What Is Burp Suite, and 10 Burp Suite Alternatives and Competitors

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Shreya Srivastava

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Aug 7, 2025

Aug 7, 2025

What Is Burp Suite, and 10 Burp Suite Alternatives and Competitors
What Is Burp Suite, and 10 Burp Suite Alternatives and Competitors
What Is Burp Suite, and 10 Burp Suite Alternatives and Competitors

Burp Suite is a widely-used web application security testing tool developed by PortSwigger. It’s trusted by over 70,000 users globally and is a staple for penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and API security audits. With features such as HTTP/S traffic interception, automated scanning, and manual testing tools, Burp Suite helps identify vulnerabilities in web applications and APIs.

However, it’s not the only option. If you’re considering alternatives, here are 10 tools that offer similar or complementary features:

  1. Qodex: AI-driven API testing with automated vulnerability detection and CI/CD integration.

  2. Postman: Popular API development tool with testing, monitoring, and collaboration features.

  3. OWASP ZAP: Free, open-source security tool for automated and manual testing.

  4. Insomnia: API debugging and testing platform with support for REST, GraphQL, and CI/CD pipelines.

  5. SoapUI: Comprehensive tool for SOAP, REST, and GraphQL testing with automation and scripting options.

  6. Fiddler: Web debugging proxy with traffic capture, scripting, and AI-driven monitoring.

  7. Pynt: AI-powered API security testing that identifies vulnerabilities in real-world scenarios.

  8. Apigee: Google Cloud’s API management platform with advanced security and monitoring tools.

  9. ReadyAPI: Enterprise-level platform for API testing, including functional, security, and performance testing.

  10. HTTP Toolkit: Open-source tool for debugging and testing HTTP traffic with automation features.


Quick Comparison

Tool

Key Features

Pricing

API Support

CI/CD Integration

Burp Suite

Manual & automated testing, proxy

$399/year (Pro)

REST, GraphQL

Yes

Qodex

AI-driven automation, no-code tests

$49+/month

REST, GraphQL

Yes

Postman

API lifecycle management, monitoring

Free/$12+/month

REST, GraphQL, SOAP

Yes

OWASP ZAP

Free, automated scanning

Free

REST, GraphQL

Yes

Insomnia

Debugging, testing, CI integration

Free/$50+/year

REST, GraphQL

Yes

SoapUI

Functional & load testing

Free/$659+/year

SOAP, REST

Limited

Fiddler

Traffic capture, AI insights

Free/$10+/month

HTTP, REST

Yes

Pynt

AI-powered security testing

Custom Pricing

REST, GraphQL

Yes

Apigee

API management, advanced security

Custom Pricing

REST, GraphQL

Yes

ReadyAPI

Enterprise-level API testing

$759+/year

REST, GraphQL

Yes

HTTP Toolkit

HTTP traffic debugging

Free/$10+/month

HTTP, REST

Yes

When selecting a tool, consider your team size, budget, and specific requirements, such as automation, protocol support, and CI/CD compatibility. Each tool has strengths tailored to different needs, from free open-source options to enterprise-grade solutions.

Burp Suite is a widely-used web application security testing tool developed by PortSwigger. It’s trusted by over 70,000 users globally and is a staple for penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and API security audits. With features such as HTTP/S traffic interception, automated scanning, and manual testing tools, Burp Suite helps identify vulnerabilities in web applications and APIs.

However, it’s not the only option. If you’re considering alternatives, here are 10 tools that offer similar or complementary features:

  1. Qodex: AI-driven API testing with automated vulnerability detection and CI/CD integration.

  2. Postman: Popular API development tool with testing, monitoring, and collaboration features.

  3. OWASP ZAP: Free, open-source security tool for automated and manual testing.

  4. Insomnia: API debugging and testing platform with support for REST, GraphQL, and CI/CD pipelines.

  5. SoapUI: Comprehensive tool for SOAP, REST, and GraphQL testing with automation and scripting options.

  6. Fiddler: Web debugging proxy with traffic capture, scripting, and AI-driven monitoring.

  7. Pynt: AI-powered API security testing that identifies vulnerabilities in real-world scenarios.

  8. Apigee: Google Cloud’s API management platform with advanced security and monitoring tools.

  9. ReadyAPI: Enterprise-level platform for API testing, including functional, security, and performance testing.

  10. HTTP Toolkit: Open-source tool for debugging and testing HTTP traffic with automation features.


Quick Comparison

Tool

Key Features

Pricing

API Support

CI/CD Integration

Burp Suite

Manual & automated testing, proxy

$399/year (Pro)

REST, GraphQL

Yes

Qodex

AI-driven automation, no-code tests

$49+/month

REST, GraphQL

Yes

Postman

API lifecycle management, monitoring

Free/$12+/month

REST, GraphQL, SOAP

Yes

OWASP ZAP

Free, automated scanning

Free

REST, GraphQL

Yes

Insomnia

Debugging, testing, CI integration

Free/$50+/year

REST, GraphQL

Yes

SoapUI

Functional & load testing

Free/$659+/year

SOAP, REST

Limited

Fiddler

Traffic capture, AI insights

Free/$10+/month

HTTP, REST

Yes

Pynt

AI-powered security testing

Custom Pricing

REST, GraphQL

Yes

Apigee

API management, advanced security

Custom Pricing

REST, GraphQL

Yes

ReadyAPI

Enterprise-level API testing

$759+/year

REST, GraphQL

Yes

HTTP Toolkit

HTTP traffic debugging

Free/$10+/month

HTTP, REST

Yes

When selecting a tool, consider your team size, budget, and specific requirements, such as automation, protocol support, and CI/CD compatibility. Each tool has strengths tailored to different needs, from free open-source options to enterprise-grade solutions.

Burp Suite is a widely-used web application security testing tool developed by PortSwigger. It’s trusted by over 70,000 users globally and is a staple for penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and API security audits. With features such as HTTP/S traffic interception, automated scanning, and manual testing tools, Burp Suite helps identify vulnerabilities in web applications and APIs.

However, it’s not the only option. If you’re considering alternatives, here are 10 tools that offer similar or complementary features:

  1. Qodex: AI-driven API testing with automated vulnerability detection and CI/CD integration.

  2. Postman: Popular API development tool with testing, monitoring, and collaboration features.

  3. OWASP ZAP: Free, open-source security tool for automated and manual testing.

  4. Insomnia: API debugging and testing platform with support for REST, GraphQL, and CI/CD pipelines.

  5. SoapUI: Comprehensive tool for SOAP, REST, and GraphQL testing with automation and scripting options.

  6. Fiddler: Web debugging proxy with traffic capture, scripting, and AI-driven monitoring.

  7. Pynt: AI-powered API security testing that identifies vulnerabilities in real-world scenarios.

  8. Apigee: Google Cloud’s API management platform with advanced security and monitoring tools.

  9. ReadyAPI: Enterprise-level platform for API testing, including functional, security, and performance testing.

  10. HTTP Toolkit: Open-source tool for debugging and testing HTTP traffic with automation features.


Quick Comparison

Tool

Key Features

Pricing

API Support

CI/CD Integration

Burp Suite

Manual & automated testing, proxy

$399/year (Pro)

REST, GraphQL

Yes

Qodex

AI-driven automation, no-code tests

$49+/month

REST, GraphQL

Yes

Postman

API lifecycle management, monitoring

Free/$12+/month

REST, GraphQL, SOAP

Yes

OWASP ZAP

Free, automated scanning

Free

REST, GraphQL

Yes

Insomnia

Debugging, testing, CI integration

Free/$50+/year

REST, GraphQL

Yes

SoapUI

Functional & load testing

Free/$659+/year

SOAP, REST

Limited

Fiddler

Traffic capture, AI insights

Free/$10+/month

HTTP, REST

Yes

Pynt

AI-powered security testing

Custom Pricing

REST, GraphQL

Yes

Apigee

API management, advanced security

Custom Pricing

REST, GraphQL

Yes

ReadyAPI

Enterprise-level API testing

$759+/year

REST, GraphQL

Yes

HTTP Toolkit

HTTP traffic debugging

Free/$10+/month

HTTP, REST

Yes

When selecting a tool, consider your team size, budget, and specific requirements, such as automation, protocol support, and CI/CD compatibility. Each tool has strengths tailored to different needs, from free open-source options to enterprise-grade solutions.

What Is Burp Suite and How It Works

What Is Burp Suite and How It Works


Burp Suite, developed by PortSwigger, is a powerful platform for web application security testing. It's a go-to tool for security professionals conducting penetration tests, vulnerability assessments, and API security audits. Acting as a proxy between your browser and target applications, it captures and analyzes all HTTP and HTTPS traffic. This setup enables testers to inspect and manipulate requests in real-time, making it a vital tool in the security testing arsenal.

The platform is modular, with each tool designed to complement the others. The Proxy module intercepts and displays all requests and responses, providing detailed insights into the data being exchanged. The Scanner automatically crawls applications, uncovering common vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and CSRF attacks. Meanwhile, the Intruder tool automates targeted attacks by sending varied payloads to specific endpoints, making it ideal for fuzzing and brute force testing.


Core Features That Drive Security Testing

One standout feature of Burp Suite is its ability to intercept HTTP/S traffic. Testers configure their browsers to route traffic through Burp's proxy (typically using IP address 127.0.0.1 and port 8080), enabling real-time inspection and modification of requests before they reach the server.

The Repeater tool is another favorite among testers. It allows them to resend customized requests, making it invaluable for tasks like parameter manipulation and testing authentication mechanisms. The Intruder tool further enhances testing by automating fuzzing techniques to identify input validation issues, including advanced attacks like cluster bombs.

For API testing, Burp Suite supports OpenAPI specifications, GraphQL introspection queries, and SOAP services. It can parse API documentation to identify endpoints and parameters, streamlining the testing process.


Editions and Pricing Structure

Burp Suite is available in three editions, each catering to different needs:

  • Community Edition: Free and ideal for individual researchers or smaller teams, offering basic functionality.

  • Professional Edition: Priced at $399 per year, this edition includes advanced manual testing tools, automated vulnerability scanning, and the complete Intruder toolkit.

  • Enterprise Edition: At $3,999 annually, this version is designed for large organizations, offering role-based access control, third-party integrations, and enhanced reporting for enterprise environments.

"Burp Suite is one of the best and affordable Cyber Security products! My thanks go out to the team for providing such an indispensable tool. AppSec would be lost without you." - Daniel Oakley, Cyber Security Professional


Primary Use Cases for US Organizations

Burp Suite's capabilities make it a trusted choice for U.S. organizations aiming to meet strict security standards. Penetration testing is one of its most common applications, with consultants and internal teams using it to simulate real-world attacks on web applications, mobile apps, and APIs. The detailed reports generated by Burp Suite help organizations demonstrate due diligence to auditors and regulators.

Compliance is another key area where Burp Suite shines. For example, a healthcare provider used Burp Suite Enterprise to secure its patient portal, ensuring compliance with HIPAA through detailed, regulation-friendly reports. Similarly, companies dealing with PCI DSS and SOX requirements rely on Burp Suite for thorough security assessments.

The platform also integrates seamlessly into DevSecOps workflows. Its API enables automated scans during development, catching vulnerabilities early in the process. Features like session handling rules simplify the testing of complex authentication flows, while BCheck scripts allow for custom security tests.

With over 52,000 users worldwide, Burp Suite continues to address modern security challenges, offering a robust toolset that adapts to the evolving needs of enterprise environments.

What Is Burp Suite and How It Works


Burp Suite, developed by PortSwigger, is a powerful platform for web application security testing. It's a go-to tool for security professionals conducting penetration tests, vulnerability assessments, and API security audits. Acting as a proxy between your browser and target applications, it captures and analyzes all HTTP and HTTPS traffic. This setup enables testers to inspect and manipulate requests in real-time, making it a vital tool in the security testing arsenal.

The platform is modular, with each tool designed to complement the others. The Proxy module intercepts and displays all requests and responses, providing detailed insights into the data being exchanged. The Scanner automatically crawls applications, uncovering common vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and CSRF attacks. Meanwhile, the Intruder tool automates targeted attacks by sending varied payloads to specific endpoints, making it ideal for fuzzing and brute force testing.


Core Features That Drive Security Testing

One standout feature of Burp Suite is its ability to intercept HTTP/S traffic. Testers configure their browsers to route traffic through Burp's proxy (typically using IP address 127.0.0.1 and port 8080), enabling real-time inspection and modification of requests before they reach the server.

The Repeater tool is another favorite among testers. It allows them to resend customized requests, making it invaluable for tasks like parameter manipulation and testing authentication mechanisms. The Intruder tool further enhances testing by automating fuzzing techniques to identify input validation issues, including advanced attacks like cluster bombs.

For API testing, Burp Suite supports OpenAPI specifications, GraphQL introspection queries, and SOAP services. It can parse API documentation to identify endpoints and parameters, streamlining the testing process.


Editions and Pricing Structure

Burp Suite is available in three editions, each catering to different needs:

  • Community Edition: Free and ideal for individual researchers or smaller teams, offering basic functionality.

  • Professional Edition: Priced at $399 per year, this edition includes advanced manual testing tools, automated vulnerability scanning, and the complete Intruder toolkit.

  • Enterprise Edition: At $3,999 annually, this version is designed for large organizations, offering role-based access control, third-party integrations, and enhanced reporting for enterprise environments.

