Swagger is a framework for defining your API in an easy-to-understand language. Consider it as a plan for your new house. You can use any building materials you choose, but you can’t deviate from the blueprint’s specifications.
Summation, APIBlueprint, and RAML are some of the other frameworks that have grown over time. However, Swagger offers more than mere support in creating good documentation. Swagger is understandable to both developers and non-developers.
Furthermore, product managers, partners, and even future clients may influence the design of your API because it is laid out in this user-friendly interface.
Swagger is both human and machine-readable, which means that it can not only be shared with your team internally but can also be used to automate API-dependent operations.
The software is easily customizable, making it ideal for testing and troubleshooting API issues. Swagger’s advantages not only make a developer’s life simpler, but they also make the API more digestible.
Any API that complies with Swagger’s specifications is simple to understand, iterate on, and consume. That is why major corporations like Netflix, Akana, and Yelp have already gotten on the Swagger bandwagon.
While Swagger is convenient, it also has its shortcomings. For one, Swagger first requires that you write a lot of annotations before you can generate interface documents.
The fact that it requires schemas for all responses can be a deal breaker. And what happens when Swagger is not accessible? Will a developer struggle to find suitable software?
Well, that’s what this article is for. Here we look at the 15 best alternatives to Swagger. We are in no way claiming they are better, but you get the same service and quality UI.
Best Swagger Alternatives
1. Postman
Postman is an API developer collaboration tool. The platform streamlines cooperation and simplifies each stage of developing an API, allowing you to design better APIs quicker.
Postman is an API developer collaboration tool. Postman’s capabilities streamline collaboration and simplify each stage of developing an API, allowing you to design better APIs quicker.
You can send REST and GraphQL queries quickly and simply using Postman. To guarantee that any code changes do not disrupt the API in production, automate manual tests and incorporate them into your CI/CD process.
Simulate endpoints and replies to communicate the anticipated behavior of an API without having to build up a backend server.
Postman allows you to create and publish attractive, machine-readable documentation for your API, making it easier to consume.
You can even keep track of the status of your API by testing performance and response times at predefined intervals.
Finally, you may create a shared environment for creating and consuming APIs and collaborating in real-time.
Comparison with Swagger
Unlike Swagger, Postman offers documentation, in-person, and webinar training. At the same time, Swagger provides only documentation training.
Postman Features
- API Design
- API Lifecycle Management
- Dashboard
- Testing Management
- Version Control
Pricing
Postman service starts at $12 per user per month. They also offer Free Versions available as listed on the website.
2. Apigee
Apigee is a Cross-Cloud API Management Platform that helps you build and deploy modern applications quicker with well-managed APIs.
It also helps you quickly offer mobile apps to be where your consumers are. Apigee also bridges the gap between older and modern apps, making it simple to deliver partner and third-party products to clients via APIs.
Apigee hides cumbersome Interfaces and processes behind a sleek API façade. Unlock siloed systems to create a unified consumer experience for your company.
It provides complete insight into API traffic, developer activity, and other system activities. You may also track key performance indicators (KPIs) and create actionable analytics to help guide strategic decisions.
Apigee uses machine learning to detect abnormalities and take remedial steps. Additionally, its API management tools offer organizations important information about API traffic patterns, top developers, and API response times.
This allows them to recruit developers, enhance API performance, identify problems, and make more informed business decisions.
Comparison with Swagger
Compared to Swagger, Apigee supports more platforms than Swagger but does not provide online support.
Apigee also has some credibility because it’s been around for a while, whereas Swagger was founded in 2009 compared to Apigee 1998.
Apigee Features
- API Design
- API Lifecycle Management
- Analytics
- Developer Portal
- Threat Protection
- Traffic Control
Pricing
See their website for details on the pricing.
3. Cyclr
Cyclr is a Software-as-a-Service(SaaS) integration toolkit for SaaS platforms and app developers, offering a full solution to your client’s integration needs – all from within your application.
With minimal code and low engineering costs, we enable you to develop connections to over 250 popular apps and services.
They manage all updates, including developer tools for creating custom connections and a drag-and-drop designer for quickly building and publishing new integrations and processes.
It is best for SaaS and app developers that wish to provide integrated automation and integration to their consumers. This is also important for Digital Agencies and Enterprises that wish to govern their integrations.
Comparison with Swagger
Compared to Swagger, Cyclr provides embedded automation and integration services to Digital Agencies, while Swagger provides its services to developers only.
Cyclr Features
- Cyclr has Access Controls/Permissions
- It comes with API
- There is an Approval Workflow
- You can Build Log
- Cyclr comes with a Business Process Automation
- There is a Cloud Data Integration
- The software has a Collaborative Development
- Configuration Management
- Continuous Delivery
- Continuous Deployment
- Dashboard
- Data Aggregation and Publishing
- Data Management
- Data Quality Control
- Data Security
Pricing
Cyclr pricing starts at $899.00 as listed on their website.
