sessions
  2. Pricing: Free
  3. Support: GitHub issues, docs
  4. Requirements: Go services needing secure authentication

16. SendGrid SDK for Java

  1. Features: Email sending, tracking, analytics
  2. Pricing: Free
  3. Support: Documentation, community forums
  4. Requirements: Java services needing email capabilities

17. Salesforce SDK for JavaScript

  1. Features: CRUD, Chatter API, Apex API access
  2. Pricing: Free
  3. Support: Documentation, Trailhead, forums
  4. Requirements: JavaScript apps on Salesforce

18. Google API Client Library for Python

  1. Features: Google Cloud Platform API access
  2. Pricing: Free
  3. Support: GitHub issues, documentation
  4. Requirements: Python services on Google Cloud

19. Twilio SDK for Python

  1. Features: Voice, video, messaging, WhatsApp APIs
  2. Pricing: Free
  3. Support: GitHub, documentation
  4. Requirements: Python apps needing communication APIs

20. Stripe SDK for Node.js

  1. Features: Payments, billing, invoices, subscriptions
  2. Pricing: Free
  3. Support: Documentation, GitHub issues
  4. Requirements: Node.js services needing payments

Read More Writing API Documentation - Best Practices and Mistakes to Avoid

3. API Testing & Monitoring Tools: Unmasking Your Options

21. Postman

  1. Features: Intuitive UI, collection management, robust testing options, mocking, powerful integrations.
  2. Pricing: Free tier for basic usage, Pro plan starts at $29/month for advanced features and collaboration.
  3. Support: Extensive documentation, tutorials, active community forum.
  4. Requirements: Moderate technical knowledge.
  5. Budget: Free-to-moderate.

22. SoapUI

  1. Features: Supports SOAP & REST APIs, data-driven testing, performance testing, comprehensive reporting.
  2. Pricing: Open-source (SoapUI Open Source) with paid Pro editions for advanced features and enterprise support.
  3. Support: Large community forum, commercial support available with Pro editions.
  4. Requirements: Technical expertise for advanced features.
  5. Budget: Free-to-high (depending on Pro edition requirements).

23. JMeter

  1. Features: Open-source load testing powerhouse, handles large volumes of concurrent requests, customizable plugins.
  2. Pricing: Free and open-source.
  3. Support: Large community of users and developers, online resources.
  4. Requirements: Technical expertise for configuration and scripting.
  5. Budget: Free (no ongoing costs).

24. Katalon Studio

  1. Features: Codeless and code-based testing for APIs, web services, and mobile apps, supports multiple protocols.
  2. Pricing: Free Open Source edition, paid Studio Enterprise plan for advanced features and collaboration.
  3. Support: Comprehensive documentation, tutorials, responsive support team.
  4. Requirements: Moderate technical knowledge for advanced features.
  5. Budget: Free-to-high (depending on Enterprise plan requirements).

25. Assertible

  1. Features: Focuses on API contract testing, validates responses against expected behavior, simplifies collaboration.
  2. Pricing: Free tier for basic testing, paid plans start at $49/month for expanded features and team collaboration.
  3. Support: Excellent documentation, tutorials, responsive support team.
  4. Requirements: Moderate technical knowledge for advanced features.
  5. Budget: Free-to-moderate.

26. Runscope

  1. Features: Continuous API monitoring, performance testing, error tracking, real-time alerts and reporting.
  2. Pricing: Free tier for basic monitoring, paid plans start at $49/month for advanced features and scalability.
  3. Support: Comprehensive documentation, webinars, responsive support team.
  4. Requirements: Moderate technical knowledge for advanced features.
  5. Budget: Free-to-moderate.

27. Apigee

  1. Features: Comprehensive API management platform, includes testing, monitoring, security, and developer portal.
  2. Pricing: Freemium model with limited features, paid plans start at $495/month for advanced features and scalability.
  3. Support: Google Cloud support, online resources, community forum.
  4. Requirements: Technical expertise for advanced features and integration with Google Cloud Platform.
  5. Budget: High (recurring subscription costs).

28. AlertSite

  1. Features: Global API monitoring, synthetic monitoring, real-time alerts and reports, root cause analysis.
  2. Pricing: Custom pricing based on specific needs and monitoring volume.
  3. Support: Dedicated account manager, 24/7 support.
  4. Requirements: No technical expertise required, managed service by AlertSite.

5.Budget: High (custom pricing based on needs).

29. APImetrics

  1. Features: API analytics and reporting, API usage insights, monetization tools, developer portal.
  2. Pricing: Custom pricing based on API traffic volume and features used.
  3. Support: Dedicated account manager, online resources.
  4. Requirements: Moderate technical knowledge for API integration and configuration.
  5. Budget: High (custom pricing based on usage and features

30. Apitoolkit

  1. Features: Monitor Errors & Performance, Debug Errors and See request happening live, Generate Swagger From live traffic or manually upload swagger, Payload Validation & Anomaly Detector, API Static Analysis & Linter, Live API tester
  2. Pricing: Free and Pay as you grow.
  3. Support: Active community forum, online documentation.
  4. Requirements: Advanced technical expertise for building and maintaining custom tools.
  5. Budget: Free (no ongoing costs).