"Burp Suite is one of the best and affordable Cyber Security products! My thanks go out to the team for providing such an indispensable tool. AppSec would be lost without you." - Daniel Oakley, Cyber Security Professional


Primary Use Cases for US Organizations

Burp Suite's capabilities make it a trusted choice for U.S. organizations aiming to meet strict security standards. Penetration testing is one of its most common applications, with consultants and internal teams using it to simulate real-world attacks on web applications, mobile apps, and APIs. The detailed reports generated by Burp Suite help organizations demonstrate due diligence to auditors and regulators.

Compliance is another key area where Burp Suite shines. For example, a healthcare provider used Burp Suite Enterprise to secure its patient portal, ensuring compliance with HIPAA through detailed, regulation-friendly reports. Similarly, companies dealing with PCI DSS and SOX requirements rely on Burp Suite for thorough security assessments.

The platform also integrates seamlessly into DevSecOps workflows. Its API enables automated scans during development, catching vulnerabilities early in the process. Features like session handling rules simplify the testing of complex authentication flows, while BCheck scripts allow for custom security tests.

With over 52,000 users worldwide, Burp Suite continues to address modern security challenges, offering a robust toolset that adapts to the evolving needs of enterprise environments.

What Is Burp Suite and How It Works


Burp Suite, developed by PortSwigger, is a powerful platform for web application security testing. It's a go-to tool for security professionals conducting penetration tests, vulnerability assessments, and API security audits. Acting as a proxy between your browser and target applications, it captures and analyzes all HTTP and HTTPS traffic. This setup enables testers to inspect and manipulate requests in real-time, making it a vital tool in the security testing arsenal.

The platform is modular, with each tool designed to complement the others. The Proxy module intercepts and displays all requests and responses, providing detailed insights into the data being exchanged. The Scanner automatically crawls applications, uncovering common vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and CSRF attacks. Meanwhile, the Intruder tool automates targeted attacks by sending varied payloads to specific endpoints, making it ideal for fuzzing and brute force testing.


Core Features That Drive Security Testing

One standout feature of Burp Suite is its ability to intercept HTTP/S traffic. Testers configure their browsers to route traffic through Burp's proxy (typically using IP address 127.0.0.1 and port 8080), enabling real-time inspection and modification of requests before they reach the server.

The Repeater tool is another favorite among testers. It allows them to resend customized requests, making it invaluable for tasks like parameter manipulation and testing authentication mechanisms. The Intruder tool further enhances testing by automating fuzzing techniques to identify input validation issues, including advanced attacks like cluster bombs.

For API testing, Burp Suite supports OpenAPI specifications, GraphQL introspection queries, and SOAP services. It can parse API documentation to identify endpoints and parameters, streamlining the testing process.


Editions and Pricing Structure

Burp Suite is available in three editions, each catering to different needs:

  • Community Edition: Free and ideal for individual researchers or smaller teams, offering basic functionality.

  • Professional Edition: Priced at $399 per year, this edition includes advanced manual testing tools, automated vulnerability scanning, and the complete Intruder toolkit.

  • Enterprise Edition: At $3,999 annually, this version is designed for large organizations, offering role-based access control, third-party integrations, and enhanced reporting for enterprise environments.

"Burp Suite is one of the best and affordable Cyber Security products! My thanks go out to the team for providing such an indispensable tool. AppSec would be lost without you." - Daniel Oakley, Cyber Security Professional


Primary Use Cases for US Organizations

Burp Suite's capabilities make it a trusted choice for U.S. organizations aiming to meet strict security standards. Penetration testing is one of its most common applications, with consultants and internal teams using it to simulate real-world attacks on web applications, mobile apps, and APIs. The detailed reports generated by Burp Suite help organizations demonstrate due diligence to auditors and regulators.

Compliance is another key area where Burp Suite shines. For example, a healthcare provider used Burp Suite Enterprise to secure its patient portal, ensuring compliance with HIPAA through detailed, regulation-friendly reports. Similarly, companies dealing with PCI DSS and SOX requirements rely on Burp Suite for thorough security assessments.

The platform also integrates seamlessly into DevSecOps workflows. Its API enables automated scans during development, catching vulnerabilities early in the process. Features like session handling rules simplify the testing of complex authentication flows, while BCheck scripts allow for custom security tests.

With over 52,000 users worldwide, Burp Suite continues to address modern security challenges, offering a robust toolset that adapts to the evolving needs of enterprise environments.

Ship bug-free software, 200% faster, in 20% testing budget. No coding required

Ship bug-free software, 200% faster, in 20% testing budget. No coding required

Ship bug-free software, 200% faster, in 20% testing budget. No coding required

How to Choose the Right API Security Testing Tool

Selecting the right API security testing tool is critical for safeguarding your digital ecosystem. With 57% of companies reporting API-related breaches in the past two years and the average global cost of a breach hitting $4.88 million in 2024, the stakes couldn't be higher.

"Your digital ecosystem is only as secure as the APIs powering it." - Martyn Davies, Developer Advocate

Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating API security testing tools:

Protocol Support and Vulnerability Coverage

Modern applications rely on a mix of protocols like REST, SOAP, GraphQL, and gRPC. Your chosen tool should seamlessly test these formats while also supporting security protocols such as OAuth 2.0, JWT, HMAC, and CORS. Look for features like OpenAPI parsing, GraphQL introspection, and SOAP testing with minimal setup.

Additionally, ensure the tool can test TLS 1.3 encryption and validate both role-based (RBAC) and attribute-based (ABAC) access controls. Comprehensive protocol support ensures your APIs are tested for a wide range of vulnerabilities.

Automation and AI Integration

Automation is reshaping API security testing, with AI playing a significant role in smarter and faster testing. Tools that leverage natural language processing and predictive analytics can identify potential issues early in the development cycle. Opt for platforms that offer:

  • Automated vulnerability scans

  • OWASP compliance checks

  • Zero-trust API model implementation without manual intervention

Continuous monitoring is also becoming a must-have. Tools that provide real-time insights into API performance and reliability help teams address issues before they escalate. Seamless integration with your existing monitoring infrastructure is key to maintaining consistent oversight.

CI/CD Pipeline Integration

As API testing shifts earlier in the development lifecycle, compatibility with CI/CD pipelines is essential. Your tool should integrate with platforms like Jenkins, GitLab, and Azure DevOps to enable automated security testing during development. This approach helps catch vulnerabilities before APIs are deployed to production.

Look for features like policy-based access controls to dynamically enforce authorization and the ability to manage API versioning securely within automated pipelines. These capabilities streamline processes, save time, and reduce errors.

Compliance and Regulatory Support

Compliance with regulatory standards often drives API security priorities. For example, one financial institution aligned its API security practices with NIST CSF and SP 800-5 guidelines, cutting API-related incidents by 40% in just one year. Automated enforcement of least privilege access, continuous monitoring for anomalies, and detailed audit trails simplified compliance with PCI DSS and SOX.

Similarly, a healthcare provider adopting NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust principles improved HIPAA compliance by implementing strict identity verification and dynamic policy enforcement at the API layer, reducing unauthorized access risks.

Pricing Models and Scalability

Pricing can vary widely among tools, so it’s important to choose one that fits your budget and scales with your organization. Subscription-based models offer predictable costs but can become expensive as your team expands. On the other hand, one-time purchases often lack ongoing support, and freemium options may not include all necessary features.

The API security testing market is projected to grow from $1.42 billion in 2025 to $9.66 billion by 2032, with North America leading the way. For scalability, cloud-based solutions are often more cost-effective for businesses of all sizes. However, enterprises with complex security needs might prefer on-premises tools for greater control over sensitive data.

Team Size and Expertise

The complexity of a tool can directly impact its usability, especially for smaller teams or startups without dedicated security experts. In such cases, tools that automate low-risk API tests while allowing manual testing for high-risk areas are ideal.

Larger enterprises, on the other hand, may benefit from advanced tools offering features like threat modeling, hardware security module (HSM) integration, and detailed reporting for executive governance. These tools provide greater visibility and control, which are crucial for managing extensive API ecosystems.


1. Qodex

Qodex

Qodex is an AI-driven platform designed to simplify API testing. By automatically discovering APIs, generating test suites, and keeping them updated as your code evolves, Qodex eliminates the need for tedious manual configuration.

This platform tackles the challenge of creating and maintaining API tests head-on. Teams using Qodex report up to an 80% reduction in the time spent on test creation and upkeep, while also enhancing security with built-in automated vulnerability detection.

Automation Capabilities

At the heart of Qodex is its powerful automation engine, which uses AI to adapt test cases as your APIs evolve. It handles everything from test case updates to security checks and compliance testing - all automatically.

"Qodex.ai understands our product and writes all the scenarios - unit, integration, and security audits - without human intervention. It also provides a detailed release log."

  • Vishal C, Co-Founder and CTO, Small-Business

One company, after integrating Qodex’s SDK, managed to reduce its shipment time from five days to two. By auto-generating test scenarios, they achieved nearly 90% code coverage and used auto-healing to minimize rework caused by minor schema changes.

AI Integration for Testing

Qodex’s AI integration takes automated testing to the next level. The platform can auto-generate 80% of API test cases, saving developers countless hours while ensuring comprehensive coverage. Its capabilities include auto-discovering APIs, generating tests through a conversational interface, and executing them across different environments. This allows developers and product managers alike to create tests using plain English, making it accessible even to those without technical expertise.

"It offers one of the easiest interfaces for writing test cases. We just type in plain English, and it converts it into the exact test case. This makes it easy for developers and product managers to test their code and requirements."

  • Debbie M, Marketing Manager, Small-Business

The AI engine also creates unit, functional, and security tests, achieving over 70% test coverage quickly. This comprehensive testing reduces security risks by 60% and integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines to support continuous development.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Qodex is built to handle modern API architectures, including REST and GraphQL. Its AI analyzes various API formats and generates tailored test scenarios to ensure thorough coverage across your API ecosystem. Currently, the platform safeguards over 78,000 APIs, showcasing its scalability and reliability.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Qodex fits effortlessly into existing development workflows with its CI/CD pipeline integration. It works with popular tools like Jenkins, GitLab, and Azure DevOps, enabling automated security and functional testing during deployment. Additionally, it provides interactive API documentation, giving teams a clear view of their API landscape as part of their regular workflows.

Qodex also offers flexible pricing to suit a variety of needs. Options include a free Basic plan for solo developers, a Standard plan at $49 per month for growing teams, and custom Enterprise pricing for larger organizations.


2. Postman

Postman

Postman has become a go-to tool for API testing, trusted by over 500,000 companies and 40 million users - including 98% of the Fortune 500. Its intuitive interface simplifies even the most complex workflows, making it accessible to both technical and non-technical team members.

What sets Postman apart is its ability to manage the entire API testing lifecycle, from development to production monitoring. This ease of use has made it a favorite for organizations aiming to streamline API testing without requiring deep technical expertise.

Automation Capabilities

Postman’s automation features are built around its Collections system, which helps teams organize API requests, create detailed test sequences, and validate workflows across multiple endpoints.

It comes with a JavaScript-based library of pre-written code snippets, making it easy for teams to write and execute tests. These snippets are versatile enough to validate API performance, reliability, and behavior across architectures like REST, GraphQL, SOAP, and gRPC.

Tests can be run through various channels: the Postman app, Postman monitoring, or Newman, the command-line tool. The Collection Runner feature allows users to chain requests, execute them in specific sequences, and log detailed test results. This functionality is particularly useful for creating test suites that simulate complex, business-critical workflows.

Additionally, Postman’s scheduling feature lets teams automate tests at set intervals using its cloud infrastructure. If a test fails, the platform automatically sends email notifications, ensuring issues are flagged promptly.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Postman caters to modern development needs by offering strong support for both REST and GraphQL APIs. With REST used by 86% of developers and GraphQL by 29%, Postman ensures compatibility with the most commonly used API architectures.

For GraphQL, Postman provides a dedicated client interface that simplifies crafting requests. Users can explore an API’s data fields and build queries by selecting fields directly. The platform also fetches GraphQL schemas using introspection, enabling autocompletion while writing queries.

GraphQL requests can also be made using Postman’s standard HTTP request interface, giving teams flexibility to choose the workflow that suits them best. This dual approach ensures that Postman adapts to a variety of team preferences and requirements, making it easy to integrate into automated development workflows.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Postman’s robust automation and API support extend seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines, enabling continuous testing. The Postman CLI allows teams to run test collections directly within their CI/CD workflows, ensuring API testing happens automatically with every code change.

In October 2024, Frugal Testing highlighted how integrating Postman with Jenkins automates API testing, simplifying continuous integration pipelines. This approach not only reduces manual effort but also speeds up feedback loops, uncovers issues earlier, and supports faster, more reliable software releases.

Postman also integrates with popular CI tools, allowing users to view build details and manage tests within the same platform. For enterprise teams, the platform goes a step further by incorporating API Governance and Security checks into the CI pipeline. This ensures compliance and security validations are baked into the development process, reducing risks and enhancing reliability.


3. OWASP ZAP

OWASP ZAP

OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) is a free, open-source tool designed to handle API security testing with precision. It's a go-to choice for developers and security professionals alike, offering powerful testing capabilities without the burden of licensing fees. This accessibility makes it an attractive option for organizations of any size. The need for robust API security is clear - 91% of organizations reported API-related issues in 2021.

