19 Best API Testing Tools Reviewed In 2025
Best API Testing Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 19 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
In the fast-paced world of software development, ensuring your APIs work as expected can be a challenge. You might face issues like unexpected bugs or integration errors that slow down your progress. That's where API testing tools come in, helping you catch problems early and keep your projects on track.
I've spent time testing and reviewing these tools to find the best ones for you. My goal is to give you an honest, well-researched look at the top options in the market. You'll discover tools that fit your team's needs and make your development process smoother.
In this article, I'll share my top picks and insights, so you can choose the right API testing tool for your team.
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Best API Testing Tools Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top API testing tools selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for AI-driven test creation | Free trial available + free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for continuous security testing | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for detecting vulnerabilities | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for beginners in testing | Free demo available | From $175/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for cloud-based testing | Free trial available + free demo | From $39/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for cross-platform support | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for quick API requests | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for API management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for codeless automation | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for open-source testing | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Deel
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
New Relic
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.3 -
Checkmk
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7
Best API Testing Tool Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best API testing tools that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Tricentis Testim is an AI-powered test automation tool tailored for web, mobile, and Salesforce applications. It's designed for development teams looking to improve testing efficiency and reduce maintenance efforts.
Why I picked Tricentis Testim: This tool focuses on AI-driven test creation with its low-code test authoring and self-healing AI locators. Testim Copilot uses generative AI to speed up test creation and debugging, aligning with its USP of being best for AI-driven test creation. The platform's integrated TestOps feature aids in managing tests effectively, and Testim Mobile provides comprehensive mobile app testing.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include low-code test authoring, self-healing AI locators, and Testim Copilot for faster test creation and debugging. Testim Mobile supports extensive mobile app testing, and Testim Salesforce simplifies testing for Salesforce applications.
Integrations include Jenkins, JIRA, GitHub, Slack, GitLab, Bitbucket, Azure DevOps, CircleCI, Bamboo, and TeamCity.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- AI-driven test creation
- Low-code authoring
- Self-healing locators
Cons:
- May require technical knowledge
- Steep learning curve
Invicti is a comprehensive API security tool tailored for developers and security teams. It automates vulnerability detection and integrates into CI/CD pipelines to enhance security workflows.
Why I picked Invicti: It offers real-time vulnerability detection and zero false positives, which aligns with its USP of continuous security testing. The tool's advanced scanning technology supports REST, SOAP, and GraphQL APIs. Invicti's DAST + IAST approach increases accuracy and identifies more vulnerabilities. It also provides visibility into exposed assets, helping teams manage risks effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced scanning technology for multiple API types, real-time vulnerability detection, and zero false positives. The platform promotes proactive security by helping developers write secure code. Its automation capabilities enhance the software development lifecycle.
Integrations include Jenkins, JIRA, GitHub, Azure DevOps, Bamboo, Bitbucket, GitLab, Slack, ServiceNow, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automates vulnerability detection
- Supports multiple API types
- Proactive security measures
Cons:
- Pricing not readily available
- May require technical expertise
Acunetix is a web application security scanner designed for security teams and developers. It focuses on detecting vulnerabilities in web applications to enhance your security posture.
Why I picked Acunetix: It excels in vulnerability detection with its ability to identify over 7,000 vulnerabilities, which aligns with its USP of being best for detecting vulnerabilities. The tool integrates dynamic and static analysis to cover a wide range of security issues. Acunetix's scanning engine is fast and accurate, providing comprehensive security assessments. It also supports a wide range of technologies, making it versatile for different environments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced scanning for over 7,000 vulnerabilities, fast and accurate scanning engine, and comprehensive security assessments. The tool supports various technologies, enhancing its versatility. It also provides detailed reports to help you understand and address security issues.
Integrations include Jenkins, JIRA, GitHub, GitLab, Azure DevOps, TFS, Bugzilla, Mantis, ServiceNow, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detects over 7,000 vulnerabilities
- Fast scanning engine
- Supports various technologies
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- Initial setup complexity
Katalon Studio is a test automation tool designed for testers and developers. It offers a comprehensive solution for web, API, mobile, and desktop app testing, making it ideal for teams looking to streamline their testing processes.
Why I picked Katalon Studio: It's beginner-friendly, providing an intuitive user interface that simplifies test automation. The tool supports both scriptless and scripting modes, catering to users with varying levels of coding experience. With built-in keywords and templates, it reduces the learning curve for new testers. Additionally, its extensive documentation and community support make it accessible for beginners.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include scriptless test creation, which allows you to build tests without coding. The tool also offers built-in keywords and templates to simplify the process. You can switch between scripting and scriptless modes, giving flexibility to your testing approach.
