Automated testing has become a critical aspect of developing business scenarios for testers. Unlike manual testing, API automated testing tools allow developers and QA teams to write, execute, and maintain API tests, streamlining the process and identifying issues early in the development cycle.
If you're looking to choose the right API automated testing tools for your work, this post will guide you through some of the most popular options available on the market. Let’s dive in.
What is Automated Testing?
API testing is essential for ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of web services and applications dependent on APIs. As modern software systems grow more complex, automated testing tools have become a necessity for efficient validation of APIs.
Best API Automated Testing Tools
API automated testing tools help developers and testers validate API functionality, performance, and reliability by automating the testing process. These tools simulate real-world scenarios, create test cases, and generate reports, allowing issues to be identified and addressed before deployment.
1. Apidog: Best Overall API Automated Testing Tool
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Key Features:
- Real-time API testing
- User-friendly interface
- Parameter customization
- Request and response validation
- Compatibility with multiple data formats
- Pricing: Free for basic use, no time limit or credit card required
- Website: Apidog
2. JMeter: Popular Open Source REST API Testing Tool
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Key Features:
- Load and performance testing
- Functional API testing
- Supports multiple protocols (HTTP, FTP, WebSockets)
- Highly extensible with plugins
- Detailed reporting and visualization
- Pricing: Free (open-source)
- Website: JMeter
3. Katalon Studio: Comprehensive API Testing Tool
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Key Features:
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Supports multiple programming languages (Java, Ruby, Python, Groovy)
- Integration with Jira, Jenkins, qTest
- Built-in reports and analytics
- Parallel test execution
- Pricing: Free, paid plans start at $629/year
- Website: Katalon Studio
4. SoapUI: Veteran REST and SOAP API Testing Tool
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Key Features:
- REST and SOAP API support
- User-friendly interface
- Protocol and data format flexibility
- Integration with development tools (Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA)
- Paid versions include schema validation, mock services, load testing, and security scans
- Pricing: Free open-source version, paid plans start at $659/year
- Website: SoapUI
5. Postman: Widely Used API Automated Testing Tool
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Key Features:
- Test automation for suites and regression testing
- Real-time collaboration for teams
- Extensive libraries and collections
- Integrates with popular services
- Monitoring and analytics
- Pricing: Free for basic use, paid plans start at $12/month
- Website: Postman
6. Selenium: Web Application Testing Tool with API Capabilities
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Key Features:
- Supports multiple programming languages (Java, Python, C#, Ruby)
- Cross-browser compatibility
- Parallel test execution
- Integrates with popular tools and frameworks
- Strong community support
- Pricing: Free (open-source)
- Website: Selenium
7. REST Assured: Java-Based API Testing Tool
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Key Features:
- Simplified API testing with a fluent API syntax
- JSON and XML support
- Integrates with JUnit and TestNG
- Lightweight and easy to learn
- Extensive documentation
- Pricing: Free (open-source library)
- Website: REST Assured
8. Insomnia: Simple and Open-Source API Testing Tool
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Key Features:
- Code snippets in multiple languages
- Environment variable support
- Collaboration features
- Automation through scripts
- Clean, elegant interface
- Pricing: Free (open-source)
- Website: Insomnia
9. Apigee: API Testing Tool for Security
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Key Features:
- Scalable for high API traffic
- Multi-cloud support
- Developer-friendly tools
- API lifecycle management
- Analytics and monitoring
- Pricing: Enterprise pricing, contact for a quote
- Website: Apigee
10. Runscope: API Testing and Monitoring Tool
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Key Features:
- API test automation
- Monitoring and alerts
- Test environments and data buckets
- Collaborative features
- Detailed test metrics and reports
- Pricing: Free plan available, paid plans start at $99/month
- Website: Runscope
11. Swagger: Streamlining API Development
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Key Features:
- OpenAPI specification support
- Swagger UI for interactive documentation
- Swagger Codegen for client SDKs and server stubs
- SwaggerHub for team collaboration
- Standardizes API design and development
- Pricing: Free, paid plans available
- Website: Swagger
12. Playwright: Modern Web Testing and Automation Tool
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Key Features:
- Cross-browser support for Chromium, Firefox, WebKit
- Auto-wait for elements
- Network request interception
- Mobile emulation support
- API testing capabilities
- Pricing: Free (open-source)
- Website: Playwright
13. Bruno: Open-Source API Testing Tool
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Key Features:
- API test creation and execution
- Test data management
- CI/CD integration
- Reporting and analytics
- Pricing: Free plan, paid plans start at $99/month
- Website: Bruno
14. RapidAPI (Paw): Full-Featured API Testing Tool for macOS
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Key Features:
- API testing and automation
- API design and documentation
- Code generation in various languages
- Environment management
- Collaboration and sharing
- Pricing: Free for basic use, pro version available for $199.99
- Website: RapidAPI (Paw)
15. Karate: Open-Source API Testing Framework
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Key Features:
- API testing and mocking
- Built-in support for HTTP requests
- Integration with Cucumber for BDD
- Integrates with CI/CD tools
- Pricing: Free (open-source)
- Website: Karate
Conclusion: Choosing the Right API Automated Testing Tool
Each of these API automated testing tools comes with its own set of strengths and features. When selecting a tool, consider your team’s specific needs, programming languages, frameworks, and budget.
Evaluate the tools' documentation, community support, and integration with your existing development and testing workflows to ensure you choose the best fit.
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