Automation Capabilities

ZAP's automation features are built to streamline and scale security testing. Teams can automate testing through ZAP's API, enabling regular and efficient security checks. It supports scripting in languages such as JavaScript, Zest, Groovy, Kotlin, Python, and Ruby, allowing users to create custom rules, targets, and triggers for tailored API scanning. The OpenAPI add-on simplifies the process by detecting API definitions and improving spidering efficiency, while command-line options provide further control. In November 2024, Jit integrated OWASP ZAP into its platform, making it easier for users to automate API vulnerability detection and establish a minimum viable security plan.

These automation tools make ZAP a versatile option for handling various API formats.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

ZAP is equipped to handle modern API formats like JSON and XML, making it a strong choice for contemporary API testing. It also offers specialized add-ons for different API types, including OpenAPI/Swagger, GraphQL, and SOAP. For GraphQL, the dedicated add-on imports GraphQL definitions, generates queries, and automatically detects endpoints within its scope. Once these endpoints are identified, ZAP conducts thorough security checks to uncover potential vulnerabilities.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

ZAP integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, enabling security testing early in the development process. This is especially important given that, according to GitLab's 2024 Global DevSecOps Survey, 56% of developers release code multiple times a day, but only 29% report that security is fully embedded in their DevOps workflows. Meanwhile, IBM's 2023 Cost of a Data Breach report highlighted the financial stakes, with the average breach costing $4.88 million - a 15% increase over three years.

ZAP offers both a user-friendly interface and command-line tools, with API-driven automation that supports large-scale deployments and rapid vulnerability detection. For instance, Codific successfully integrated ZAP into GitLab CI/CD pipelines, using daily passive scans and weekly active scans to catch vulnerabilities early. They also implemented Slack notifications to keep teams informed about potential issues.


4. Insomnia

Insomnia

Insomnia is a widely used API development platform, relied on by millions of developers for its broad functionality. Going beyond basic testing, it provides tools for debugging, designing, testing, and mocking APIs. The platform also offers a free tier, which includes unlimited private projects and a collection runner for added convenience.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Insomnia supports a variety of modern API formats, including HTTP, gRPC, GraphQL, WSS, and SSE. Switching to GraphQL requests is simple - just change the body type of an existing request. For GraphQL, the platform includes helpful features like auto-completion, schema-based linting, and automatic payload construction. Developers can fetch GraphQL schemas using introspection queries and explore endpoints through a built-in documentation browser. Variables can be defined in JSON format within the Query Variables section, and queries can incorporate arguments, comments, and fragments. This flexible API support easily integrates into automated workflows.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Insomnia also stands out for its seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines. Using the Inso CLI, developers can automate testing during the development process. The CLI is designed to work in CI environments by disabling interactive prompts and returning exit codes that signal success or failure. Kong simplifies this process with a dedicated setup in GitHub Actions, making it easy to incorporate Insomnia into CI workflows. For example, teams using GitHub Actions can check out a branch, run linting with the setup-inso action, and execute tests. The CLI provides clear exit codes and works smoothly within CI environments. Additionally, collections and environments exported from Insomnia can be executed via command-line tools, ensuring API quality throughout the development lifecycle.

Automation Capabilities

To streamline repetitive tasks, Insomnia includes an unlimited collection runner for automated testing. By setting up collections and environments, teams can create automated test suites, enabling efficient testing across all stages of development.


5. SoapUI

SoapUI

SoapUI is a web service testing application created by SmartBear Software, serving the API testing community since 2006. As an open-source platform, it supports testing for SOAP, REST, and GraphQL APIs, making it a versatile option for teams managing diverse API architectures. While many tools focus on basic requests or documentation, SoapUI is tailored for detailed web service and API automation testing.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

SoapUI has evolved beyond its initial focus on SOAP to accommodate modern API formats like REST and GraphQL. For RESTful services, it allows users to generate and test multiple requests, ensuring thorough validation of the responses. When working with GraphQL APIs, SoapUI provides tools to test both complex queries and mutations, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these interactions. One of its standout features is the ability to organize tests into test suites, test cases, and test steps, creating a structured workflow that supports scalable and efficient testing. This hierarchical setup is particularly useful for organizations seeking a long-term, scalable API testing solution [48].

Automation Capabilities

SoapUI shines when it comes to automation. It supports functional, regression, compliance, and load testing, making it a comprehensive choice for API validation. Testers can create test suites, export them as XML files, and execute them using Maven plugins or the testrunner tool, integrating seamlessly into larger automation workflows. The platform also enables data-driven testing, allowing the same tests to run with different input data sets, which is crucial for uncovering edge cases and ensuring robust API performance. Test results can be exported as JUnit reports and integrated with CI servers like Jenkins and TeamCity. For more advanced scenarios, SoapUI supports Groovy scripting, enabling teams to handle dynamic data and tackle complex testing requirements. These automation features make it a natural fit for modern CI/CD pipelines.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

SoapUI’s compatibility with Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) tools makes it a strong choice for DevOps workflows. It offers command-line parameters for running tests outside the SoapUI interface, eliminating the need for Maven plugins. This command-line functionality allows teams to schedule and execute tests as part of their CI/CD pipelines, ensuring continuous testing throughout the development process. Additionally, SoapUI supports the use of environment variables, enabling teams to easily switch between configurations for development, staging, and production environments. By running API tests as part of the build process, SoapUI helps teams maintain code quality and receive faster feedback during development.


6. Fiddler

Fiddler

Fiddler is a versatile web debugging proxy tool that has grown into a powerful platform for API testing. Initially created for general web debugging, it now incorporates advanced features like AI-driven insights, making it a strong competitor to dedicated security tools. With a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on G2, Fiddler has earned high marks for its reliability and performance across various testing scenarios. It can capture traffic from nearly any device, including iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac systems.

"Fiddler has long been the tool of choice for developers and testers who are building and verifying APIs exposed over HTTP(S)." - Eric Lawrence, Telerik

Automation Capabilities

Fiddler’s scripting engine and JScript.NET-based custom rules make it a standout for automation. These tools allow users to modify traffic, log events, and automate repetitive tasks without relying on additional software.

The AutoResponder feature is particularly handy, enabling users to mock or simulate API responses. This is invaluable when testing how applications respond to unavailable endpoints or simulated error conditions.

For teams needing deeper customization, FiddlerCore offers a .NET Class Library that integrates seamlessly with existing test automation frameworks. This allows organizations to create tailored solutions around Fiddler’s core functionalities. Additionally, the APITest extension enhances API validation by providing a Test List and Validators specifically designed for assessing API behavior. These automation tools, combined with AI integration, elevate Fiddler’s capabilities even further.

AI Integration for Testing

Fiddler leverages AI to improve model observability and performance monitoring. It supports end-to-end management of MLOps and LLMOps pipelines, making it particularly useful for organizations working with machine learning models and large language applications.

Key features include explainable AI and AI monitoring, which help teams analyze and understand model behaviors and performance. The Fiddler Trust Service offers scalable monitoring for LLM applications, while Fiddler Guardrails provide real-time protection with response times under 100 milliseconds. These guardrails help secure LLM applications by moderating prompts and responses based on predefined thresholds, reducing vulnerability to security threats.

"Fiddler is the pioneer in AI Observability and Security, providing an all-in-one platform that enables Data Science, Engineering, Trust & Safety, and Security teams to move beyond experimentation and confidently deploy AI agents, LLM applications and ML models in production." - Fiddler AI

Fiddler also integrates anomaly detection and root cause analysis to identify and resolve issues affecting model performance. Its ability to detect data or feature drift ensures that machine learning models remain accurate and effective over time.


7. Pynt

Pynt

Pynt is making waves in the world of API security testing with its smart, context-aware approach. Positioned as a developer-first platform, Pynt leverages AI to deliver automated security testing that understands the way APIs are designed to function. Unlike older tools that rely on random inputs or basic scanning techniques, Pynt tailors its testing by analyzing the purpose and structure of the APIs it evaluates. With over 500 global brands relying on it, Pynt conducts 100,000 tests annually and identifies more than 15,000 API vulnerabilities. It focuses on realistic testing scenarios by learning critical application details like user roles, parameter behaviors, and login session flows. All of this is seamlessly integrated into modern development workflows, making it a powerful tool for developers.

"Secure all modern, Web, LLM APIs, and MCPs with Pynt's AI-powered, chain-aware and context-aware solution." – Pynt

Automation Capabilities

One of Pynt’s standout features is its ability to automate API discovery, including uncovering undocumented and shadow endpoints - those often overlooked by traditional tools. It simulates real-world attack scenarios, slashes false positives by up to 90%, and delivers results 12 times faster, complete with actionable fixes. Shadow endpoints, a common blind spot for many tools, are effectively identified and tested by Pynt.

"Pynt runs via a lightweight CLI and produces results in JSON, making it easy to plug into any CI/CD pipeline. Its contextual understanding of APIs allows it to run meaningful, use-case-specific security tests in minutes - without manual configuration or scripting."

Pynt also simplifies the reporting process by automating pentest documentation. It generates detailed reports, creates tickets, and scores risks to provide clear remediation paths, streamlining the entire workflow.

AI Integration for Testing

Pynt’s AI capabilities take API security testing to the next level. By delivering context-aware tests, it uncovers vulnerabilities in business logic that other tools often miss. The platform covers critical attack scenarios, including the OWASP Top 10, OWASP LLM APIs, Pynt Top 10, and OWASP Web Top 10. Its AI adapts tests to realistic user interactions, highlights vulnerabilities with full evidence, and automates ticketing and risk scoring. This efficiency saves developers over 100,000 hours.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Pynt is designed with modern application architectures in mind, supporting both REST and GraphQL APIs. Its AI-powered insights allow it to simulate advanced attack scenarios while identifying vulnerabilities unique to these API types. For GraphQL, Pynt excels at handling complex nested queries and mutations, uncovering common business logic issues. The platform also builds a detailed API catalog by pulling data from various sources, including Postman collections, Selenium recordings, Burp logs, and live traffic.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Pynt integrates effortlessly into CI/CD pipelines through a lightweight CLI and JSON-based output. It can even process XML recordings from tools like Burp Suite to generate deeper, automated tests. Unlike manual testing tools, Pynt’s context-aware approach allows it to deliver precise security feedback in minutes. Its developer-focused design ensures that the results align perfectly with the fast-paced workflows of modern development teams.


8. Apigee

Apigee

Apigee, part of Google Cloud, is a robust API management platform offering much more than basic gateway functions. It delivers enterprise-level tools for API security, testing, and monitoring. A standout feature is its Advanced API Security (AAS) add-on, which uses automated controls and a Risk Assessment tool to identify misconfigurations, bot attacks, and unusual traffic patterns. It can automatically block or flag malicious activity, ensuring APIs remain secure. For instance, a European bank using Apigee managed to cut security incidents in half within six months. Another key capability, Advanced API Ops, includes anomaly detection and customizable alerts, allowing teams to implement detailed monitoring rules - an essential feature considering that nearly half of organizations have faced API security issues in the past year. These tools highlight Apigee's focus on addressing modern API security needs while integrating seamlessly into development workflows.

AI Integration for Testing

Apigee uses AI and machine learning to enhance API security by analyzing typical traffic patterns and identifying deviations that might signal threats. These machine learning models become more accurate over time when trained with organization-specific data, which requires opt-in participation. To improve detection capabilities, ensuring precise client IP resolution is critical.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Apigee is built to handle both REST and GraphQL APIs, making it adaptable to modern application architectures. For GraphQL, the platform includes a dedicated policy that validates queries and responses against predefined schemas. This policy goes beyond simple validation - it checks if queries match schemas, verifies API keys, enforces quotas, and restricts access to specific operations. Additionally, it can parse GraphQL request payloads into message flow variables and validate requests for content types like application/graphql and application/json.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Apigee integrates effortlessly with CI/CD pipelines, enabling teams to automate API deployments, maintain consistency across environments, and monitor performance in real time. Viewing APIs as digital products, the platform supports building and testing API proxies, managing version control, and enforcing quality through static analysis, unit tests, and integration tests. It also provides isolated environments for API development and testing, which can be aligned with repository branches to simplify CI/CD workflows. Additionally, integrating Risk Assessment outputs into CI/CD pipelines helps prevent insecure APIs from being deployed. Apigee also connects with SIEM systems, allowing security teams to correlate API security events with broader infrastructure monitoring.

With its advanced features and seamless integration capabilities, Apigee stands out as a comprehensive solution for tackling modern API security and management challenges.


9. ReadyAPI

ReadyAPI

ReadyAPI by SmartBear is a comprehensive platform designed to handle functional, security, and performance testing for APIs, catering to enterprise-level needs throughout the API lifecycle.

Automation Capabilities

ReadyAPI simplifies API testing by automating processes and integrating seamlessly with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, TeamCity, and Azure DevOps. This allows automated test runs across development, QA, and staging environments, ensuring smooth workflows and consistent testing.

With TestEngine, users can scale SoapUI and ReadyAPI tests without worrying about infrastructure limitations. Features like centralized orchestration, scheduling, and test runner utilities further streamline the testing process, paving the way for more advanced API validation.

A Software QA Manager at HDS/IMS Health highlighted the benefits of ReadyAPI's automation:

"As we continue to improve the way we utilize the ReadyAPI Test tool in the Ready API platform, we are seeing improvements that put us onto the path of even better testing coverage. We can now deliver feedback to the software development team in a timelier manner and achieve our on-time delivery goals."

