Postman Alternatives -Popular Options to Postman for Efficient API Testing

With over 20 million users worldwide, Postman has emerged as a major tool of convenience among developers. However, some core pitfalls of this tool make many users look for Postman alternatives. If you are hunting for one, we will introduce you to the hottest options in the market, just go through this post and pick the best among the best ones. 

Sounds good? Let’s dive in!

From simplifying each step of the API life cycle to streamlining collaborations, Postman is a leading platform for developing APIs. 

This platform boasts over 20 million users and 500,000 companies use this tool around the world. Postman enjoys a market share of 4.43%, giving head-to-head competition to Microsoft Azure, GraphQL, and Amazon API Gateway which has a market share of 70.38%,5.83%, and 9.83% respectively.

Postman offers a flexible environment to develop connected software through APIs accurately and quickly. However, many users are not aware that there are many Postman alternatives that can be used for building APIs. Additionally, they offer the same set of features at a lower cost than Postman.

In this post, we will introduce you to all the best of the best postman alternatives along with their key features. You can go through them and pick the one that entices you the most and suits your needs. 

But first, let’s discuss every little thing about Postman and why it is still a popular choice among users.

Let’s get started!

Introduction: What is Postman?

Postman is an API (application programming interface) development tool. This tool helps developers in building, testing, sharing, documenting, and modifying APIs. Postman installation gives developers access to rich features and functionalities that they need in the entire process.

Currently, more than 25 million developers use Postman to ease and streamline the entire API development. This tool has the potential to create numerous types of HTTP requests (PATCH, PUT, POST, GET), saving the environment for use later, and easy conversion of API into code of major languages including JavaScript and Python.

Postman has a simple and straightforward graphic user interface to send and view HTTP requests and responses. With a quick Postman download, developers need not write any HTTP client network code as they can easily build collections (test suites) and allow this tool to interact with the API.

This tool is embedded with nearly all the functionality that every developer requires. The following are the outstanding features of Postman that made it so popular.

User-friendliness

Postman has a simple interface that allows testers to build test suites quickly after filling in the templates. This tool also offers code snippets that greatly support script creation along with examples of response code and response time validations, etc.

Functionality-rich

Postman supports almost all HTTP methods, conversion of APIs into code, saving environment progress, changing API development environment, and many more.

Highly Accessible

Postman lets its users access their files smoothly. They just need to log in to the tool using their account credentials on a device after a Postman download or browser extension.

Tracking Capabilities 

For HTTP response, Postman supports numerous status codes for developers and other users to verify the responses like Successful requests, Bad requests, Unauthorized access, Empty responses, and much more.

Terminologies Related to Postman

The following are the terminologies related to and used in Postman.

API

API (application programming interface) is software that helps two apps interact with each other easily. API acts as an intermediary between apps that simplifies communication between apps. APIs are used when you use any app like Facebook, Twitter, weather apps, and sending text messages through your phone.

HTTP

HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) is a compilation of rules for the data transmission on WWW (World Wide Web) such as text, sound, graphic images, video, and other types of multimedia data. All web users utilize HTTP, the moment they open their web browser on their phones or desktops.

What Is the Cost of Postman?

Although Postman is available in a free version that lets users design, develop, and test APIs, to access more advanced and crucial features you need to take one of its paid plans. Here is the list of pricing plans of the Postman API platform:

Basic Plan

The basic plan allows users to team up with their colleagues around their APIs. They can collaborate within the team to design, develop, and test APIs faster. It will cost you $14 per month for each user and is billed annually.

Professional Plan

The professional plan allows users to manage the whole API workflow centrally. This will cost you $29 per month for each user and is billed annually. 

Enterprise Plan

The enterprise plan is designed to scale with business needs. This plan lets users securely manage, organize, and accelerate API first development at scale. This plan will cost you $99 per month for each user and is billed annually.

Pros and Cons of Postman for API Testing

Like any other API testing tool in the market, Postman also has positives and some downsides as well. You should understand each of them to make a better decision. First, let’s start with:

Pros:

API Documentation

Postman provides impeccable features to generate and publish API documentation. This tool enables users to easily add descriptions, annotations, and examples to API endpoints. These features enable developers to understand and grasp APIs efficiently.

Automation & Integration

Postman integrates with other development services and tools very well. This feature allows smooth workflow integration. Postman supports integrations with build systems, version control systems, CD/CI pipelines, etc.