Integrations include Jenkins, JIRA, Git, TestRail, Slack, qTest, Kobiton, Azure DevOps, Sauce Labs, and BrowserStack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Supports scriptless test creation
- Extensive community support
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- May require initial setup time
Sauce Labs is a cloud-based testing platform tailored for developers and QA teams. It provides automated testing solutions for web, mobile, and API applications, enabling teams to test across multiple browsers and devices.
Why I picked Sauce Labs: It offers a cloud-based infrastructure, allowing you to run tests without maintaining an in-house setup. This makes it ideal for teams looking to scale testing efforts efficiently. You can perform automated testing across a wide array of devices and browsers, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Sauce Labs real-time analytics and reporting features help your team quickly identify and resolve issues.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time analytics that give you insights into test results. The platform supports a wide variety of browsers and devices, enhancing your testing coverage. Additionally, it offers instant access to a vast infrastructure, eliminating the need for in-house maintenance.
Integrations include Jenkins, JIRA, GitHub, CircleCI, Slack, Bamboo, Travis CI, Bitbucket, TeamCity, and Azure DevOps.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cloud-based infrastructure
- Supports multiple devices
- Real-time analytics
Cons:
- May require advanced technical skills
- Can be costly for small teams
SmartBear is a versatile testing tool designed for QA teams and developers. It provides comprehensive testing solutions for web, mobile, and API applications, making it ideal for teams needing cross-platform support.
Why I picked SmartBear: It offers extensive cross-platform compatibility, allowing your team to test on various environments without hassle. The tool supports automated testing for web, mobile, and desktop applications, aligning with its USP of cross-platform support. SmartBear robust reporting features provide insights into your testing efforts. Additionally, SmartBear's flexible scripting options cater to both beginners and experienced testers.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include robust reporting capabilities that offer insights into test results. The tool provides flexible scripting options, catering to testers with different skill levels. Its support for automated testing across web, mobile, and desktop applications enhances your testing coverage.
Integrations include Jenkins, JIRA, GitHub, Azure DevOps, Slack, Bitbucket, TeamCity, Bamboo, qTest, TestRail, and Confluence.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive cross-platform compatibility
- Flexible scripting options
- Comprehensive reporting features
Cons:
- Pricing not transparent
- Limited offline support
Hoppscotch is an open-source API development tool aimed at developers who need a fast and efficient way to test APIs. It simplifies the process of sending requests and analyzing responses, making it a valuable tool for developers during the API development phase.
Why I picked Hoppscotch: Its quick and intuitive interface lets you send API requests without hassle, aligning with its USP of being best for quick API requests. You can easily customize requests with various parameters and headers. The platform supports real-time WebSocket testing, which is a bonus for developers working with real-time data. Its open-source nature allows for community-driven improvements, ensuring it stays relevant and useful.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to send requests with customizable parameters and headers, which enhances testing flexibility. The tool supports real-time WebSocket testing, allowing you to work with real-time data efficiently. Its open-source nature means it benefits from community-driven improvements, keeping it up-to-date with developer needs.
Integrations include GitHub, Slack, Discord, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, Postman, Swagger, Insomnia, Zapier, and Trello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Quick API request handling
- Real-time WebSocket support
- Open-source community improvements
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Not suitable for complex testing
Apigee Edge is an API management platform designed for enterprises looking to manage, secure, and scale their APIs. It provides tools for developers and businesses to create, publish, and analyze APIs efficiently.
Why I picked Apigee Edge: It excels in API management, offering features that enhance security and scalability for your APIs. You can use its analytics to gain insights into API usage and performance. The platform also provides tools for monetization, helping businesses generate revenue from APIs. Its comprehensive security features ensure your APIs are protected from threats.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include detailed analytics that provide insights into API performance. The platform offers monetization tools, allowing you to generate revenue from your APIs. It also integrates security features to protect your APIs from potential threats.
Integrations include Jenkins, JIRA, GitHub, Slack, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Salesforce, IBM Cloud, and MuleSoft.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed analytics for insights
- Supports API monetization
- Scalable for large enterprises
Cons:
- Learning curve for beginners
- May require technical expertise
Subject7 is a cloud-based test automation platform designed for QA teams and developers. It enables users to create, execute, and manage automated tests without writing code, making it accessible for teams with varying technical expertise.
