API Drawer

API tools

API tools compared: what each one is for

There are dozens of API tools, and most of them do different jobs. Some send and test requests, some publish docs, some help you find new APIs, and some wire apps together. Here's a quick, fair look at the popular ones, grouped by job.

API clients and testing tools

Send requests, inspect responses, and run tests while you build or debug an API.

  • Postman

    A full API platform for sending and testing requests, organizing them into shared collections, and documenting, mocking, and monitoring APIs. It also includes AI features such as Agent Mode.

    Best for: Teams that build and test APIs together.

    Official site

  • Insomnia

    A desktop API client for REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and WebSocket requests, with design and testing features.

    Best for: Developers who want a focused client for several API styles.

    Official site

  • Hoppscotch

    An open-source API client that runs in the browser, with a desktop app and a self-hosted option.

    Best for: Quick requests without installing anything.

    Official site

  • Bruno

    An open-source, offline-first API client that saves collections as plain-text files, so you can version them with Git.

    Best for: Teams that want API collections to live in their code repo.

    Official site

  • Thunder Client

    A lightweight API client that runs as an extension inside Visual Studio Code.

    Best for: Developers who'd rather not leave their editor.

    Official site

  • Apidog

    An all-in-one platform for API design, debugging, testing, mocking, and documentation.

    Best for: Teams that want a design-first workflow in one tool.

    Official site

  • HTTPie

    A popular command-line HTTP client with human-friendly syntax, plus desktop and web apps.

    Best for: Fast requests from the terminal.

    Official site

API design and documentation

Write API specs (often OpenAPI) and publish reference docs for other developers.

  • Swagger

    The best-known toolset around the OpenAPI Specification, including Swagger Editor and Swagger UI for writing and rendering API docs.

    Best for: Writing and publishing OpenAPI specs.

    Official site

  • Stoplight

    A design-first platform for modeling APIs with OpenAPI and publishing docs.

    Best for: Designing an API before writing code.

    Official site

  • ReadMe

    A platform for building interactive developer hubs and API reference docs.

    Best for: Companies publishing docs for outside developers.

    Official site

  • Redocly

    Tools for turning OpenAPI definitions into clean reference docs, including the open-source Redoc renderer.

    Best for: Polished reference docs from an OpenAPI file.

    Official site

  • Mintlify

    A documentation platform for product and API docs, written in Markdown and MDX.

    Best for: Modern docs sites for developer-focused products.

    Official site

API marketplaces and directories

Find APIs you don't have yet, from paid marketplaces to free public lists.

  • Rapid (RapidAPI Hub)

    A public API marketplace, formerly RapidAPI, where you can find and subscribe to thousands of APIs.

    Best for: Discovering APIs you don't have yet.

    Official site

  • Public APIs

    A popular, community-maintained GitHub list of free public APIs, organized by category.

    Best for: Finding free APIs for side projects.

    Official site

  • data.go.kr

    Korea's official open data portal, with public-sector APIs for things like weather, transit, and addresses.

    Best for: Building with Korean public data.

    Official site

No-code automation

Connect apps and APIs into workflows that run on their own.

  • Zapier

    A no-code automation tool that connects thousands of apps into workflows.

    Best for: Automating tasks between apps without writing code.

    Official site

  • Make

    A visual automation platform for building multi-step workflows across apps and APIs.

    Best for: Complex workflows you want to see on a canvas.

    Official site

  • n8n

    A workflow automation tool with a visual editor that you can self-host, with code when you need it.

    Best for: Teams that want automation running on their own servers.

    Official site

Where API Drawer fits

The tools above call, document, find, or automate APIs. API Drawer does a different job: it keeps the APIs you actually use, with field notes and real sample responses, so you can combine them into product ideas and give your AI a clean brief.

  • Save each API's request parameters, response fields, and sample responses in one place.
  • Fill in field tables by pasting an OpenAPI (Swagger) file, a cURL command, a sample JSON response, a TypeScript type, or an Excel table.
  • Pick a few APIs and export a Markdown brief with long arrays trimmed to 3 items.
  • Connect your AI tool once with a personal MCP URL so it can read and add APIs in your drawer.

Many people use API Drawer alongside an API client: test in your client, keep and combine in your drawer.

Keep the APIs you use in one drawer

Save field notes and sample responses, combine APIs into product ideas, and hand your AI a clean brief.

Continue with Google

Last reviewed: October 2026. Product details are based on each company's public website and documentation.

Product names are trademarks of their respective owners. API Drawer is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the companies listed here.