Mock Servers

Mock server functionality is another benefit that comes with using Postman. This functionality enables developers to replicate API responses and endpoints. This feature helps users to develop and test in one go in the absence of an actual backend.

Environment and Collections

The environment feature allows developers to define variables and configurations for diverse testing environments like staging, development, production, and more. The collection feature of Postman allows developers to build and group API requests. This feature makes it easy for users to manage and share these requests with other team members. 

API Testing and Automation

Postman is equipped with robust testing capabilities that allow developers to create and implement API tests. This feature supports manual as well as automated testing workflows.

User-friendliness

The interface of Postman is very clean and intuitive. This user-friendliness feature makes it easy for testers and developers to easily navigate through the tool.

Dynamic Community and Support

The community of Postman is huge. It is rich with tutorials, extensive documentation, and forums. The group of developers and users is very active which ensures that all users get some sort of guidance and troubleshooting whenever required.

Analytical Capabilities

Postman has monitoring and analytical capabilities that enable users to track response times, API performance, and patterns of usage. This feature helps users identify obstructions and optimize API performance.

In spite of many beneficial features, there are some core pitfalls of Postman that you should be aware of:

Cons

Browser Support Limitations

Started as a Chrome extension, Postman now has expanded to support other devices with diverse operating systems. However, the compatibility of the browser is still limited. Plus, some functions work differently in different browsers.

Challenges in Automation

Although Postman comes with automation capabilities, many crucial features need a license to be accessed. Many developers opt to establish their own API testing framework instead of locking themselves in a license tenure. 

Data Management Limitations

Data management and manipulation are sometimes essential to use in some cases. But Postman lacks in this feature. 

License Requirement

Although the Postman tool is free to utilize, some essential features like mocking servers, collaboration, monitoring, and analytical features can be accessed after purchasing the license.

Challenges in Version Control

Postman integrates well with version control systems. However, developers will find handling and resolving conflicts in collaborative environments a bit challenging, especially when the teammates work on similar collections.

Native Performance Testing Limitations

Although Postman offers monitoring and analytical features to the users, it lacks performance testing capabilities and in-built load testing functionalities. Developers, testers, and users will be required to integrate Postman with third-party tools for complete performance testing.

Top 08 Postman Alternatives 

Now you have reached the most crucial part of the blog which will introduce you to the top Postman alternatives that offer great API functionalities to the users.

Amazon API Gateway

No matter how big or small scale you are working on, Amazon API Gateway is one of the best Postman alternatives in the market today. The interface of this platform is very intuitive, users can easily build, publish, manage, monitor, and secure their APIs. Whether you want to create APIs in your own client apps or make your API available for other app developers, Amazon API Gateway can make it possible.

This tool creates RESTful APIs that enable stateless client-server communication. RESTful APIs are HTTP-based. It can execute standard HTTP methods like GET, PUT, POST, PATCH, & DELETE.

Impressive features of Amazon API Gateway:

• Ease of creating, publishing, managing, monitoring, and securing APIs at both big and small scale.
• Supports OpenID connect and OAuth2 protocols.
• Offers different authentication methods such as Amazon Cognito user pools, AWS IAM, and Lambda authorizer.
• Easy logging and monitoring of API changes and API usage.
• Inbuilt automatic deployment and CORS support.
• Offers support for stateless HTTP & REST APIs and stateful WebSocket.

Pricing plans of Amazon API Gateway:

• Although there is no upfront cost for Amazon API Gateway, users need to pay when the API is called and data is transmitted out. For example:

The cost of 1 million HTTP requests is $0.90.

The cost of REST API calls is $3.50 per million requests.

MuleSoft Anypoint Platform

MuleSoft Anypoint is one of the finest Postman alternatives that enables users to operate and progress their API program efficiently. Using this platform, you can manage, monitor, secure, and analyze your APIs. This platform offers intuitive features using which you can manage all your APIs from one place irrespective of their location.

This tool enables users to analyze traffic, fix underlying integration flow and issues, and monitor SLAs. MuleSoft provides several features to extend Anypoint Platform to all APIs, secure any API no matter where they are, and build responsive experiences. 

Impressive features of MuleSoft Anypoint Platform:

• The Anypoint Flex Gateway feature of this tool is designed to manage and secure APIs irrespective of their location.
• Users can discover and catalog any API using the Anypoint API Catalog CLI feature.
• Ease of unlocking and managing any service with the help of flexible API Gateways.
• Securing APIs with policies, gaining critical insights into API programs, and managing client access is easy.
• Developers can create personalized portals for themselves without needing to code.