AI Integration for Testing

ReadyAPI incorporates AI through its Smart Assertions feature, which analyzes API responses to automatically create and update validations. This reduces the need for manual maintenance and helps identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

ReadyAPI is built to handle both REST and GraphQL APIs effectively. For REST, it supports all HTTP methods, while for GraphQL, it manages queries, mutations, endpoints, and schemas. This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for testing even the most intricate data retrieval scenarios.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

ReadyAPI’s integration with CI/CD pipelines ensures continuous testing is embedded into the development process. Teams can run targeted tests using tools like TestRunner or TestEngine, tailoring them to specific deployment stages or recent code changes. Additionally, Docker support enables efficient testing in containerized environments.


10. HTTP Toolkit

HTTP Toolkit

HTTP Toolkit is an open-source tool designed for debugging and testing HTTP traffic. Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS, it has gained recognition among developers and security experts, boasting over 1,000 users worldwide and more than 1,000 GitHub stars. Its focus on intercepting and debugging HTTP traffic makes it a go-to option for those tackling API security testing needs.

What sets HTTP Toolkit apart is its targeted interception approach. Instead of capturing all network traffic, it zeroes in on specific clients, reducing unnecessary data collection and streamlining the debugging process. The platform combines automation, precise traffic management, and CI/CD integration, making it a reliable tool for comprehensive API testing.

Automation Features

One standout feature of HTTP Toolkit is its automated rewrite rules system. These rules allow users to inject mock responses, override live data, and even simulate errors for nonexistent endpoints. For instance, you can redirect production sites to local test servers or tweak request headers effortlessly.

Rules can be generated with a single click from intercepted traffic, customized with aliases, and grouped for export. The tool also integrates with advanced network interception libraries like MockIPFS and Mockthereum, enhancing automated testing workflows. Additionally, its Mockttp component enables seamless integration testing across both Node.js and browser environments, ensuring flexibility for developers.

REST and GraphQL API Testing

Though not specifically tailored for GraphQL, HTTP Toolkit’s robust HTTP traffic interception and manipulation capabilities make it a versatile choice for testing any HTTP-based API, including REST services. It automatically manages HTTPS traffic and certificate setups, simplifying secure API testing for modern applications. This flexibility makes it a valuable addition to automated development workflows.

CI/CD Pipeline Integration

HTTP Toolkit’s Mockttp component - a powerful scriptable rewriting proxy - enhances its suitability for continuous testing workflows. Its automation and rule-based systems allow developers to seamlessly incorporate HTTP traffic testing into CI/CD pipelines. Users appreciate its simplicity, especially with features like one-click interception that bypass challenges related to root certificates and proxy configurations. This ensures a smooth and efficient testing process throughout development stages.

Selecting the right API security testing tool is critical for safeguarding your digital ecosystem. With 57% of companies reporting API-related breaches in the past two years and the average global cost of a breach hitting $4.88 million in 2024, the stakes couldn't be higher.

"Your digital ecosystem is only as secure as the APIs powering it." - Martyn Davies, Developer Advocate

Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating API security testing tools:

Protocol Support and Vulnerability Coverage

Modern applications rely on a mix of protocols like REST, SOAP, GraphQL, and gRPC. Your chosen tool should seamlessly test these formats while also supporting security protocols such as OAuth 2.0, JWT, HMAC, and CORS. Look for features like OpenAPI parsing, GraphQL introspection, and SOAP testing with minimal setup.

Additionally, ensure the tool can test TLS 1.3 encryption and validate both role-based (RBAC) and attribute-based (ABAC) access controls. Comprehensive protocol support ensures your APIs are tested for a wide range of vulnerabilities.

Automation and AI Integration

Automation is reshaping API security testing, with AI playing a significant role in smarter and faster testing. Tools that leverage natural language processing and predictive analytics can identify potential issues early in the development cycle. Opt for platforms that offer:

  • Automated vulnerability scans

  • OWASP compliance checks

  • Zero-trust API model implementation without manual intervention

Continuous monitoring is also becoming a must-have. Tools that provide real-time insights into API performance and reliability help teams address issues before they escalate. Seamless integration with your existing monitoring infrastructure is key to maintaining consistent oversight.

CI/CD Pipeline Integration

As API testing shifts earlier in the development lifecycle, compatibility with CI/CD pipelines is essential. Your tool should integrate with platforms like Jenkins, GitLab, and Azure DevOps to enable automated security testing during development. This approach helps catch vulnerabilities before APIs are deployed to production.

Look for features like policy-based access controls to dynamically enforce authorization and the ability to manage API versioning securely within automated pipelines. These capabilities streamline processes, save time, and reduce errors.

Compliance and Regulatory Support

Compliance with regulatory standards often drives API security priorities. For example, one financial institution aligned its API security practices with NIST CSF and SP 800-5 guidelines, cutting API-related incidents by 40% in just one year. Automated enforcement of least privilege access, continuous monitoring for anomalies, and detailed audit trails simplified compliance with PCI DSS and SOX.

Similarly, a healthcare provider adopting NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust principles improved HIPAA compliance by implementing strict identity verification and dynamic policy enforcement at the API layer, reducing unauthorized access risks.

Pricing Models and Scalability

Pricing can vary widely among tools, so it’s important to choose one that fits your budget and scales with your organization. Subscription-based models offer predictable costs but can become expensive as your team expands. On the other hand, one-time purchases often lack ongoing support, and freemium options may not include all necessary features.

The API security testing market is projected to grow from $1.42 billion in 2025 to $9.66 billion by 2032, with North America leading the way. For scalability, cloud-based solutions are often more cost-effective for businesses of all sizes. However, enterprises with complex security needs might prefer on-premises tools for greater control over sensitive data.

Team Size and Expertise

The complexity of a tool can directly impact its usability, especially for smaller teams or startups without dedicated security experts. In such cases, tools that automate low-risk API tests while allowing manual testing for high-risk areas are ideal.

Larger enterprises, on the other hand, may benefit from advanced tools offering features like threat modeling, hardware security module (HSM) integration, and detailed reporting for executive governance. These tools provide greater visibility and control, which are crucial for managing extensive API ecosystems.


1. Qodex

Qodex

Qodex is an AI-driven platform designed to simplify API testing. By automatically discovering APIs, generating test suites, and keeping them updated as your code evolves, Qodex eliminates the need for tedious manual configuration.

This platform tackles the challenge of creating and maintaining API tests head-on. Teams using Qodex report up to an 80% reduction in the time spent on test creation and upkeep, while also enhancing security with built-in automated vulnerability detection.

Automation Capabilities

At the heart of Qodex is its powerful automation engine, which uses AI to adapt test cases as your APIs evolve. It handles everything from test case updates to security checks and compliance testing - all automatically.

"Qodex.ai understands our product and writes all the scenarios - unit, integration, and security audits - without human intervention. It also provides a detailed release log."

  • Vishal C, Co-Founder and CTO, Small-Business

One company, after integrating Qodex’s SDK, managed to reduce its shipment time from five days to two. By auto-generating test scenarios, they achieved nearly 90% code coverage and used auto-healing to minimize rework caused by minor schema changes.

AI Integration for Testing

Qodex’s AI integration takes automated testing to the next level. The platform can auto-generate 80% of API test cases, saving developers countless hours while ensuring comprehensive coverage. Its capabilities include auto-discovering APIs, generating tests through a conversational interface, and executing them across different environments. This allows developers and product managers alike to create tests using plain English, making it accessible even to those without technical expertise.

"It offers one of the easiest interfaces for writing test cases. We just type in plain English, and it converts it into the exact test case. This makes it easy for developers and product managers to test their code and requirements."

  • Debbie M, Marketing Manager, Small-Business

The AI engine also creates unit, functional, and security tests, achieving over 70% test coverage quickly. This comprehensive testing reduces security risks by 60% and integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines to support continuous development.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Qodex is built to handle modern API architectures, including REST and GraphQL. Its AI analyzes various API formats and generates tailored test scenarios to ensure thorough coverage across your API ecosystem. Currently, the platform safeguards over 78,000 APIs, showcasing its scalability and reliability.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Qodex fits effortlessly into existing development workflows with its CI/CD pipeline integration. It works with popular tools like Jenkins, GitLab, and Azure DevOps, enabling automated security and functional testing during deployment. Additionally, it provides interactive API documentation, giving teams a clear view of their API landscape as part of their regular workflows.

Qodex also offers flexible pricing to suit a variety of needs. Options include a free Basic plan for solo developers, a Standard plan at $49 per month for growing teams, and custom Enterprise pricing for larger organizations.


2. Postman

Postman

Postman has become a go-to tool for API testing, trusted by over 500,000 companies and 40 million users - including 98% of the Fortune 500. Its intuitive interface simplifies even the most complex workflows, making it accessible to both technical and non-technical team members.

What sets Postman apart is its ability to manage the entire API testing lifecycle, from development to production monitoring. This ease of use has made it a favorite for organizations aiming to streamline API testing without requiring deep technical expertise.

Automation Capabilities

Postman’s automation features are built around its Collections system, which helps teams organize API requests, create detailed test sequences, and validate workflows across multiple endpoints.

It comes with a JavaScript-based library of pre-written code snippets, making it easy for teams to write and execute tests. These snippets are versatile enough to validate API performance, reliability, and behavior across architectures like REST, GraphQL, SOAP, and gRPC.

Tests can be run through various channels: the Postman app, Postman monitoring, or Newman, the command-line tool. The Collection Runner feature allows users to chain requests, execute them in specific sequences, and log detailed test results. This functionality is particularly useful for creating test suites that simulate complex, business-critical workflows.

Additionally, Postman’s scheduling feature lets teams automate tests at set intervals using its cloud infrastructure. If a test fails, the platform automatically sends email notifications, ensuring issues are flagged promptly.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Postman caters to modern development needs by offering strong support for both REST and GraphQL APIs. With REST used by 86% of developers and GraphQL by 29%, Postman ensures compatibility with the most commonly used API architectures.

For GraphQL, Postman provides a dedicated client interface that simplifies crafting requests. Users can explore an API’s data fields and build queries by selecting fields directly. The platform also fetches GraphQL schemas using introspection, enabling autocompletion while writing queries.

GraphQL requests can also be made using Postman’s standard HTTP request interface, giving teams flexibility to choose the workflow that suits them best. This dual approach ensures that Postman adapts to a variety of team preferences and requirements, making it easy to integrate into automated development workflows.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Postman’s robust automation and API support extend seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines, enabling continuous testing. The Postman CLI allows teams to run test collections directly within their CI/CD workflows, ensuring API testing happens automatically with every code change.

In October 2024, Frugal Testing highlighted how integrating Postman with Jenkins automates API testing, simplifying continuous integration pipelines. This approach not only reduces manual effort but also speeds up feedback loops, uncovers issues earlier, and supports faster, more reliable software releases.

Postman also integrates with popular CI tools, allowing users to view build details and manage tests within the same platform. For enterprise teams, the platform goes a step further by incorporating API Governance and Security checks into the CI pipeline. This ensures compliance and security validations are baked into the development process, reducing risks and enhancing reliability.


3. OWASP ZAP

OWASP ZAP

OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) is a free, open-source tool designed to handle API security testing with precision. It's a go-to choice for developers and security professionals alike, offering powerful testing capabilities without the burden of licensing fees. This accessibility makes it an attractive option for organizations of any size. The need for robust API security is clear - 91% of organizations reported API-related issues in 2021.

Automation Capabilities

ZAP's automation features are built to streamline and scale security testing. Teams can automate testing through ZAP's API, enabling regular and efficient security checks. It supports scripting in languages such as JavaScript, Zest, Groovy, Kotlin, Python, and Ruby, allowing users to create custom rules, targets, and triggers for tailored API scanning. The OpenAPI add-on simplifies the process by detecting API definitions and improving spidering efficiency, while command-line options provide further control. In November 2024, Jit integrated OWASP ZAP into its platform, making it easier for users to automate API vulnerability detection and establish a minimum viable security plan.

These automation tools make ZAP a versatile option for handling various API formats.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

ZAP is equipped to handle modern API formats like JSON and XML, making it a strong choice for contemporary API testing. It also offers specialized add-ons for different API types, including OpenAPI/Swagger, GraphQL, and SOAP. For GraphQL, the dedicated add-on imports GraphQL definitions, generates queries, and automatically detects endpoints within its scope. Once these endpoints are identified, ZAP conducts thorough security checks to uncover potential vulnerabilities.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

ZAP integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, enabling security testing early in the development process. This is especially important given that, according to GitLab's 2024 Global DevSecOps Survey, 56% of developers release code multiple times a day, but only 29% report that security is fully embedded in their DevOps workflows. Meanwhile, IBM's 2023 Cost of a Data Breach report highlighted the financial stakes, with the average breach costing $4.88 million - a 15% increase over three years.

ZAP offers both a user-friendly interface and command-line tools, with API-driven automation that supports large-scale deployments and rapid vulnerability detection. For instance, Codific successfully integrated ZAP into GitLab CI/CD pipelines, using daily passive scans and weekly active scans to catch vulnerabilities early. They also implemented Slack notifications to keep teams informed about potential issues.