Why I picked Subject7: It offers codeless automation, allowing you to create tests without needing programming skills. The platform provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies test creation and management. With its support for multiple testing types, including functional and regression, it caters to diverse testing needs. Additionally, its scalability ensures you can manage a large number of tests efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include support for multiple testing types, allowing you to perform functional, regression, and load testing. The platform offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies test management for your team. Its scalability ensures you can handle a large number of tests without issues.
Integrations include Jenkins, JIRA, GitHub, Slack, Azure DevOps, Bamboo, Bitbucket, TeamCity, ServiceNow, and TestRail.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Codeless automation capabilities
- Supports multiple testing types
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Pricing not transparent
- Initial setup complexity
SoapUI is an open-source API testing tool aimed at developers and testers who need a reliable way to test REST and SOAP APIs. It allows users to create and execute automated functional, regression, and load tests with ease.
Why I picked SoapUI: It offers a comprehensive open-source platform for API testing, making it accessible for teams with limited budgets. The tool supports both REST and SOAP protocols, providing flexibility in testing various API types. Its user-friendly interface simplifies test creation and execution, aligning with its USP of open-source testing. Additionally, SoapUI's extensive documentation and community support enhance its usability.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include support for both REST and SOAP protocols, allowing you to test a wide range of APIs. The tool offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies test creation and execution. Its extensive documentation and active community support help you troubleshoot and enhance your testing efforts.
Integrations include Jenkins, JIRA, GitHub, Swagger, Docker, Maven, Bamboo, Azure DevOps, TFS, and TeamCity.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Open-source platform
- Extensive documentation
- Active community support
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Requires manual setup for some tasks
Other API Testing Tools
Here are some additional API testing tools options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Reflect
For no-code test automation
- QA Wolf
For fast test creation
- Rest Assured
For Java developers
- Postman
For collaboration features
- Karate DSL
For BDD testing
- Parasoft SOAtest
For service virtualization
- SmartBear ReadyAPI
For end-to-end testing
- Apache JMeter
For load testing
- Tricentis
For continuous testing
API Testing Tool Selection Criteria
When selecting the best API testing tools to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like ease of integration and support for multiple protocols. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Send and receive API requests
- Automate test execution
- Validate API responses
- Support REST and SOAP protocols
- Generate detailed test reports
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Real-time collaboration tools
- AI-driven test generation
- Built-in security testing
- Support for microservices architecture
- Advanced analytics and reporting
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Minimal learning curve
- Customizable dashboard
- Responsive design
- Easy navigation
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates and samples
- Webinars and live sessions
- Chatbot assistance
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multiple support channels
- Access to a knowledge base
- Response time to queries
- Personalized support options
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Feature set relative to price
- Flexible pricing plans
- Discounts for annual billing
- Free trial availability
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Commonly reported issues
- Praise for specific features
- Feedback on customer service
- Frequency of updates and improvements
How to Choose API Testing Tools
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Ensure the tool can handle increased testing demands as your team or project grows. Look for solutions that support multiple users and large-scale testing without performance issues. |
| Integrations | Check if the tool integrates with your existing software stack, such as CI/CD pipelines, version control systems, and collaboration tools. This can enhance workflow efficiency and reduce manual efforts. |
| Customizability | Look for tools that allow you to tailor testing processes to fit your team’s specific needs. Customizable dashboards and test configurations can improve productivity and relevance. |
| Ease of Use | Evaluate the user interface and overall experience. A tool that's easy to navigate and requires minimal training will save your team time and help them focus on testing rather than learning the software. |
| Budget | Consider the total cost of ownership, including licensing, support, and potential add-ons. Ensure the tool fits within your budget while still meeting your team’s needs. |
| Security Safeguards | Ensure the tool provides adequate security measures to protect sensitive data and test results. Features like data encryption, access controls, and compliance with industry standards are crucial. |
| Support and Resources | Consider the availability of customer support, documentation, and community forums. Reliable support can be invaluable during implementation and troubleshooting. |
| Performance | Assess the tool's speed and reliability in executing tests. A performant tool will provide faster feedback and allow you to identify issues promptly. |
Trends in API Testing Tools
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different API testing tool vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- AI-Driven Testing: AI is increasingly being used to create smarter testing processes. Tools are leveraging AI for predictive analytics and automated test case generation, making testing more efficient. Some vendors are integrating AI to identify potential bugs before they occur.
- Shift-Left Testing: This trend involves testing earlier in the development process. By catching issues sooner, teams can reduce costs and improve software quality. Vendors are enhancing their tools to support this approach, integrating with development environments to facilitate early testing.