Pricing plans of MuleSoft Anypoint Platform:

This platform offers three types of plans i.e. Gold, Platinum, and Titanium. 

There is no fixed charge for any of the categories as they charge on the basis of RPA Bot Minutes and the number of API calls made.

SoapUI

SoapUI is another alternative for Postman which is an ideal tool to test Soap web services. In addition to API testing, this tool specializes in testing mobile apps as well as web applications. This tool supports data-driven tests which enables developers to enter numerous sets of data. Developers from both technical and non-technical backgrounds can quickly understand its interface.

Compared to Postman, it offers a wide range of API testing features like API discover, SOAP testing, template data insertion, automated assertion development, etc. SoapUI also provides load and security testing features, this tool is undeniably one of the best Postman alternatives in the market.

Impressive features of SoapUI:

• Users can utilize advanced test cases that include complex data-driven tests, API testing, scripting, and much more.
• Ease of automating specific API tasks to save effort and time.
• Continuous integration and deployment methods speed up the entire automation process.
• Users can insert different parameters while API testing.
• Supports third-party integrations including Jenkins, JIRA, and Git to accelerate the process.

Pricing plans of SoapUI:

They have divided the versions into three categories (all plans offer a 14-day free trial to the users):

• API Test Module plan starts at $894 per license and is billed annually. 
• API Performance Module starts at $7308 per license and is billed annually.
• API Visualization Module starts at $1374 per license and is billed annually.

Swagger Hub

If you are unsatisfied with the existing API development tool, Swagger Hub is another popular option that will suit all your API testing needs. It was developed by SmartBear which is quite a renowned name in the industry and has won numerous awards for its compelling API platform. This software has currently over 100,000 API practitioners and handles more than 200,000 API projects.

It is an open-source tool that enables users to design, develop, document, and test RESTful APIs and is considered one of the best Postman alternatives today. This platform enables quick and standardized API creation. Swagger Hub is also designed for seamless collaboration and acts as a productivity enhancer. 

Impressive features of Swagger Hub:

• Users can easily document API endpoints.
• Automatic generates an easy-to-read and comprehensive document with simple addition of annotations to code.
• Allows users to directly interact with their API from the UI.
• Generated documentation includes info about API parameters, endpoints, responses, request schemas, and much more.
• Offers visual representation of API endpoints, making it easy to understand the structure and design of API.
• Supports third-party integrations with tools like ReadyAPI, Pact Flow, etc.

Pricing plans of Swagger UI:

• The Basic plan is free for one user.
• The Team plan comes with many advanced features and costs you between $90/month to $108/month for 3 users which is billed annually.
• The Enterprise plan can be customized with additional features and works for 3 users. 

Insomnia

Insomnia currently has a high-profile customer like Netflix which makes it a reliable platform. This tool is one of the best Postman alternatives on the market today. This platform enables users to create and deliver high-quality APIs through collaboration. Insomnia has impeccable testing capabilities that allow developers to create centralized APIs and functional tests. This platform is API client streamlined which makes sending SOAP, REST, and GraphQL very easy.

Authenticating credentials enables users to manage multiple environments easily. This tool offers powerful features that help developers to accelerate API development. Using the in-built specification editor, users can make the most of their API development. Plus, they can make quick changes using the instant design preview without switching apps.

Impressive features of Insomnia:

• Streamlined and open-source.
• Offers an easy-to-navigate and elegant user interface.
• Provides automated API testing, HTTP client, and Open API Editor.
• Supports JSON, XML, Form, and several request payloads which makes it easy to build any request.
• Loads very quickly and faster than Postman.
• Users can organize several API services using collections. 
• Ease of embedding customizable random values to API requests.

Pricing plans of Insomnia:

• The basic plan is free with limited features.
• The Individual plan will cost $5/month per user.
• The Team plan is priced at $12/month per user.
• The Enterprise plan will cost $45/month per user and is billed annually.

Apigee

Apigee is one of the popular Postman alternatives for building, managing, monitoring, and securing APIs across an array of use cases, environments, and scales. This tool offers a wide range of features to easily manage the entire API lifecycle. Plus, its traffic management system allows users to control and optimize API traffic. This tool is rich with a set of monitoring and analytical tools to track API performance, usage, and other key metrics.

