September 2024 Update: Top 5 Recommended API Testing Tools Guide

API testing is a critical task in software development, ensuring the stability and functionality of applications. Selecting the right API testing tool can greatly improve development efficiency and ensure high code quality.This article introduces and compares five excellent API testing tools: EchoAPI Saas, EchoAPI for VSCode, EchoAPI for IntelliJ IDEA, EchoAPI Interceptor, and other popular options like Postman, Insomnia, Bruno, and Thunder Client.

Comparison of Popular API Tools

EchoAPI

EchoAPI is a comprehensive and powerful API testing tool designed for team collaboration and API management:

• Pricing: A free version is available, along with affordable subscription plans..
• Lightweight: Flexible and efficient.
• Client Download: No client download is required since it’s an online SaaS platform.
• Non-Login Usage: Supports non-login usage.
• User-Friendly Interaction: A user-friendly interface with comprehensive features.
• Features:
  • Multi-Protocol Support: Supports Restful APIs, TCP, and other protocols.
  • API Design and Debugging: Offers API design, debugging, and automated testing.
  • Performance Testing: Supports single-interface performance testing.
  • Documentation Management: Allows sharing and managing API documentation.

EchoAPI for VSCode

EchoAPI for VSCode is a lightweight API testing tool plugin integrated with the VSCode editor:

• Pricing: Completely free.
• Lightweight: No client download necessary; runs directly in VSCode.
• Non-Login Usage: Supports non-login usage.
• User-Friendly Interaction: Simple and easy to use with a great user experience.
• Features:
  • API Management: Comprehensive API management.
  • API Debugging: Supports API debugging (API Debug).
  • API Flows: Supports API flow management.
  • Data Integration: Syncs API data to and from EchoAPI Saas.

EchoAPI for IntelliJ IDEA

EchoAPI for IntelliJ IDEA is a lightweight API testing plugin designed for IntelliJ IDEA users:

• Pricing: Completely free.
• Lightweight: No client download necessary; integrates directly into IntelliJ IDEA.
• Non-Login Usage: Supports non-login usage.
• User-Friendly Interaction: Simple operation with powerful features.
• Features:
  • API Management: Comprehensive API management.
  • API Debugging: Supports API debugging (API Debug).
  • Non-Intrusive Code Scan to Generate API: Efficient and straightforward API generation, offering a simpler alternative to Swagger.
  • Data Integration: Syncs API data to EchoAPI Saas.

EchoAPI Interceptor

EchoAPI Interceptor is a lightweight tool designed for intercepting and monitoring network requests:

• Pricing: Completely free.
• Lightweight: No client download necessary.
• Non-Login Usage: Supports non-login usage.
• User-Friendly Interaction: Easy and efficient to use.
• Features:
  • Network Request Capture: Captures browser API requests.
  • API Debugging: Provides API debugging functionality.
  • Data Sync: Syncs API data to EchoAPI Saas.

Postman

Postman is a widely-used API development and testing tool, praised for its powerful features and team collaboration capabilities:

• Pricing: Free version available with optional paid plans for additional features.
• Lightweight: Heavier compared to other tools, requires separate client download.
• Non-Login Usage: Limited functionality without login.
• User-Friendly: Offers comprehensive features but requires a steeper learning curve.
• Features:
  • API Request Building: Build and test various HTTP requests.
  • Documentation Generation: Create and share API documentation.
  • Automated Testing: Write and automate test scripts.
  • Monitoring: Monitor APIs to ensure performance and uptime.
  • Team Collaboration: Collaborate with team members on API projects.

Insomnia

Insomnia is known for its simplicity and powerful features, offering a clean user interface favored by many developers:

• Pricing: Free version available with optional paid plans for more features.
• Lightweight: Lighter than Postman, requires a separate client download.
• Non-Login Usage: Supports non-login usage.
• User-Friendly: Simple and intuitive interface.
• Features:
  • Request Management: Easily create and manage HTTP requests.
  • Environment Variables: Use environment variables for different testing scenarios.
  • Plugin Support: Extend functionality through plugins.
  • GraphQL Support: Full support for GraphQL APIs.

Bruno

Bruno is an intuitive and efficient API testing tool, known for its user-friendly design and features:

• Pricing: Free version available with optional paid plans for advanced features.
• Lightweight: Relatively lightweight, requires a separate client download.
• Non-Login Usage: Supports non-login usage.
• User-Friendly: Intuitive design, easy to use.
• Features:
  • Request Editing: Efficiently edit requests for complex scenarios.
  • Multi-Environment Support: Easily switch between different environments.
  • Collaboration Features: Collaborate with team members on API projects.
  • Script Support: Enhance API testing with script support.

Thunder Client

Thunder Client is an extremely lightweight API testing tool, fully integrated into Visual Studio Code, offering a seamless experience for developers.

• Pricing: Free version available, with paid features for advanced functionality.
• Lightweight: Extremely lightweight, no separate client download needed, integrated with VSCode.
• Non-Login Usage: Basic features available without login.
• User-Friendly: Highly integrated with VSCode, focusing on simplicity and efficiency.
• Features:
  • API Testing: Conduct simple HTTP requests and testing within VSCode.
  • Environment Variables: Manage environment variables for different testing scenarios.
  • Collection Management: Organize API requests into collections.
  • JSON Support: Full support for JSON and GraphQL.

Conclusion

Among the numerous API testing tools available, the EchoAPI suite stands out as the premier choice. Whether it's the feature-rich EchoAPI Saas, the lightweight and convenient EchoAPI for VSCode and IntelliJ IDEA, or the specialized EchoAPI Interceptor, all tools integrate seamlessly to deliver an exceptional development and testing experience. These tools support non-login usage, free version, and offer secure login options, making them versatile for users and teams with varying needs. By catering to different use cases through various plugins, the EchoAPI suite is the ideal solution for both individual developers and large-scale teams. Regardless of the project size, EchoAPI is the top choice for API testing.