4. Insomnia

Insomnia

Insomnia is a widely used API development platform, relied on by millions of developers for its broad functionality. Going beyond basic testing, it provides tools for debugging, designing, testing, and mocking APIs. The platform also offers a free tier, which includes unlimited private projects and a collection runner for added convenience.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Insomnia supports a variety of modern API formats, including HTTP, gRPC, GraphQL, WSS, and SSE. Switching to GraphQL requests is simple - just change the body type of an existing request. For GraphQL, the platform includes helpful features like auto-completion, schema-based linting, and automatic payload construction. Developers can fetch GraphQL schemas using introspection queries and explore endpoints through a built-in documentation browser. Variables can be defined in JSON format within the Query Variables section, and queries can incorporate arguments, comments, and fragments. This flexible API support easily integrates into automated workflows.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Insomnia also stands out for its seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines. Using the Inso CLI, developers can automate testing during the development process. The CLI is designed to work in CI environments by disabling interactive prompts and returning exit codes that signal success or failure. Kong simplifies this process with a dedicated setup in GitHub Actions, making it easy to incorporate Insomnia into CI workflows. For example, teams using GitHub Actions can check out a branch, run linting with the setup-inso action, and execute tests. The CLI provides clear exit codes and works smoothly within CI environments. Additionally, collections and environments exported from Insomnia can be executed via command-line tools, ensuring API quality throughout the development lifecycle.

Automation Capabilities

To streamline repetitive tasks, Insomnia includes an unlimited collection runner for automated testing. By setting up collections and environments, teams can create automated test suites, enabling efficient testing across all stages of development.


5. SoapUI

SoapUI

SoapUI is a web service testing application created by SmartBear Software, serving the API testing community since 2006. As an open-source platform, it supports testing for SOAP, REST, and GraphQL APIs, making it a versatile option for teams managing diverse API architectures. While many tools focus on basic requests or documentation, SoapUI is tailored for detailed web service and API automation testing.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

SoapUI has evolved beyond its initial focus on SOAP to accommodate modern API formats like REST and GraphQL. For RESTful services, it allows users to generate and test multiple requests, ensuring thorough validation of the responses. When working with GraphQL APIs, SoapUI provides tools to test both complex queries and mutations, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these interactions. One of its standout features is the ability to organize tests into test suites, test cases, and test steps, creating a structured workflow that supports scalable and efficient testing. This hierarchical setup is particularly useful for organizations seeking a long-term, scalable API testing solution [48].

Automation Capabilities

SoapUI shines when it comes to automation. It supports functional, regression, compliance, and load testing, making it a comprehensive choice for API validation. Testers can create test suites, export them as XML files, and execute them using Maven plugins or the testrunner tool, integrating seamlessly into larger automation workflows. The platform also enables data-driven testing, allowing the same tests to run with different input data sets, which is crucial for uncovering edge cases and ensuring robust API performance. Test results can be exported as JUnit reports and integrated with CI servers like Jenkins and TeamCity. For more advanced scenarios, SoapUI supports Groovy scripting, enabling teams to handle dynamic data and tackle complex testing requirements. These automation features make it a natural fit for modern CI/CD pipelines.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

SoapUI’s compatibility with Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) tools makes it a strong choice for DevOps workflows. It offers command-line parameters for running tests outside the SoapUI interface, eliminating the need for Maven plugins. This command-line functionality allows teams to schedule and execute tests as part of their CI/CD pipelines, ensuring continuous testing throughout the development process. Additionally, SoapUI supports the use of environment variables, enabling teams to easily switch between configurations for development, staging, and production environments. By running API tests as part of the build process, SoapUI helps teams maintain code quality and receive faster feedback during development.


6. Fiddler

Fiddler

Fiddler is a versatile web debugging proxy tool that has grown into a powerful platform for API testing. Initially created for general web debugging, it now incorporates advanced features like AI-driven insights, making it a strong competitor to dedicated security tools. With a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on G2, Fiddler has earned high marks for its reliability and performance across various testing scenarios. It can capture traffic from nearly any device, including iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac systems.

"Fiddler has long been the tool of choice for developers and testers who are building and verifying APIs exposed over HTTP(S)." - Eric Lawrence, Telerik

Automation Capabilities

Fiddler’s scripting engine and JScript.NET-based custom rules make it a standout for automation. These tools allow users to modify traffic, log events, and automate repetitive tasks without relying on additional software.

The AutoResponder feature is particularly handy, enabling users to mock or simulate API responses. This is invaluable when testing how applications respond to unavailable endpoints or simulated error conditions.

For teams needing deeper customization, FiddlerCore offers a .NET Class Library that integrates seamlessly with existing test automation frameworks. This allows organizations to create tailored solutions around Fiddler’s core functionalities. Additionally, the APITest extension enhances API validation by providing a Test List and Validators specifically designed for assessing API behavior. These automation tools, combined with AI integration, elevate Fiddler’s capabilities even further.

AI Integration for Testing

Fiddler leverages AI to improve model observability and performance monitoring. It supports end-to-end management of MLOps and LLMOps pipelines, making it particularly useful for organizations working with machine learning models and large language applications.

Key features include explainable AI and AI monitoring, which help teams analyze and understand model behaviors and performance. The Fiddler Trust Service offers scalable monitoring for LLM applications, while Fiddler Guardrails provide real-time protection with response times under 100 milliseconds. These guardrails help secure LLM applications by moderating prompts and responses based on predefined thresholds, reducing vulnerability to security threats.

"Fiddler is the pioneer in AI Observability and Security, providing an all-in-one platform that enables Data Science, Engineering, Trust & Safety, and Security teams to move beyond experimentation and confidently deploy AI agents, LLM applications and ML models in production." - Fiddler AI

Fiddler also integrates anomaly detection and root cause analysis to identify and resolve issues affecting model performance. Its ability to detect data or feature drift ensures that machine learning models remain accurate and effective over time.


7. Pynt

Pynt

Pynt is making waves in the world of API security testing with its smart, context-aware approach. Positioned as a developer-first platform, Pynt leverages AI to deliver automated security testing that understands the way APIs are designed to function. Unlike older tools that rely on random inputs or basic scanning techniques, Pynt tailors its testing by analyzing the purpose and structure of the APIs it evaluates. With over 500 global brands relying on it, Pynt conducts 100,000 tests annually and identifies more than 15,000 API vulnerabilities. It focuses on realistic testing scenarios by learning critical application details like user roles, parameter behaviors, and login session flows. All of this is seamlessly integrated into modern development workflows, making it a powerful tool for developers.

"Secure all modern, Web, LLM APIs, and MCPs with Pynt's AI-powered, chain-aware and context-aware solution." – Pynt

Automation Capabilities

One of Pynt’s standout features is its ability to automate API discovery, including uncovering undocumented and shadow endpoints - those often overlooked by traditional tools. It simulates real-world attack scenarios, slashes false positives by up to 90%, and delivers results 12 times faster, complete with actionable fixes. Shadow endpoints, a common blind spot for many tools, are effectively identified and tested by Pynt.

"Pynt runs via a lightweight CLI and produces results in JSON, making it easy to plug into any CI/CD pipeline. Its contextual understanding of APIs allows it to run meaningful, use-case-specific security tests in minutes - without manual configuration or scripting."

Pynt also simplifies the reporting process by automating pentest documentation. It generates detailed reports, creates tickets, and scores risks to provide clear remediation paths, streamlining the entire workflow.

AI Integration for Testing

Pynt’s AI capabilities take API security testing to the next level. By delivering context-aware tests, it uncovers vulnerabilities in business logic that other tools often miss. The platform covers critical attack scenarios, including the OWASP Top 10, OWASP LLM APIs, Pynt Top 10, and OWASP Web Top 10. Its AI adapts tests to realistic user interactions, highlights vulnerabilities with full evidence, and automates ticketing and risk scoring. This efficiency saves developers over 100,000 hours.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Pynt is designed with modern application architectures in mind, supporting both REST and GraphQL APIs. Its AI-powered insights allow it to simulate advanced attack scenarios while identifying vulnerabilities unique to these API types. For GraphQL, Pynt excels at handling complex nested queries and mutations, uncovering common business logic issues. The platform also builds a detailed API catalog by pulling data from various sources, including Postman collections, Selenium recordings, Burp logs, and live traffic.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Pynt integrates effortlessly into CI/CD pipelines through a lightweight CLI and JSON-based output. It can even process XML recordings from tools like Burp Suite to generate deeper, automated tests. Unlike manual testing tools, Pynt’s context-aware approach allows it to deliver precise security feedback in minutes. Its developer-focused design ensures that the results align perfectly with the fast-paced workflows of modern development teams.


8. Apigee

Apigee

Apigee, part of Google Cloud, is a robust API management platform offering much more than basic gateway functions. It delivers enterprise-level tools for API security, testing, and monitoring. A standout feature is its Advanced API Security (AAS) add-on, which uses automated controls and a Risk Assessment tool to identify misconfigurations, bot attacks, and unusual traffic patterns. It can automatically block or flag malicious activity, ensuring APIs remain secure. For instance, a European bank using Apigee managed to cut security incidents in half within six months. Another key capability, Advanced API Ops, includes anomaly detection and customizable alerts, allowing teams to implement detailed monitoring rules - an essential feature considering that nearly half of organizations have faced API security issues in the past year. These tools highlight Apigee's focus on addressing modern API security needs while integrating seamlessly into development workflows.

AI Integration for Testing

Apigee uses AI and machine learning to enhance API security by analyzing typical traffic patterns and identifying deviations that might signal threats. These machine learning models become more accurate over time when trained with organization-specific data, which requires opt-in participation. To improve detection capabilities, ensuring precise client IP resolution is critical.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Apigee is built to handle both REST and GraphQL APIs, making it adaptable to modern application architectures. For GraphQL, the platform includes a dedicated policy that validates queries and responses against predefined schemas. This policy goes beyond simple validation - it checks if queries match schemas, verifies API keys, enforces quotas, and restricts access to specific operations. Additionally, it can parse GraphQL request payloads into message flow variables and validate requests for content types like application/graphql and application/json.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Apigee integrates effortlessly with CI/CD pipelines, enabling teams to automate API deployments, maintain consistency across environments, and monitor performance in real time. Viewing APIs as digital products, the platform supports building and testing API proxies, managing version control, and enforcing quality through static analysis, unit tests, and integration tests. It also provides isolated environments for API development and testing, which can be aligned with repository branches to simplify CI/CD workflows. Additionally, integrating Risk Assessment outputs into CI/CD pipelines helps prevent insecure APIs from being deployed. Apigee also connects with SIEM systems, allowing security teams to correlate API security events with broader infrastructure monitoring.

With its advanced features and seamless integration capabilities, Apigee stands out as a comprehensive solution for tackling modern API security and management challenges.


9. ReadyAPI

ReadyAPI

ReadyAPI by SmartBear is a comprehensive platform designed to handle functional, security, and performance testing for APIs, catering to enterprise-level needs throughout the API lifecycle.

Automation Capabilities

ReadyAPI simplifies API testing by automating processes and integrating seamlessly with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, TeamCity, and Azure DevOps. This allows automated test runs across development, QA, and staging environments, ensuring smooth workflows and consistent testing.

With TestEngine, users can scale SoapUI and ReadyAPI tests without worrying about infrastructure limitations. Features like centralized orchestration, scheduling, and test runner utilities further streamline the testing process, paving the way for more advanced API validation.

A Software QA Manager at HDS/IMS Health highlighted the benefits of ReadyAPI's automation:

"As we continue to improve the way we utilize the ReadyAPI Test tool in the Ready API platform, we are seeing improvements that put us onto the path of even better testing coverage. We can now deliver feedback to the software development team in a timelier manner and achieve our on-time delivery goals."

AI Integration for Testing

ReadyAPI incorporates AI through its Smart Assertions feature, which analyzes API responses to automatically create and update validations. This reduces the need for manual maintenance and helps identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

ReadyAPI is built to handle both REST and GraphQL APIs effectively. For REST, it supports all HTTP methods, while for GraphQL, it manages queries, mutations, endpoints, and schemas. This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for testing even the most intricate data retrieval scenarios.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

ReadyAPI’s integration with CI/CD pipelines ensures continuous testing is embedded into the development process. Teams can run targeted tests using tools like TestRunner or TestEngine, tailoring them to specific deployment stages or recent code changes. Additionally, Docker support enables efficient testing in containerized environments.


10. HTTP Toolkit

HTTP Toolkit

HTTP Toolkit is an open-source tool designed for debugging and testing HTTP traffic. Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS, it has gained recognition among developers and security experts, boasting over 1,000 users worldwide and more than 1,000 GitHub stars. Its focus on intercepting and debugging HTTP traffic makes it a go-to option for those tackling API security testing needs.

What sets HTTP Toolkit apart is its targeted interception approach. Instead of capturing all network traffic, it zeroes in on specific clients, reducing unnecessary data collection and streamlining the debugging process. The platform combines automation, precise traffic management, and CI/CD integration, making it a reliable tool for comprehensive API testing.

Automation Features

One standout feature of HTTP Toolkit is its automated rewrite rules system. These rules allow users to inject mock responses, override live data, and even simulate errors for nonexistent endpoints. For instance, you can redirect production sites to local test servers or tweak request headers effortlessly.

Rules can be generated with a single click from intercepted traffic, customized with aliases, and grouped for export. The tool also integrates with advanced network interception libraries like MockIPFS and Mockthereum, enhancing automated testing workflows. Additionally, its Mockttp component enables seamless integration testing across both Node.js and browser environments, ensuring flexibility for developers.