Read More Top 10 API Tools for Developers

4. API Gateways & Management Platforms

31. Amazon API Gateway

  1. Features: Highly scalable, serverless solution integrated with AWS ecosystem. Offers rate limiting, caching, authentication, and API versioning.
  2. Pricing: Free tier for low-volume usage, pay-per-use model for additional requests and resources. Pro plan for advanced features like custom domains and analytics.
  3. Support: Extensive AWS documentation and forums, paid support plans available.
  4. Community: Large and active developer community on Stack Overflow and AWS forums.
  5. Requirements: Familiarity with AWS ecosystem preferred. Budget-friendly for low-volume use cases, scales costlier with higher traffic.

32. Azure API Management:

  1. Features: Comprehensive API management solution within Azure platform. Offers gateway functionality, developer portal, analytics, and policy management.
  2. Pricing: Free tier for limited requests, pay-per-use model for additional resources. Standard and Premium plans for advanced features like geo-restrictions and traffic shaping.
  3. Support: Microsoft Azure documentation and support channels, paid Premier support available.
  4. Community: Active developer community within Azure ecosystem.
  5. Requirements: Familiarity with Azure platform preferred. Scalable pricing can fit both small and large businesses.

33. Google Cloud Endpoints

  1. Features: Secure and scalable API gateway for Google Cloud Platform apps. Offers authentication, API keys, quotas, and logging. Integrates with other GCP services.
  2. Pricing: Free tier for low-traffic applications, pay-per-use model for additional requests and resources. Flexible plans for higher scalability and advanced features.
  3. Support: Google Cloud documentation and support channels, paid Enterprise support available.
  4. Community: Growing developer community within GCP ecosystem.
  5. Requirements: Familiarity with GCP preferred. Budget-friendly for low-volume use cases, scales efficiently for larger projects.

34. Kong

  1. Features: Open-source, self-hosted API gateway with comprehensive features. Offers scalability, security, and extensive plugin ecosystem.
  2. Pricing: Open-source core available for free, Enterprise edition with additional features and support requires paid license.
  3. Support: Free community support forums, paid Enterprise support available.
  4. Community: Large and active open-source community, extensive documentation and tutorials.
  5. Requirements: Technical expertise for self-hosting and management. Cost-effective for small teams, Enterprise edition suitable for larger deployments.

35. Apigee

  1. Features: Comprehensive API management platform with gateway, developer portal, analytics, and security features. Offers hybrid deployment options.
  2. Pricing: Subscription-based pricing with various tiers depending on features and traffic volume.
  3. Support: Apigee support channels, tiered support plans available.
  4. Community: Smaller community compared to open-source options, but good documentation and support resources.
  5. Requirements: Budget for subscription fees. Suitable for large enterprises with complex API management needs.

36. MuleSoft Anypoint Platform

  1. Features: Integrated API management platform with enterprise-grade features. Offers API design, gateway, developer portal, and integration tools.
  2. Pricing: Subscription-based pricing with various tiers depending on features and traffic volume.
  3. Support: MuleSoft support channels, tiered support plans available.
  4. Community: Active MuleSoft user community, extensive documentation and support resources.
  5. Requirements: Budget for subscription fees and technical expertise for platform integration. Suitable for large enterprises with complex API ecosystems.

37. IBM API Connect

  1. Features: Comprehensive API management platform with gateway, developer portal, analytics, and security features. Offers on-premises and cloud deployment options.
  2. Pricing: Subscription-based pricing with various tiers depending on features and traffic volume.
  3. Support: IBM support channels, tiered support plans available.
  4. Community: Active IBM API Connect user community, extensive documentation and support resources.
  5. Requirements: Budget for subscription fees and technical expertise for platform integration. Suitable for large enterprises with complex API ecosystems.

38. Software AG webMethods API Gateway

  1. Features: Enterprise-grade API gateway with security, routing, and transformation capabilities. Integrates with webMethods platform.
  2. Pricing: Contact vendor for custom pricing based on requirements.
  3. Support: Software AG support channels, paid support plans available.
  4. Community: Smaller community compared to open-source options, but good documentation and support resources.
  5. Requirements: Budget for custom pricing and technical expertise for integration with webMethods platform. Suitable for large enterprises with existing investments in webMethods.

39. Axway Amplify API Management Platform

  1. Features: Secure APIs across environments with gateway, developer portal, analytics, and robust security. Flexible deployment via hybrid/multi-cloud options.
  2. Pricing: Starts at $30k/year + volume-based fees, custom quotes available.
  3. Support: Comprehensive plans, active community, Axway resources.
  4. Requirements: Budget, technical expertise for deployment/management (hybrid/multi-cloud).
  5. Suitable for: Complex API landscapes, multi-cloud strategies, high security & hybrid needs.