4. Improvado
Improvado is an ETL platform that pulls data from 200+ pre-built connections, modifies it, and delivers the results smoothly anywhere you need them.
You can consolidate all of your marketing data in one place with Improvado to gain superior business insights.
Improvado’s real-time reports and dashboards save traditional reporting time by 90%.
Improvado is used by large corporations such as Ancestry, Coca-Cola, Asus, and AdRoll. Furthermore, Improvado does not require any coders or SQL skills. All you have to do is book a demo on their website right now.
It is ideal for mid-sized businesses and organizations in the eCommerce, Healthcare, Gaming, and Computer Software industries looking for a flexible solution to collect all with minimal code and low the engineering cost of gathering data.
Comparison With Swagger
Compared to Swagger, Improvado supports mobile OS like (Android and iOS) while Swagger does not.
Improvado Features
- Backup and Recovery
- Benchmarking
- API Lifecycle Management
- Application Management
- Architecture Governance
- Brand Tracking
- Campaign Analytics
- Analytics/ROI Tracking
- API Design
- Attribution Modeling
- AB Testing
- Access Controls/Permissions
- Ad hoc Reporting
- Admissions Management
- Audience Targeting
Pricing
Improvado does not have a free version but you can request details about their custom pricing on the official website.
5. Document360
Document360 is a knowledge-based documentation solution created specifically for SaaS products.
It is a software-as-a-service platform that allows you to create an excellent self-service knowledge base for your customers and internal users (public or private knowledge bases).
It has strong features like an unrivaled publishing experience, rich themes, built-in analytics, enterprise-grade restore, backup, and versioning capabilities.
Document360 offers Smart instant search, which functions more like a Google-like search for rapid help and dynamically searches for the most relevant assistance articles.
Built-in metrics are also available in Document360: This feature filters data and generates reports to generate meaningful facts and insights.
Comparison with Swagger
Document360 is best for enterprises, midsize businesses, and startups, while Swagger is best for only API developers and teams. Although they both support SaaS platforms, they exhibit distinct features.
Document360 Features
- File Type Conversion
- Forms Management
- Document Delivery
- Document Assembly
- Document Indexing
- Document Retention
- Access Controls
- Document Conversion
- Collaboration Tools
- Archiving & Retention
- Document Archiving
- Full Text Search
- Compliance Tracking
- Offline Access
Pricing
Document360 starts at $49.00/month and also has a Free Trial available on the website.
6. ImportOmatic
ImportOmatic is Omatic’s flagship nonprofit data integration tool. The software integrates data into Raiser’s Edge RE NXT from every external source, supporting all record kinds and formats and cleaning up data as it goes.
ImportOmatic redefines efficiency by intelligently matching records, eliminating duplicates, and standardizing data as it imports.
Omatic excels at providing integrated solutions and services to nonprofit organizations of all sizes in the Arts & Culture, Faith-based, Foundations & Nationals, Healthcare, K-12, and Higher Education sectors.
Comparison with Swagger
Swagger is intended for small to medium-sized businesses and teams involved in API creation, testing, and administration, and it makes use of several software features.
While ImportOmatic provides integrated solutions and services to NGOs of all sizes in the arts and culture, faith-based, foundations and nationals, medical, K-12, and higher learning sectors.
ImportOmatic Features
- Data Profiling
- Match & Merge
- Multiple Data Sources
- Search/Filter
Pricing
There is no sufficient information regarding its pricing. The vendor does not provide the information on its website but you can request a Demo.
7. Bandwidth
Bandwidth is a software business that provides APIs that enable seamless voice, messaging, and 911 access into software and apps.
This tool is changing the way people interact and putting traditional telecom norms to the challenge.
Some of the most significant communications tools on the market today are powered by the software powerhouse, like Google, Skype, and Ring Central, to mention a few.
It has the best bandwidth for clients of all sizes include voice calling, call tracking, text messaging, and 911 connections in their apps. Bandwidth’s APIs and countrywide IP voice network are designed for scalability.
Comparison with Swagger
Bandwidth provides support via Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, a Knowledge Basebank, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), and Chat support.
At the same time, Swagger does not have any of their support systems in place since API teams use them.
Bandwidth features
- Call Recording
- Call Routing
- Chat/Messaging
- Dashboard
- IVR/Voice Recognition
- Reporting/Analytics
- SIP Trunking
- Access Controls/Permissions
- API Design
- Audio/Video Conferencing
- Call Center Management
- Call Monitoring
- Unified Communications
- Voicemail Transcription
- VoIP
Pricing
There is no information on the pricing on their website, but they offer a free version.
8. Funnel
Funnel is an automated data-collecting technology that is revolutionizing how marketers all around the world evaluate their data.