REST and GraphQL API Testing

Though not specifically tailored for GraphQL, HTTP Toolkit’s robust HTTP traffic interception and manipulation capabilities make it a versatile choice for testing any HTTP-based API, including REST services. It automatically manages HTTPS traffic and certificate setups, simplifying secure API testing for modern applications. This flexibility makes it a valuable addition to automated development workflows.

CI/CD Pipeline Integration

HTTP Toolkit’s Mockttp component - a powerful scriptable rewriting proxy - enhances its suitability for continuous testing workflows. Its automation and rule-based systems allow developers to seamlessly incorporate HTTP traffic testing into CI/CD pipelines. Users appreciate its simplicity, especially with features like one-click interception that bypass challenges related to root certificates and proxy configurations. This ensures a smooth and efficient testing process throughout development stages.

Selecting the right API security testing tool is critical for safeguarding your digital ecosystem. With 57% of companies reporting API-related breaches in the past two years and the average global cost of a breach hitting $4.88 million in 2024, the stakes couldn't be higher.

"Your digital ecosystem is only as secure as the APIs powering it." - Martyn Davies, Developer Advocate

Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating API security testing tools:

Protocol Support and Vulnerability Coverage

Modern applications rely on a mix of protocols like REST, SOAP, GraphQL, and gRPC. Your chosen tool should seamlessly test these formats while also supporting security protocols such as OAuth 2.0, JWT, HMAC, and CORS. Look for features like OpenAPI parsing, GraphQL introspection, and SOAP testing with minimal setup.

Additionally, ensure the tool can test TLS 1.3 encryption and validate both role-based (RBAC) and attribute-based (ABAC) access controls. Comprehensive protocol support ensures your APIs are tested for a wide range of vulnerabilities.

Automation and AI Integration

Automation is reshaping API security testing, with AI playing a significant role in smarter and faster testing. Tools that leverage natural language processing and predictive analytics can identify potential issues early in the development cycle. Opt for platforms that offer:

  • Automated vulnerability scans

  • OWASP compliance checks

  • Zero-trust API model implementation without manual intervention

Continuous monitoring is also becoming a must-have. Tools that provide real-time insights into API performance and reliability help teams address issues before they escalate. Seamless integration with your existing monitoring infrastructure is key to maintaining consistent oversight.

CI/CD Pipeline Integration

As API testing shifts earlier in the development lifecycle, compatibility with CI/CD pipelines is essential. Your tool should integrate with platforms like Jenkins, GitLab, and Azure DevOps to enable automated security testing during development. This approach helps catch vulnerabilities before APIs are deployed to production.

Look for features like policy-based access controls to dynamically enforce authorization and the ability to manage API versioning securely within automated pipelines. These capabilities streamline processes, save time, and reduce errors.

Compliance and Regulatory Support

Compliance with regulatory standards often drives API security priorities. For example, one financial institution aligned its API security practices with NIST CSF and SP 800-5 guidelines, cutting API-related incidents by 40% in just one year. Automated enforcement of least privilege access, continuous monitoring for anomalies, and detailed audit trails simplified compliance with PCI DSS and SOX.

Similarly, a healthcare provider adopting NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust principles improved HIPAA compliance by implementing strict identity verification and dynamic policy enforcement at the API layer, reducing unauthorized access risks.

Pricing Models and Scalability

Pricing can vary widely among tools, so it’s important to choose one that fits your budget and scales with your organization. Subscription-based models offer predictable costs but can become expensive as your team expands. On the other hand, one-time purchases often lack ongoing support, and freemium options may not include all necessary features.

The API security testing market is projected to grow from $1.42 billion in 2025 to $9.66 billion by 2032, with North America leading the way. For scalability, cloud-based solutions are often more cost-effective for businesses of all sizes. However, enterprises with complex security needs might prefer on-premises tools for greater control over sensitive data.

Team Size and Expertise

The complexity of a tool can directly impact its usability, especially for smaller teams or startups without dedicated security experts. In such cases, tools that automate low-risk API tests while allowing manual testing for high-risk areas are ideal.

Larger enterprises, on the other hand, may benefit from advanced tools offering features like threat modeling, hardware security module (HSM) integration, and detailed reporting for executive governance. These tools provide greater visibility and control, which are crucial for managing extensive API ecosystems.


1. Qodex

Qodex

Qodex is an AI-driven platform designed to simplify API testing. By automatically discovering APIs, generating test suites, and keeping them updated as your code evolves, Qodex eliminates the need for tedious manual configuration.

This platform tackles the challenge of creating and maintaining API tests head-on. Teams using Qodex report up to an 80% reduction in the time spent on test creation and upkeep, while also enhancing security with built-in automated vulnerability detection.

Automation Capabilities

At the heart of Qodex is its powerful automation engine, which uses AI to adapt test cases as your APIs evolve. It handles everything from test case updates to security checks and compliance testing - all automatically.

"Qodex.ai understands our product and writes all the scenarios - unit, integration, and security audits - without human intervention. It also provides a detailed release log."

  • Vishal C, Co-Founder and CTO, Small-Business

One company, after integrating Qodex’s SDK, managed to reduce its shipment time from five days to two. By auto-generating test scenarios, they achieved nearly 90% code coverage and used auto-healing to minimize rework caused by minor schema changes.

AI Integration for Testing

Qodex’s AI integration takes automated testing to the next level. The platform can auto-generate 80% of API test cases, saving developers countless hours while ensuring comprehensive coverage. Its capabilities include auto-discovering APIs, generating tests through a conversational interface, and executing them across different environments. This allows developers and product managers alike to create tests using plain English, making it accessible even to those without technical expertise.

"It offers one of the easiest interfaces for writing test cases. We just type in plain English, and it converts it into the exact test case. This makes it easy for developers and product managers to test their code and requirements."

  • Debbie M, Marketing Manager, Small-Business

The AI engine also creates unit, functional, and security tests, achieving over 70% test coverage quickly. This comprehensive testing reduces security risks by 60% and integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines to support continuous development.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Qodex is built to handle modern API architectures, including REST and GraphQL. Its AI analyzes various API formats and generates tailored test scenarios to ensure thorough coverage across your API ecosystem. Currently, the platform safeguards over 78,000 APIs, showcasing its scalability and reliability.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Qodex fits effortlessly into existing development workflows with its CI/CD pipeline integration. It works with popular tools like Jenkins, GitLab, and Azure DevOps, enabling automated security and functional testing during deployment. Additionally, it provides interactive API documentation, giving teams a clear view of their API landscape as part of their regular workflows.

Qodex also offers flexible pricing to suit a variety of needs. Options include a free Basic plan for solo developers, a Standard plan at $49 per month for growing teams, and custom Enterprise pricing for larger organizations.


2. Postman

Postman

Postman has become a go-to tool for API testing, trusted by over 500,000 companies and 40 million users - including 98% of the Fortune 500. Its intuitive interface simplifies even the most complex workflows, making it accessible to both technical and non-technical team members.

What sets Postman apart is its ability to manage the entire API testing lifecycle, from development to production monitoring. This ease of use has made it a favorite for organizations aiming to streamline API testing without requiring deep technical expertise.

Automation Capabilities

Postman’s automation features are built around its Collections system, which helps teams organize API requests, create detailed test sequences, and validate workflows across multiple endpoints.

It comes with a JavaScript-based library of pre-written code snippets, making it easy for teams to write and execute tests. These snippets are versatile enough to validate API performance, reliability, and behavior across architectures like REST, GraphQL, SOAP, and gRPC.

Tests can be run through various channels: the Postman app, Postman monitoring, or Newman, the command-line tool. The Collection Runner feature allows users to chain requests, execute them in specific sequences, and log detailed test results. This functionality is particularly useful for creating test suites that simulate complex, business-critical workflows.

Additionally, Postman’s scheduling feature lets teams automate tests at set intervals using its cloud infrastructure. If a test fails, the platform automatically sends email notifications, ensuring issues are flagged promptly.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Postman caters to modern development needs by offering strong support for both REST and GraphQL APIs. With REST used by 86% of developers and GraphQL by 29%, Postman ensures compatibility with the most commonly used API architectures.

For GraphQL, Postman provides a dedicated client interface that simplifies crafting requests. Users can explore an API’s data fields and build queries by selecting fields directly. The platform also fetches GraphQL schemas using introspection, enabling autocompletion while writing queries.

GraphQL requests can also be made using Postman’s standard HTTP request interface, giving teams flexibility to choose the workflow that suits them best. This dual approach ensures that Postman adapts to a variety of team preferences and requirements, making it easy to integrate into automated development workflows.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Postman’s robust automation and API support extend seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines, enabling continuous testing. The Postman CLI allows teams to run test collections directly within their CI/CD workflows, ensuring API testing happens automatically with every code change.

In October 2024, Frugal Testing highlighted how integrating Postman with Jenkins automates API testing, simplifying continuous integration pipelines. This approach not only reduces manual effort but also speeds up feedback loops, uncovers issues earlier, and supports faster, more reliable software releases.

Postman also integrates with popular CI tools, allowing users to view build details and manage tests within the same platform. For enterprise teams, the platform goes a step further by incorporating API Governance and Security checks into the CI pipeline. This ensures compliance and security validations are baked into the development process, reducing risks and enhancing reliability.


3. OWASP ZAP

OWASP ZAP

OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) is a free, open-source tool designed to handle API security testing with precision. It's a go-to choice for developers and security professionals alike, offering powerful testing capabilities without the burden of licensing fees. This accessibility makes it an attractive option for organizations of any size. The need for robust API security is clear - 91% of organizations reported API-related issues in 2021.

Automation Capabilities

ZAP's automation features are built to streamline and scale security testing. Teams can automate testing through ZAP's API, enabling regular and efficient security checks. It supports scripting in languages such as JavaScript, Zest, Groovy, Kotlin, Python, and Ruby, allowing users to create custom rules, targets, and triggers for tailored API scanning. The OpenAPI add-on simplifies the process by detecting API definitions and improving spidering efficiency, while command-line options provide further control. In November 2024, Jit integrated OWASP ZAP into its platform, making it easier for users to automate API vulnerability detection and establish a minimum viable security plan.

These automation tools make ZAP a versatile option for handling various API formats.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

ZAP is equipped to handle modern API formats like JSON and XML, making it a strong choice for contemporary API testing. It also offers specialized add-ons for different API types, including OpenAPI/Swagger, GraphQL, and SOAP. For GraphQL, the dedicated add-on imports GraphQL definitions, generates queries, and automatically detects endpoints within its scope. Once these endpoints are identified, ZAP conducts thorough security checks to uncover potential vulnerabilities.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

ZAP integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, enabling security testing early in the development process. This is especially important given that, according to GitLab's 2024 Global DevSecOps Survey, 56% of developers release code multiple times a day, but only 29% report that security is fully embedded in their DevOps workflows. Meanwhile, IBM's 2023 Cost of a Data Breach report highlighted the financial stakes, with the average breach costing $4.88 million - a 15% increase over three years.

ZAP offers both a user-friendly interface and command-line tools, with API-driven automation that supports large-scale deployments and rapid vulnerability detection. For instance, Codific successfully integrated ZAP into GitLab CI/CD pipelines, using daily passive scans and weekly active scans to catch vulnerabilities early. They also implemented Slack notifications to keep teams informed about potential issues.


4. Insomnia

Insomnia

Insomnia is a widely used API development platform, relied on by millions of developers for its broad functionality. Going beyond basic testing, it provides tools for debugging, designing, testing, and mocking APIs. The platform also offers a free tier, which includes unlimited private projects and a collection runner for added convenience.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Insomnia supports a variety of modern API formats, including HTTP, gRPC, GraphQL, WSS, and SSE. Switching to GraphQL requests is simple - just change the body type of an existing request. For GraphQL, the platform includes helpful features like auto-completion, schema-based linting, and automatic payload construction. Developers can fetch GraphQL schemas using introspection queries and explore endpoints through a built-in documentation browser. Variables can be defined in JSON format within the Query Variables section, and queries can incorporate arguments, comments, and fragments. This flexible API support easily integrates into automated workflows.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Insomnia also stands out for its seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines. Using the Inso CLI, developers can automate testing during the development process. The CLI is designed to work in CI environments by disabling interactive prompts and returning exit codes that signal success or failure. Kong simplifies this process with a dedicated setup in GitHub Actions, making it easy to incorporate Insomnia into CI workflows. For example, teams using GitHub Actions can check out a branch, run linting with the setup-inso action, and execute tests. The CLI provides clear exit codes and works smoothly within CI environments. Additionally, collections and environments exported from Insomnia can be executed via command-line tools, ensuring API quality throughout the development lifecycle.

Automation Capabilities

To streamline repetitive tasks, Insomnia includes an unlimited collection runner for automated testing. By setting up collections and environments, teams can create automated test suites, enabling efficient testing across all stages of development.


5. SoapUI

SoapUI

SoapUI is a web service testing application created by SmartBear Software, serving the API testing community since 2006. As an open-source platform, it supports testing for SOAP, REST, and GraphQL APIs, making it a versatile option for teams managing diverse API architectures. While many tools focus on basic requests or documentation, SoapUI is tailored for detailed web service and API automation testing.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

SoapUI has evolved beyond its initial focus on SOAP to accommodate modern API formats like REST and GraphQL. For RESTful services, it allows users to generate and test multiple requests, ensuring thorough validation of the responses. When working with GraphQL APIs, SoapUI provides tools to test both complex queries and mutations, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these interactions. One of its standout features is the ability to organize tests into test suites, test cases, and test steps, creating a structured workflow that supports scalable and efficient testing. This hierarchical setup is particularly useful for organizations seeking a long-term, scalable API testing solution [48].