40. Apitoolkit

  1. Features: Lightweight, self-hosted API management platform with a focus on developer experience. Monitor Errors & Performance, Debug Errors and See request happening live, Generate Swagger From live traffic or manually upload swagger,and many more.
  2. Pricing: Free tier and Pay as your grow(Best)
  3. Support: Free community support forums, paid Pro edition support available.
  4. Community: Growing community around apitoolkit, good documentation and tutorials.
  5. Requirements: Technical expertise for self-hosting and management. Cost-effective solution for small teams and individual developers.

5. API Security Tools

41. APIToolkit

  1. Features: Monitor Errors & Performance, Debug Errors and See request happening live, Generate Swagger From live traffic or manually upload swagger, Payload Validation & Anomaly Detector, API Static Analysis & Linter, Live API tester
  2. Pricing: Free for basic features, and pay as you grow.
  3. Support: Extensive documentation and community forum.
  4. Community: Growing user base of developers and security professionals.
  5. Best for: Budget-conscious startups and developers looking for an easy-to-use solution.

42. Salt Security

  1. Features: API behavior analysis, bot detection, anomaly detection, and real-time threat mitigation.
  1. Pricing: Freemium model with limited features. Paid plans start at $4,995/month.
  1. Support: Dedicated customer support and technical advisors.
  1. Community: Smaller community of enterprise users.
  1. Best for: Organizations with high-value APIs and a large budget for proactive security.

43. Noname Security

  1. Features: API discovery, security policies, rate limiting, and bot mitigation.
  2. Pricing: Freemium model with limited features. Paid plans start at $49/month.
  3. Support: Dedicated customer support and knowledge base.
  4. Community: Growing community of developers and security professionals.
  5. Best for: Businesses with moderate security needs and a budget for essential API protection.

45. 42Crunch

  1. Features: API inventory, vulnerability scanning, API threat modeling, and real-time attack blocking.
  2. Pricing: Freemium model with limited features. Paid plans start at $3,000/month
  3. Support: Dedicated customer support and professional services.
  4. Community: Smaller community of enterprise users.
  5. Best for: Large organizations with complex API environments and a significant security budget.

46. Wallarm

  1. Features: API behavior analysis, geofencing, web application firewall (WAF) integration, and botnet detection.
  2. Pricing: Freemium model with limited features. Paid plans start at $9,995/month.
  3. Support: Dedicated customer support and professional services.
  4. Community: Smaller community of enterprise users.
  5. Best for: Highly sensitive APIs and organizations with strict security compliance requirements.

47. ImmuniWeb

  1. Features: Manual and automated API security testing, fuzzing, and source code analysis.
  2. Pricing: Project-based pricing starting at $500.
  3. Support: Dedicated project managers and technical consultants.
  4. Community: Smaller community of security professionals and researchers.
  5. Best for: Organizations focused on in-depth API security testing and compliance.

48. Traceable AI

  1. Features: Anomaly detection, user activity monitoring, and API threat intelligence.
  2. Pricing: Freemium model with limited features. Paid plans start at $499/month.
  3. Support: Dedicated customer support and knowledge base.
  4. Community: Growing community of developers and security professionals.
  5. Best for: Businesses looking for AI-driven API security with a flexible pricing model.

49. Cequence Security

  1. Features: API inventory, vulnerability scanning, bot mitigation, and API traffic analysis.
  2. Pricing: Freemium model with limited features. Paid plans start at $1,000/month.
  3. Support: Dedicated customer support and professional services.
  4. Community: Smaller community of enterprise users.
  5. Best for: Organizations with diverse API needs and a balanced security budget.

50. Postman

  1. Features: environment variables, collection scripts, and mocking capabilities. While not solely focused on security, Postman can help developers build and test secure APIs.
  2. Pricing: Free plan with limited features, Pro plans with advanced functionality starting at $9/month.
  3. Support: Extensive documentation and community forum.
  4. Community: Massive user base of developers and API enthusiasts.
  5. Best for: Developers wanting to incorporate security considerations into their API development workflow.

Frequently asked Questions

What are the different types of API tools available?

  1. API Design & Documentation Tools: These tools help you design and document your APIs effectively, making them clear and easy for developers to use.
  2. API Client Libraries & SDKs: These tools generate code libraries that make it easy to integrate your API into other applications.
  3. API Testing & Monitoring Tools: These tools help you test your APIs for functionality and performance, and monitor them for uptime and security issues.
  4. API Gateways & Management Platforms: These platforms provide a central hub for managing your APIs, including authentication, authorization,and traffic routing.
  5. API Security Tools: These tools help you protect your APIs from cyberattacks and unauthorized access.

Are there any free or open-source API tools available?

Yes! Many excellent free and open-source API tools are available, such as Swagger UI, Postman, OpenAPI Generator, and Apitoolkit. These tools offer basic functionalities and can be a great starting point for developers on a budget.

Can I get started with APIs without spending any money?

Yes, several free tools and resources can help you get started with APIs, even without spending anything. Many API providers offer free trial periods for their paid tools, allowing you to test them out before committing.

Conclusion

Remember, the perfect API tool doesn't exist; it's about finding the perfect fit for your project. Consider your goals, technical expertise, and financial constraints when evaluating options. Don't hesitate to experiment with free trials and explore open-source options before committing to a paid plan.

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