- API Security Testing: As security becomes more important, tools are focusing on identifying vulnerabilities in APIs. Advanced security testing features are being integrated to protect data and ensure compliance with standards. This trend addresses growing concerns over data breaches.
- Support for Microservices: With the rise of microservices architecture, tools are adapting to test these distributed systems effectively. This involves handling complex dependencies and ensuring communication between services is reliable. Vendors are tailoring their tools to support these architectures.
- User Experience Focus: There’s a shift towards improving the user interface and experience of testing tools. Simplified interfaces and better user guidance make tools more accessible to non-technical users. Vendors are investing in design updates to make their products more intuitive.
What Are API Testing Tools?
API testing tools are software solutions designed to test the functionality, reliability, and security of application programming interfaces (APIs). Developers, QA engineers, and software testers generally use these tools to ensure APIs work correctly and efficiently. Automation, security testing, and integration capabilities help with identifying bugs early, securing data, and facilitating smooth communication between software components. Overall, these tools provide essential support in maintaining high-quality software and enhancing development workflows.
Features of API Testing Tools
When selecting API testing tools, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Automation capabilities: Automate repetitive tests to save time and reduce manual effort, increasing efficiency in the testing process.
- Security testing: Identify vulnerabilities within APIs to protect data and ensure compliance with security standards.
- Integration support: Seamlessly connect with existing software stacks like CI/CD pipelines and version control systems to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Scalability: Handle increased testing demands effectively as your team or project grows, ensuring performance remains consistent.
- User-friendly interface: Simplify navigation and reduce the learning curve, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users.
- Customizability: Tailor testing processes and dashboards to fit specific team needs, improving relevance and productivity.
- Real-time analytics: Provide insights into API performance and usage, enabling quick identification and resolution of issues.
- Support for microservices: Effectively test distributed systems, ensuring reliable communication between services and handling complex dependencies.
Benefits of API Testing Tools
Implementing API testing tools provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved efficiency: Automation capabilities reduce manual testing efforts, allowing your team to focus on more complex tasks and speeding up the development process.
- Enhanced security: Security testing features help identify vulnerabilities early, protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Better reliability: Integration support ensures that APIs work smoothly with other software components, reducing the risk of errors and downtime.
- Scalability: The ability to handle increased testing demands means you can maintain performance as your team or project grows.
- Quick issue identification: Real-time analytics provide insights into API performance, enabling your team to detect and resolve issues swiftly.
- Customization options: Tailoring testing processes to fit your team's specific needs improves productivity and relevance.
- Simplified user experience: A user-friendly interface makes it easier for both technical and non-technical users to navigate the tool, reducing the learning curve.
Costs and Pricing of API Testing Tools
Selecting API testing tools requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in API testing tools solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for API Testing Tools
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic testing capabilities, limited support, and community access. |
| Personal Plan | $10-$30 /user /month | Automation capabilities, basic integrations, and email support. |
| Business Plan | $50-$100 /user /month | Advanced integrations, security testing, and priority support. |
| Enterprise Plan | $150-$300/user /month | Customizable features, dedicated account manager, and advanced analytics. |
API Testing Tools FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about API tools:
Which tool is mostly used for API testing?
Postman is one of the most widely used tools for API testing. It’s favored for its user-friendly interface and extensive features like automated testing and collaboration. Your team can easily create, share, and test APIs, making it a popular choice among developers and testers.
What are the major challenges faced in API testing?
One major challenge is ensuring security, especially when managing sensitive data. Another is maintaining data consistency across different API versions. Your team might also face issues with scaling tests and handling complex data formats. Overcoming these challenges requires thorough planning and the right tools.
What should be checked when performing API testing?
When performing API testing, check the endpoint functionality to ensure it’s working as expected. Verify the response accuracy and error handling capabilities. It’s also important to test the data format, like JSON or XML, and ensure the API performs well under different loads.
What are the three types of testing in API?
The three main types of API testing are functional, performance, and security testing. Functional testing ensures the API behaves as expected, performance testing measures speed and load handling, and security testing checks for vulnerabilities. Each type helps maintain the API’s reliability and safety.
How can I improve the efficiency of my API tests?
To improve efficiency, use automation to reduce manual testing efforts. Focus on reusability by creating modular test cases that can be used across different scenarios. Also, integrate testing tools with your CI/CD pipeline to streamline the testing process and get quicker feedback.
Why is it important to test APIs early in the development process?
Testing APIs early helps catch issues before they escalate, saving time and resources. It enables your team to fix bugs when they’re less costly to address. Early testing also improves the overall quality of the software, leading to a more reliable and robust application.
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