Funnel interfaces with over 500 sources by default (plus new sources on request) to gather, map, and clean all of your marketing data before sending it to a BI tool, Google Data Studio, Dashboard Solution, or any other destination.
When you delegate data gathering to Funnel, you free up ROI analysis, campaign optimization, and strategy development time.
All data-driven firms should use a funnel. So, if you want to promote on more than one internet advertising channel, Funnel is the tool for you.
Comparison with Swagger
Unlike being designed for only API teams and mid-sized groups, Funnel software can accommodate up to 1000 users, unlike Swagger, which supports smaller teams.
Funnel Features
- Ad hoc Query
- Ad hoc Reporting
- Analytics/ROI Tracking
- Campaign Management
- Cross Channel Attribution
- Dashboard
- Data Analysis Tools
- Data Capture and Transfer
- Data Connectors
- Access Controls/Permissions
- Campaign Tracking
- Channel Attribution
- Conversion Tracking
- Data Integration
- Data Migration
Pricing
Funnel pricing starts at $499.00 per month. They do not have a free version. Funnel offers a free trial as seen on their website.
9. Nuclino
Nucleo, founded in 2016, is a software company headquartered in Germany that sells a piece of software named Nuclino. It provides online assistance and includes documentation-based training.
The Nuclino software package is available in SaaS, Windows, and Mac versions. Nuclino is documentation software that combines collaboration, content management, full-text search, and a self-service portal.
Pricing for software begins at $5.00 per month per user. Nucleo provides a free version as well as a free trial. Enterprise Process Center (EPC), Document360, and Tettra are some of Nuclino’s competitors.
Comparison with Swagger
Nuclino offers more integration support for front and backend developers, unlike Swagger with a little, but not limited, functionality for a smaller team.
Nuclino Features
- Version Control
- Collaboration
- Content Management
- Project Management
- Audio Content
- Brainstorming
- Content Management
- Document Management
- Full Text Search
- Text Editor
- Full Text Search
Pricing
Nuclino starts at $5.00/month/user. The software also has a Free Version available on their website.
10. TestRail
With web-based test case management, TestRail efficiently maintains, records, and reports on your software testing.
With TestRail, you can increase team productivity by providing real-time insights on testing progress.
Collaborate with comments, attachments, and feedback loops using TestRail’s attractive UI. Create customized to-do lists and email alerts: estimate effort and project completion date for testing.
Begin test runs and choose test cases for execution using sophisticated filters. Based on your previous time information, track your progress.
Maintain a close eye on the team’s workload to modify assignments and resources as needed. Capture manual testing results or receive real-time feedback from test automation.
You can easily track, trace and produce coverage reports for requirements, tests, and defects with the software.
Using TestRail, you can generate useful reports. More so, you can quickly compare results from different test runs and setups—TestRail interfaces with the most popular issue tracking and test automation technologies.
Comparison with Swagger
Swagger supports just two integration options which are Alert site and GeneXus.
In comparison, TestRail supports more than six integration options, some of which are: Assembla, Bitbucket, FogBugz, GeneXus, Jira Software, Jira Work Management, Leap Work, and MantisBT, to mention a few.
TestRail Features
- Installation Testing
- Benchmarking
- Historical Reporting
- Regression Testing
- UI Testing
- Hierarchical View
- Requirements-Based Testing
- Interface Testing
- Regression Testing
- Reporting /Analytics
- Functional Testing
- Interruption Testing
- Memory Testing
Pricing
On the website, TestRail pricing starts at $34.00/month/user for cloud-based instances, while they offer a much lower price per user for larger teams and local instances.
11.DreamFactory
DreamFactory is a one-of-a-kind and comprehensive API lifecycle management software that generates fully documented REST APIs automatically.
Frontend developers can easily interact with multiple databases, Backend developers could save weeks of hand-coding APIs, and management can plan strategically and correctly because they don’t have to worry about their data.
Doing more with less is achievable if you adopt SOA and get the benefits of an enterprise bus. You may also easily avoid backend plumbing and concentrate on higher-value activities.
DreamFactory is ideal for any company that wants to disclose data from SQL or NoSQL databases or Remote Web Services (RWS).
Furthermore, any organization that wants to access old data via SOAP to REST can use DreamFactory in their day-to-day operations.
Comparison with Swagger
DreamFactory was designed for larger teams of 1000+. Meanwhile, Swagger was Designed for small to midsize organizations and teams that commonly engage in API design, testing, and management using several software functionalities.
DreamFactory Features
- API Lifecycle Management
- Threat Protection
- Traffic Control
- Version Control
- Dashboard
- Developer Portal
Pricing
DreamFactory pricing starts from $18,000.00/year, and yes, they also have a free trial version to test out and see if it’s a good match for your business integration.