Automation Capabilities

SoapUI shines when it comes to automation. It supports functional, regression, compliance, and load testing, making it a comprehensive choice for API validation. Testers can create test suites, export them as XML files, and execute them using Maven plugins or the testrunner tool, integrating seamlessly into larger automation workflows. The platform also enables data-driven testing, allowing the same tests to run with different input data sets, which is crucial for uncovering edge cases and ensuring robust API performance. Test results can be exported as JUnit reports and integrated with CI servers like Jenkins and TeamCity. For more advanced scenarios, SoapUI supports Groovy scripting, enabling teams to handle dynamic data and tackle complex testing requirements. These automation features make it a natural fit for modern CI/CD pipelines.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

SoapUI’s compatibility with Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) tools makes it a strong choice for DevOps workflows. It offers command-line parameters for running tests outside the SoapUI interface, eliminating the need for Maven plugins. This command-line functionality allows teams to schedule and execute tests as part of their CI/CD pipelines, ensuring continuous testing throughout the development process. Additionally, SoapUI supports the use of environment variables, enabling teams to easily switch between configurations for development, staging, and production environments. By running API tests as part of the build process, SoapUI helps teams maintain code quality and receive faster feedback during development.


6. Fiddler

Fiddler

Fiddler is a versatile web debugging proxy tool that has grown into a powerful platform for API testing. Initially created for general web debugging, it now incorporates advanced features like AI-driven insights, making it a strong competitor to dedicated security tools. With a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on G2, Fiddler has earned high marks for its reliability and performance across various testing scenarios. It can capture traffic from nearly any device, including iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac systems.

"Fiddler has long been the tool of choice for developers and testers who are building and verifying APIs exposed over HTTP(S)." - Eric Lawrence, Telerik

Automation Capabilities

Fiddler’s scripting engine and JScript.NET-based custom rules make it a standout for automation. These tools allow users to modify traffic, log events, and automate repetitive tasks without relying on additional software.

The AutoResponder feature is particularly handy, enabling users to mock or simulate API responses. This is invaluable when testing how applications respond to unavailable endpoints or simulated error conditions.

For teams needing deeper customization, FiddlerCore offers a .NET Class Library that integrates seamlessly with existing test automation frameworks. This allows organizations to create tailored solutions around Fiddler’s core functionalities. Additionally, the APITest extension enhances API validation by providing a Test List and Validators specifically designed for assessing API behavior. These automation tools, combined with AI integration, elevate Fiddler’s capabilities even further.

AI Integration for Testing

Fiddler leverages AI to improve model observability and performance monitoring. It supports end-to-end management of MLOps and LLMOps pipelines, making it particularly useful for organizations working with machine learning models and large language applications.

Key features include explainable AI and AI monitoring, which help teams analyze and understand model behaviors and performance. The Fiddler Trust Service offers scalable monitoring for LLM applications, while Fiddler Guardrails provide real-time protection with response times under 100 milliseconds. These guardrails help secure LLM applications by moderating prompts and responses based on predefined thresholds, reducing vulnerability to security threats.

"Fiddler is the pioneer in AI Observability and Security, providing an all-in-one platform that enables Data Science, Engineering, Trust & Safety, and Security teams to move beyond experimentation and confidently deploy AI agents, LLM applications and ML models in production." - Fiddler AI

Fiddler also integrates anomaly detection and root cause analysis to identify and resolve issues affecting model performance. Its ability to detect data or feature drift ensures that machine learning models remain accurate and effective over time.


7. Pynt

Pynt

Pynt is making waves in the world of API security testing with its smart, context-aware approach. Positioned as a developer-first platform, Pynt leverages AI to deliver automated security testing that understands the way APIs are designed to function. Unlike older tools that rely on random inputs or basic scanning techniques, Pynt tailors its testing by analyzing the purpose and structure of the APIs it evaluates. With over 500 global brands relying on it, Pynt conducts 100,000 tests annually and identifies more than 15,000 API vulnerabilities. It focuses on realistic testing scenarios by learning critical application details like user roles, parameter behaviors, and login session flows. All of this is seamlessly integrated into modern development workflows, making it a powerful tool for developers.

"Secure all modern, Web, LLM APIs, and MCPs with Pynt's AI-powered, chain-aware and context-aware solution." – Pynt

Automation Capabilities

One of Pynt’s standout features is its ability to automate API discovery, including uncovering undocumented and shadow endpoints - those often overlooked by traditional tools. It simulates real-world attack scenarios, slashes false positives by up to 90%, and delivers results 12 times faster, complete with actionable fixes. Shadow endpoints, a common blind spot for many tools, are effectively identified and tested by Pynt.

"Pynt runs via a lightweight CLI and produces results in JSON, making it easy to plug into any CI/CD pipeline. Its contextual understanding of APIs allows it to run meaningful, use-case-specific security tests in minutes - without manual configuration or scripting."

Pynt also simplifies the reporting process by automating pentest documentation. It generates detailed reports, creates tickets, and scores risks to provide clear remediation paths, streamlining the entire workflow.

AI Integration for Testing

Pynt’s AI capabilities take API security testing to the next level. By delivering context-aware tests, it uncovers vulnerabilities in business logic that other tools often miss. The platform covers critical attack scenarios, including the OWASP Top 10, OWASP LLM APIs, Pynt Top 10, and OWASP Web Top 10. Its AI adapts tests to realistic user interactions, highlights vulnerabilities with full evidence, and automates ticketing and risk scoring. This efficiency saves developers over 100,000 hours.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Pynt is designed with modern application architectures in mind, supporting both REST and GraphQL APIs. Its AI-powered insights allow it to simulate advanced attack scenarios while identifying vulnerabilities unique to these API types. For GraphQL, Pynt excels at handling complex nested queries and mutations, uncovering common business logic issues. The platform also builds a detailed API catalog by pulling data from various sources, including Postman collections, Selenium recordings, Burp logs, and live traffic.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Pynt integrates effortlessly into CI/CD pipelines through a lightweight CLI and JSON-based output. It can even process XML recordings from tools like Burp Suite to generate deeper, automated tests. Unlike manual testing tools, Pynt’s context-aware approach allows it to deliver precise security feedback in minutes. Its developer-focused design ensures that the results align perfectly with the fast-paced workflows of modern development teams.


8. Apigee

Apigee

Apigee, part of Google Cloud, is a robust API management platform offering much more than basic gateway functions. It delivers enterprise-level tools for API security, testing, and monitoring. A standout feature is its Advanced API Security (AAS) add-on, which uses automated controls and a Risk Assessment tool to identify misconfigurations, bot attacks, and unusual traffic patterns. It can automatically block or flag malicious activity, ensuring APIs remain secure. For instance, a European bank using Apigee managed to cut security incidents in half within six months. Another key capability, Advanced API Ops, includes anomaly detection and customizable alerts, allowing teams to implement detailed monitoring rules - an essential feature considering that nearly half of organizations have faced API security issues in the past year. These tools highlight Apigee's focus on addressing modern API security needs while integrating seamlessly into development workflows.

AI Integration for Testing

Apigee uses AI and machine learning to enhance API security by analyzing typical traffic patterns and identifying deviations that might signal threats. These machine learning models become more accurate over time when trained with organization-specific data, which requires opt-in participation. To improve detection capabilities, ensuring precise client IP resolution is critical.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

Apigee is built to handle both REST and GraphQL APIs, making it adaptable to modern application architectures. For GraphQL, the platform includes a dedicated policy that validates queries and responses against predefined schemas. This policy goes beyond simple validation - it checks if queries match schemas, verifies API keys, enforces quotas, and restricts access to specific operations. Additionally, it can parse GraphQL request payloads into message flow variables and validate requests for content types like application/graphql and application/json.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

Apigee integrates effortlessly with CI/CD pipelines, enabling teams to automate API deployments, maintain consistency across environments, and monitor performance in real time. Viewing APIs as digital products, the platform supports building and testing API proxies, managing version control, and enforcing quality through static analysis, unit tests, and integration tests. It also provides isolated environments for API development and testing, which can be aligned with repository branches to simplify CI/CD workflows. Additionally, integrating Risk Assessment outputs into CI/CD pipelines helps prevent insecure APIs from being deployed. Apigee also connects with SIEM systems, allowing security teams to correlate API security events with broader infrastructure monitoring.

With its advanced features and seamless integration capabilities, Apigee stands out as a comprehensive solution for tackling modern API security and management challenges.


9. ReadyAPI

ReadyAPI

ReadyAPI by SmartBear is a comprehensive platform designed to handle functional, security, and performance testing for APIs, catering to enterprise-level needs throughout the API lifecycle.

Automation Capabilities

ReadyAPI simplifies API testing by automating processes and integrating seamlessly with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, TeamCity, and Azure DevOps. This allows automated test runs across development, QA, and staging environments, ensuring smooth workflows and consistent testing.

With TestEngine, users can scale SoapUI and ReadyAPI tests without worrying about infrastructure limitations. Features like centralized orchestration, scheduling, and test runner utilities further streamline the testing process, paving the way for more advanced API validation.

A Software QA Manager at HDS/IMS Health highlighted the benefits of ReadyAPI's automation:

"As we continue to improve the way we utilize the ReadyAPI Test tool in the Ready API platform, we are seeing improvements that put us onto the path of even better testing coverage. We can now deliver feedback to the software development team in a timelier manner and achieve our on-time delivery goals."

AI Integration for Testing

ReadyAPI incorporates AI through its Smart Assertions feature, which analyzes API responses to automatically create and update validations. This reduces the need for manual maintenance and helps identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Support for REST and GraphQL APIs

ReadyAPI is built to handle both REST and GraphQL APIs effectively. For REST, it supports all HTTP methods, while for GraphQL, it manages queries, mutations, endpoints, and schemas. This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for testing even the most intricate data retrieval scenarios.

Integration with CI/CD Pipelines

ReadyAPI’s integration with CI/CD pipelines ensures continuous testing is embedded into the development process. Teams can run targeted tests using tools like TestRunner or TestEngine, tailoring them to specific deployment stages or recent code changes. Additionally, Docker support enables efficient testing in containerized environments.


10. HTTP Toolkit

HTTP Toolkit

HTTP Toolkit is an open-source tool designed for debugging and testing HTTP traffic. Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS, it has gained recognition among developers and security experts, boasting over 1,000 users worldwide and more than 1,000 GitHub stars. Its focus on intercepting and debugging HTTP traffic makes it a go-to option for those tackling API security testing needs.

What sets HTTP Toolkit apart is its targeted interception approach. Instead of capturing all network traffic, it zeroes in on specific clients, reducing unnecessary data collection and streamlining the debugging process. The platform combines automation, precise traffic management, and CI/CD integration, making it a reliable tool for comprehensive API testing.

Automation Features

One standout feature of HTTP Toolkit is its automated rewrite rules system. These rules allow users to inject mock responses, override live data, and even simulate errors for nonexistent endpoints. For instance, you can redirect production sites to local test servers or tweak request headers effortlessly.

Rules can be generated with a single click from intercepted traffic, customized with aliases, and grouped for export. The tool also integrates with advanced network interception libraries like MockIPFS and Mockthereum, enhancing automated testing workflows. Additionally, its Mockttp component enables seamless integration testing across both Node.js and browser environments, ensuring flexibility for developers.

REST and GraphQL API Testing

Though not specifically tailored for GraphQL, HTTP Toolkit’s robust HTTP traffic interception and manipulation capabilities make it a versatile choice for testing any HTTP-based API, including REST services. It automatically manages HTTPS traffic and certificate setups, simplifying secure API testing for modern applications. This flexibility makes it a valuable addition to automated development workflows.

CI/CD Pipeline Integration

HTTP Toolkit’s Mockttp component - a powerful scriptable rewriting proxy - enhances its suitability for continuous testing workflows. Its automation and rule-based systems allow developers to seamlessly incorporate HTTP traffic testing into CI/CD pipelines. Users appreciate its simplicity, especially with features like one-click interception that bypass challenges related to root certificates and proxy configurations. This ensures a smooth and efficient testing process throughout development stages.

Feature Comparison: Burp Suite vs Alternatives

Selecting the right API security testing tool requires a clear understanding of how each platform stacks up in terms of essential features, pricing, and integration options.


Manual vs. Automated Testing Approaches

Burp Suite is well-regarded for its detailed manual testing capabilities, making it a favorite among penetration testers. On the other hand, OWASP ZAP leans heavily on automation, offering features like passive scanning and fuzzing, which deliver quicker results. While Burp Suite provides precise manual control, its steep learning curve can slow down teams looking for faster outcomes. Meanwhile, OWASP ZAP's AJAX spider is particularly effective for JavaScript-heavy applications, and its traditional spider allows manual exploration to map out complex applications.


Performance and User Experience

Both Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP are known to be resource-intensive, which can impact performance. However, newer cloud-native tools address this by offering real-time alerts and more streamlined onboarding processes. While Burp Suite is praised for its robust testing capabilities, its complex setup and high resource demands can be challenging. In contrast, tools like Beagle Security stand out for their user-friendly interface and smooth onboarding, making it easier to configure and launch tests. Balancing functionality with ease of use is especially important for teams incorporating security testing into continuous development workflows.