The developer portal of Apigee enables companies to create, publish, and manage their APIs along with documentation, SDKs, and many other resources to assist users in discovering and using the API. 

Impressive features of Apigee:

• Provides access and security control features to protect sensitive information from uncertified access.
• Provides real-time analytical and monitoring tools.
• Supports third-party integrations.
• Load balancing, scaling, and failover are automated.
• Supports multiple frameworks and major programming languages to perform easy API testing. 
• Ability to handle a large volume of API traffic, making it an ideal choice for organizations and enterprises with complex API requirements and high traffic.
• This tool can be deployed in multiple cloud environments including Microsoft Azure, Web services, and Google Cloud.

Pricing plans of Apigee:

The pricing plans of Apigee are based on different categories as follows:

• API Calls: 

Standard API Proxy: For up to 50M API calls, the price is $20, API calls from 50M to 500M are priced $16, and $13  for more than 500M API calls.

Extensible API Proxy: For up to 50M API calls the price is $100, API calls between 50M to 500M will cost $80, and more than 500M API calls are priced at $64.

• Environments

Base Environment:$365/month per region.

Intermediate Environment: $1,460/month per region.

Comprehensive Environment: $3,431/month per region.

• Proxy Deployments: $0.04/ hour per region.
• Add-ons: $20 for every 1M API calls.

Katalon

Katalon is another postman API alternative that offers a complete solution for test automation. Developers can generate and validate API calls on desktop, web, and mobile apps using an integrated environment. This tool offers various essential components, test execution examples, and built-in keywords. Katalon provides a unique platform for developers and testers to execute web automation tests and APIs.

This platform is acquainted with tracking and comprehensive reporting tools to manage and organize API testing efficiently. Katalon offers a comprehensive testing solution to test any type of project. From planning, creation, and execution to reporting of tests, Katalon supports a complete API testing lifecycle.

Impressive features of Katalon:

• Testing processes via several databases and sources is easy.
• Provides across-platform testing using OSs support.
• Supports every need for DevOps or CI/CD team collaboration and practices.
• Using Advanced scripting mode, users can customize and strengthen their scripts.
• Analytical capabilities help users to transfer and visualize test results.
• Users can share plugins and avoid defining settings manually.
• AI (artificial intelligence) capabilities enable users to generate AI-powered tests.

Pricing plans of Katalon:

The pricing plans of Katalon are divided into three categories as follows:

• The basic plan is free of cost with limited features.
• The Premium plan starts at $167 per month and is billed annually.
• The Ultimate plan can be customized according to the user’s needs.

Rapid API aka Paw

Rapid API aka Paw is used by renowned companies like Google and Apple. For Mac users, Paw is considered to be the most robust API tool. This platform is one of the finest Postman alternatives in the market today. Using its impeccable features,  you can ensure that all your team members are synchronized. This tool offers a full-featured HTTP client, especially for Mac users.

Paw offers some of the most powerful features to test and describe APIs. The interface of this tool is quite intuitive, it eases activities like inspecting server responses, composing requests, and exporting API definitions. This is one of the finest collaborative tools that promotes teamwork and helps members stay productive.

Impressive features of Paw:

• Simple to visualize and test your APIs.
• Intuitive user interface.
• Provides HTTP toolset and full-featured visual editor.
• Ease of creating HTTP requests.
• Generating code for major languages is easy.
• Support a range of HTTP protocols and authentication tools.
• Creating and sharing API documentation and mock APIs is easy.

Pricing plans of Paw:

The basic plan is free to use. Its paid subscription starts at $49.99/month per user.

Frequently Asked Questions About Postman Alternatives

The Closure: Postman Alternatives

Postman is counted as the most popular platform to manage APIs. However, there are many Postman alternatives that are considered great. In this post, we guided you through top API management platforms that offer intuitive and robust features and can be considered the best alternative for Postman.

If you are looking for something out of a straightforward and simple workflow or scripting platform, you can choose any of the aforementioned options. Keep in mind that whenever you select any platform check if it offers ease of managing collections, a simple interface, great workspace management, and uncomplicated changing of the API development environment. 

We would also say that you should download Postman and check out its features and play with them before opting for its alternative as this tool is rich with essential features that match most developer needs. Plus, there is a free version to try on, so there is no risk of losing a penny. What say?

But! Use your judgment to decide which postman alternative would work best for you. If any of the above options meet what you are hunting for, then go for it. Make sure you return to this post to share your experience after using any of the tools or Postman itself.

Happy API testing!