12. Agilysys Stay
Agilysys Stay is a mobile, one-stop solution for managing all elements of your hotel’s operations.
Revenue management solutions that are automated include automatic upsell, room optimization, and occupancy-based pricing.
With preference and history monitoring, guests’ experiences may be customized. Agilysys Stay has a user-friendly design that optimizes operating efficiency while lowering training expenses.
Customization options include an automated booking engine, guest mobile, self-service, spa, golf, sales & catering, point-of-sale, and more.
Agilysys Stay is ideal for guest-centric solutions such as independent hotels, boutique brands, casino resorts, enterprise chains, management firms, and others. Agilysys Stay is supported by industry-leading customer service and a scalable cloud platform.
Comparison with Swagger
Compared with Swagger, it packs a punch because Agilysys Stay supports and works on both mobile and web-based services, while Swagger works on just SaaS.
Agilysys Stay Features
- API Lifecycle Management
- Booking Notes
- Catering Management
- CRM
- Customer Support
- Dashboard
- Employee Management
- Extended Stay
- For Vacation Rentals
- Access Controls/Permission
Pricing
The vendor provides no specific pricing information. Hence it’s safe to say that you can check their website or contact support for more information.
13. Boomi
Most developers can use Boomi integration to reduce IT complexities and dismantle data silos by combining on-premises and cloud applications and diverse data sources and devices.
You can leverage Boomi integration to build a network of connections that will allow you to unleash productivity and thrive inside your digital technology base.
You may also construct any connections with amazing speed thanks to its drag and drop UI, data mapping tools, and a broad library of connectors, as well as support for numerous connection patterns.
Boomi is best suited for a horizontal application that serves customers when you need to explore other options from mid-market to big corporate enterprises.
Comparison with Swagger
Boomi provides several ways to reach support, while Swagger has no available means except the contact form, which sometimes can be delayed.
Boomi Features
- Access Controls/Permissions
- API Design
- API Lifecycle Management
- Application Development
- Big Data Analytics
- Data Management
Pricing
Boomi Pricing Starts From $550.00/month, and you can sign up for the free trial on their website.
14. SoapUI
SoapUI testing solutions, whether commercial or free source, make it simple to develop, organize, and perform end-to-end tests on REST, SOAP, and GraphQL APIs, JMS, JDBC, and other web services, allowing you to deliver software quicker than ever before.
This open-source option is the easiest and simplest method to begin your API testing adventure for developers and testers wanting to enhance their capacity to offer REST & SOAP APIs.
Automate and integrate API testing into your team’s continuous deployment pipeline with the next-generation tool designed for REST, SOAP, GraphQL, microservices, and other backend services authentication.
Application Programming Interfaces has emerged as the epicenter of software design, linking and transmitting data and logic between various systems and applications.
Fortunately, testing them may substantially increase the overall effectiveness of your testing approach, allowing you to release software faster than ever before.
Comparison with Swagger
SoapUI is designed for Application Developers and Software Testers, while Swagger is developed for Application Programming Interfaces and teams.
SoapUI Features
- Parameterized Testing
- Security Testing
- Automated Testing
- Reporting / Analytics
- Open Source Component Monitoring
- Third-Party Tools Integration
- Training Resources
- Hierarchical View
Pricing
SoapUI pricing starts from $599 per year, and you can start with the free trial on their website.
15. Tettra
Tettra is an internal knowledge base with intelligent processes to assist you in resolving repeated queries. Tettra assists you in centralizing the documentation of critical processes, rules, and procedures.
This speeds up onboarding new coworkers and makes answering questions less repetitious. We spend the majority of our time on cloud apps.
As software grows to consume the globe, so does the volume of information we generate and the various tools we employ.
There are drawbacks to all of this information. Because of the dispersion of tools and teams, it is difficult to communicate context and reach a consensus on the best options, especially cross-functionally.
Recurrent queries for growing units should not weigh down your top workers. Everyone must have access to the same knowledge and concepts to move quickly.
Only if everyone contributes to your internal knowledge base will it be successful. By referencing material in other systems, Tettra makes it simple for anybody to add knowledge.
Comparison With Swagger
Tettra provides more avenues for training than Swagger.
Tettra Features
- Cataloging/Categorization
- Access Roles/User Permissions
- Automatic Documentation Generation
- Collaboration Tools
- Feedback Capture
- Collaboration
- Content Management
Pricing
Tettra pricing starts at $99 per month and you can find out about the custom plan on their website.
Conclusion
There you have it, the 15 best alternatives to Swagger in 2021.
Swagger is developed for RESTful programming following the OpenAPI requirements created by the Swagger team and were formerly known as the Swagger specification. Swagger’s tools are now widely used for developing bespoke web APIs for a variety of purposes.
However, when you need to explore other options, our best bet is Postman because of its easy team management capabilities and simple CI integration, among other things.