Selecting the right API security testing tool requires a clear understanding of how each platform stacks up in terms of essential features, pricing, and integration options.


Manual vs. Automated Testing Approaches

Burp Suite is well-regarded for its detailed manual testing capabilities, making it a favorite among penetration testers. On the other hand, OWASP ZAP leans heavily on automation, offering features like passive scanning and fuzzing, which deliver quicker results. While Burp Suite provides precise manual control, its steep learning curve can slow down teams looking for faster outcomes. Meanwhile, OWASP ZAP's AJAX spider is particularly effective for JavaScript-heavy applications, and its traditional spider allows manual exploration to map out complex applications.


Performance and User Experience

Both Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP are known to be resource-intensive, which can impact performance. However, newer cloud-native tools address this by offering real-time alerts and more streamlined onboarding processes. While Burp Suite is praised for its robust testing capabilities, its complex setup and high resource demands can be challenging. In contrast, tools like Beagle Security stand out for their user-friendly interface and smooth onboarding, making it easier to configure and launch tests. Balancing functionality with ease of use is especially important for teams incorporating security testing into continuous development workflows.

Selecting the right API security testing tool requires a clear understanding of how each platform stacks up in terms of essential features, pricing, and integration options.


Manual vs. Automated Testing Approaches

Burp Suite is well-regarded for its detailed manual testing capabilities, making it a favorite among penetration testers. On the other hand, OWASP ZAP leans heavily on automation, offering features like passive scanning and fuzzing, which deliver quicker results. While Burp Suite provides precise manual control, its steep learning curve can slow down teams looking for faster outcomes. Meanwhile, OWASP ZAP's AJAX spider is particularly effective for JavaScript-heavy applications, and its traditional spider allows manual exploration to map out complex applications.


Performance and User Experience

Both Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP are known to be resource-intensive, which can impact performance. However, newer cloud-native tools address this by offering real-time alerts and more streamlined onboarding processes. While Burp Suite is praised for its robust testing capabilities, its complex setup and high resource demands can be challenging. In contrast, tools like Beagle Security stand out for their user-friendly interface and smooth onboarding, making it easier to configure and launch tests. Balancing functionality with ease of use is especially important for teams incorporating security testing into continuous development workflows.

Comprehensive Feature and Pricing Comparison

Tool

Core Strengths

API Support

CI/CD Integration

G2 Rating

Burp Suite

Manual testing, contextual scanning

Yes

Yes

4.8/5 (123 reviews)

Qodex

AI-powered automation, no-code testing

Full REST/GraphQL

Seamless

N/A

OWASP ZAP

Free, automated features, extensible

REST, GraphQL

Yes

4.7/5 (12 reviews)

Beagle Security

Intuitive, AI-augmented

Full REST/GraphQL

Seamless

4.7/5 (87 reviews)

Postman

API development and collaboration

REST, GraphQL, SOAP

Yes

N/A

SoapUI

SOAP/REST testing, data-driven tests

SOAP, REST

Limited

N/A

Tool

Core Strengths

API Support

CI/CD Integration

G2 Rating

Burp Suite

Manual testing, contextual scanning

Yes

Yes

4.8/5 (123 reviews)

Qodex

AI-powered automation, no-code testing

Full REST/GraphQL

Seamless

N/A

OWASP ZAP

Free, automated features, extensible

REST, GraphQL

Yes

4.7/5 (12 reviews)

Beagle Security

Intuitive, AI-augmented

Full REST/GraphQL

Seamless

4.7/5 (87 reviews)

Postman

API development and collaboration

REST, GraphQL, SOAP

Yes

N/A

SoapUI

SOAP/REST testing, data-driven tests

SOAP, REST

Limited

N/A

Tool

Core Strengths

API Support

CI/CD Integration

G2 Rating

Burp Suite

Manual testing, contextual scanning

Yes

Yes

4.8/5 (123 reviews)

Qodex

AI-powered automation, no-code testing

Full REST/GraphQL

Seamless

N/A

OWASP ZAP

Free, automated features, extensible

REST, GraphQL

Yes

4.7/5 (12 reviews)

Beagle Security

Intuitive, AI-augmented

Full REST/GraphQL

Seamless

4.7/5 (87 reviews)

Postman

API development and collaboration

REST, GraphQL, SOAP

Yes

N/A

SoapUI

SOAP/REST testing, data-driven tests

SOAP, REST

Limited

N/A

Integration Capabilities Matter

Integration with CI/CD pipelines is a critical factor when evaluating API security tools. As Tzvika Shneider, CEO of Pynt, explains:

"Look for CI/CD integration: Ensure that the alternative tool can seamlessly integrate with your CI/CD pipeline, allowing continuous security testing".

Some tools go beyond CI/CD compatibility. For instance, Pynt integrates with task management platforms to automate fixes, while Acunetix connects with CI/CD pipelines, issue trackers, and web application firewalls - all without disrupting ongoing development. Meanwhile, IBM Security QRadar Suite offers over 900 pre-built integrations, though its enterprise-level complexity and pricing may not suit smaller teams.

Integration with CI/CD pipelines is a critical factor when evaluating API security tools. As Tzvika Shneider, CEO of Pynt, explains:

"Look for CI/CD integration: Ensure that the alternative tool can seamlessly integrate with your CI/CD pipeline, allowing continuous security testing".

Some tools go beyond CI/CD compatibility. For instance, Pynt integrates with task management platforms to automate fixes, while Acunetix connects with CI/CD pipelines, issue trackers, and web application firewalls - all without disrupting ongoing development. Meanwhile, IBM Security QRadar Suite offers over 900 pre-built integrations, though its enterprise-level complexity and pricing may not suit smaller teams.

Integration with CI/CD pipelines is a critical factor when evaluating API security tools. As Tzvika Shneider, CEO of Pynt, explains:

"Look for CI/CD integration: Ensure that the alternative tool can seamlessly integrate with your CI/CD pipeline, allowing continuous security testing".

Some tools go beyond CI/CD compatibility. For instance, Pynt integrates with task management platforms to automate fixes, while Acunetix connects with CI/CD pipelines, issue trackers, and web application firewalls - all without disrupting ongoing development. Meanwhile, IBM Security QRadar Suite offers over 900 pre-built integrations, though its enterprise-level complexity and pricing may not suit smaller teams.

Get opensource free alternative of postman. Free upto 100 team members!

Get opensource free alternative of postman. Free upto 100 team members!

Get opensource free alternative of postman. Free upto 100 team members!

Pricing Models and Value Considerations

Flexible pricing models and seamless CI/CD integration ensure that modern tools can meet the needs of teams of all sizes. Burp Suite DAST provides tailored pricing with unlimited user access included in every subscription, catering to both small pentesting teams and large AppSec departments. However, enterprise solutions like Noname Security and Salt Security can be prohibitively expensive for smaller businesses. Noname Security starts at $150,000 for a one-year entry-level plan, while Salt Security’s startup plan is priced at $50,000 annually for up to 5 million API calls, with enterprise plans reaching $350,000.

Flexible pricing models and seamless CI/CD integration ensure that modern tools can meet the needs of teams of all sizes. Burp Suite DAST provides tailored pricing with unlimited user access included in every subscription, catering to both small pentesting teams and large AppSec departments. However, enterprise solutions like Noname Security and Salt Security can be prohibitively expensive for smaller businesses. Noname Security starts at $150,000 for a one-year entry-level plan, while Salt Security’s startup plan is priced at $50,000 annually for up to 5 million API calls, with enterprise plans reaching $350,000.

Flexible pricing models and seamless CI/CD integration ensure that modern tools can meet the needs of teams of all sizes. Burp Suite DAST provides tailored pricing with unlimited user access included in every subscription, catering to both small pentesting teams and large AppSec departments. However, enterprise solutions like Noname Security and Salt Security can be prohibitively expensive for smaller businesses. Noname Security starts at $150,000 for a one-year entry-level plan, while Salt Security’s startup plan is priced at $50,000 annually for up to 5 million API calls, with enterprise plans reaching $350,000.

Modern Features for Developer Teams

Newer API security solutions are designed with developers in mind, offering features like AI-driven login authentication, advanced false positive filtering, and contextual reporting. These capabilities help teams focus on real security threats rather than wasting time on irrelevant alerts. Such tools often deliver a smoother experience and faster implementation compared to older systems that require specialized security expertise.

Newer API security solutions are designed with developers in mind, offering features like AI-driven login authentication, advanced false positive filtering, and contextual reporting. These capabilities help teams focus on real security threats rather than wasting time on irrelevant alerts. Such tools often deliver a smoother experience and faster implementation compared to older systems that require specialized security expertise.

Newer API security solutions are designed with developers in mind, offering features like AI-driven login authentication, advanced false positive filtering, and contextual reporting. These capabilities help teams focus on real security threats rather than wasting time on irrelevant alerts. Such tools often deliver a smoother experience and faster implementation compared to older systems that require specialized security expertise.

Conclusion

Choosing the right API security testing tool means finding the perfect balance between your specific needs and budget. While traditional tools like Burp Suite have been foundational, newer platforms now offer AI-driven automation and seamless CI/CD integration to simplify testing and strengthen security. This decision plays a crucial role in ensuring effective protection throughout the development lifecycle.

Regulations such as PCI DSS and DORA increasingly emphasize the importance of API security. Non-compliance can be costly, with data breach expenses averaging $5.05 million, 12.6% higher for organizations failing to meet these standards.

Although pricing varies significantly across tools, integrating with CI/CD pipelines is non-negotiable for maintaining compliance and enabling swift deployments. Open-source tools like OWASP ZAP offer powerful features for free, while enterprise solutions provide more advanced capabilities at a range of price points. The key is selecting a tool that aligns with your actual needs, avoiding unnecessary features that inflate costs.

For teams handling sensitive data, embedding automated compliance checks into CI/CD workflows is essential. This ensures new API code adheres to standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS before it’s deployed. Pairing this proactive approach with robust security measures - such as OAuth2 for authentication and encrypted HTTPS/TLS communication - creates a solid defense against both technical vulnerabilities and regulatory risks.

Modern tools now blend features like automated discovery, AI-based testing, and intuitive interfaces designed for developers. Whether you stick with trusted solutions like Burp Suite or explore newer options, focus on tools that evolve with your team’s expertise and integrate seamlessly into your workflows. By aligning your choice with your development and security goals, you can build a strong foundation for API security moving forward.

Choosing the right API security testing tool means finding the perfect balance between your specific needs and budget. While traditional tools like Burp Suite have been foundational, newer platforms now offer AI-driven automation and seamless CI/CD integration to simplify testing and strengthen security. This decision plays a crucial role in ensuring effective protection throughout the development lifecycle.

Regulations such as PCI DSS and DORA increasingly emphasize the importance of API security. Non-compliance can be costly, with data breach expenses averaging $5.05 million, 12.6% higher for organizations failing to meet these standards.

Although pricing varies significantly across tools, integrating with CI/CD pipelines is non-negotiable for maintaining compliance and enabling swift deployments. Open-source tools like OWASP ZAP offer powerful features for free, while enterprise solutions provide more advanced capabilities at a range of price points. The key is selecting a tool that aligns with your actual needs, avoiding unnecessary features that inflate costs.

For teams handling sensitive data, embedding automated compliance checks into CI/CD workflows is essential. This ensures new API code adheres to standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS before it’s deployed. Pairing this proactive approach with robust security measures - such as OAuth2 for authentication and encrypted HTTPS/TLS communication - creates a solid defense against both technical vulnerabilities and regulatory risks.

Modern tools now blend features like automated discovery, AI-based testing, and intuitive interfaces designed for developers. Whether you stick with trusted solutions like Burp Suite or explore newer options, focus on tools that evolve with your team’s expertise and integrate seamlessly into your workflows. By aligning your choice with your development and security goals, you can build a strong foundation for API security moving forward.

Choosing the right API security testing tool means finding the perfect balance between your specific needs and budget. While traditional tools like Burp Suite have been foundational, newer platforms now offer AI-driven automation and seamless CI/CD integration to simplify testing and strengthen security. This decision plays a crucial role in ensuring effective protection throughout the development lifecycle.

Regulations such as PCI DSS and DORA increasingly emphasize the importance of API security. Non-compliance can be costly, with data breach expenses averaging $5.05 million, 12.6% higher for organizations failing to meet these standards.

Although pricing varies significantly across tools, integrating with CI/CD pipelines is non-negotiable for maintaining compliance and enabling swift deployments. Open-source tools like OWASP ZAP offer powerful features for free, while enterprise solutions provide more advanced capabilities at a range of price points. The key is selecting a tool that aligns with your actual needs, avoiding unnecessary features that inflate costs.

For teams handling sensitive data, embedding automated compliance checks into CI/CD workflows is essential. This ensures new API code adheres to standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS before it’s deployed. Pairing this proactive approach with robust security measures - such as OAuth2 for authentication and encrypted HTTPS/TLS communication - creates a solid defense against both technical vulnerabilities and regulatory risks.

Modern tools now blend features like automated discovery, AI-based testing, and intuitive interfaces designed for developers. Whether you stick with trusted solutions like Burp Suite or explore newer options, focus on tools that evolve with your team’s expertise and integrate seamlessly into your workflows. By aligning your choice with your development and security goals, you can build a strong foundation for API security moving forward.

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