Creating and maintaining comprehensive API documentation is pivotal for enhancing usability and adoption. As we step into 2025, let's delve into the top 10 API documentation tools that stand out in terms of functionality, protocol support, pricing, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Apidog
- SwaggerHub
- Postman
- Redocly
- Stoplight
- Fern
- Readme
- Gitbook
- Theneo
- apiDoc
1. Apidog
Apidog is a newly emerged all-in-one tool for API design, documentation, development, testing, and mocking. Its API documentation features are quite unique, making it ideal for teams that prioritize an API design-first collaborative approach.
Features
- Integration of Markdown and API documentation. It supports separate Markdown pages and allows the insertion of Markdown elements within API documentation.
- Rich Markdown support. The Markdown supports features like steps, cards, image backgrounds, and various enhanced documentation effects.
- Supports multi-language and multi-version API documentation, facilitating easy switching between different versions.
- Customizable navigation bar.
- Supports light and dark modes and is optimized for mobile API documentation.
Example Documentation
https://docs.salla.dev/7102947e0
Supported Protocols
- REST
- SOAP/Webservice
- GraphQL
- WebSocket
Pricing
The free version offers full features. A fee is required for teams with more than five members with $9/user.
Weaknesses
- Limited integration with other platforms.
- Available only online, with no option for local deployment.
2. SwaggerHub
SwaggerHub is a well-known platform for API design and documentation, especially favored by enterprises looking for integrated API tools.
Features
- Comprehensive API lifecycle management.
- Seamless integration with Swagger Editor and Swagger UI.
- Supports collaboration with version control.
- Allows for easy API standardization.
Example Documentation
Supported Protocols
- REST
Pricing
Offers a limited free version, with pricing tiers for additional features and team collaboration.
Weaknesses
- Primarily focused on RESTful APIs; less support for other protocols.
- Can be complex for beginners.
3. Postman
Postman started as a simple API testing tool and has evolved into a comprehensive platform for API development and documentation.
Features
- Supports the full API lifecycle including testing and monitoring.
- Extensive collaboration features with real-time support.
- Automatic generation of API documentation from collections.
Example Documentation
https://documenter.getpostman.com/view/9625258/SzS8tQrQ
Supported Protocols
- REST
- GraphQL
- WebSocket
- SOAP
Pricing
Offers a free tier with basic functionalities, with premium plans for advanced features and larger teams.
Weaknesses
- Can become resource-intensive for large-scale projects.
- Documentation customization is somewhat limited.
4. Redocly
Redocly is known for its interactive and visually appealing API documentation, predominantly focused on OpenAPI specifications.
Features
- Highly customizable and theme-able.
- Interactive documentation with try-out features.
- Easy to deploy and integrate with existing CI/CD pipelines.
Example Documentation
https://redocly.github.io/redoc/
Supported Protocols
- REST
Pricing
Offers an open-source version, with paid options for enterprise features.
Weaknesses
- Primarily tied to OpenAPI, which limits flexibility with other specifications.
- Advanced features may require complex setup.
5. Stoplight
Stoplight provides a robust platform for API design, mocking, and documentation with intuitive user interfaces.
Features
- Visual API design with automatic documentation generation.
- Mock server functionality for rapid prototyping.
- Multi-protocol support for versatile API needs.
Example Documentation
https://docs.stoplight.io/docs/stoplight-api-docs/5f9e6d12b1e9b-export-a-project-file-branch
Supported Protocols
- REST
- GraphQL
- WebSocket
Pricing
Free basic tier, scaling up with features for professional and enterprise needs.
Weaknesses
- May require a learning curve to utilize all features effectively.
- Smaller user community for support outside of official channels.
6. Fern
Fern offers an elegant approach to API documentation, focusing on simplicity and developer experience.
Features
- Simple setup with minimal configuration.
- Clean and human-readable documentation style.
- Real-time API development feedback.
Example Documentation
https://developers.webflow.com/data/reference/token/authorized-by
Supported Protocols
- REST
Pricing
Start from $400/mo.
Weaknesses
- Limited protocol support.
- Expensive.
7. ReadMe
ReadMe focuses on delivering interactive API documentation with an emphasis on user engagement and easiness for end-users.
Features
- Interactive documentation with built-in logs.
- Code examples in multiple languages.
- Customizable themes and branding options.
Example Documentation
https://docs.readme.com/main/reference/getapispecification
Supported Protocols
- REST
- GraphQL
Pricing
Free tier available, with advanced features in paid plans.
Weaknesses
- Can be costly for high usage.
- Some features are locked behind higher price tiers.
8. GitBook
GitBook serves a dual purpose as both a documentation tool for APIs and other forms of technical documentation.
Features
- Clean and modern design with Markdown support.
- Real-time collaboration and comment features.
- Integrations with GitHub and other VCS tools.
Example Documentation
https://docs.gitbook.com/developers/gitbook-api/reference/collections
Supported Protocols
- General documentation platform, not limited to a single protocol.
Pricing
Offers free and paid plans with additional features for professional use.
Weaknesses
- Not API-specific which may lead to limited API-centric functionalities.
- Some integrations require additional setup.
9. Theneo
Theneo offers a streamlined solution for API documentation aimed at both developers and business users.
Features
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop components.
- Supports team collaboration and feedback.
- Multi-language support for global teams.
Example Documentation
https://app.theneo.io/theneo/quickstart/api-reference/api-import-and-specs/rest-api
Supported Protocols
- REST
- GraphQL
Pricing
Freemium model, with paid options for expanded features.
Weaknesses
- Limited integration options.
- Occasionally lacks depth for complex API structures.
10. apiDOC
apiDOC is an open-source documentation tool typically used for its straightforward approach to generating API docs from inline comments.
Features
- Generates documentation from source code comments.
- Simple setup with minimal configuration needed.
- Supports customization via templates.
Example Documentation
Supported Protocols
- REST
Pricing
Free, open-source.
Weaknesses
- Limited to features provided by the community.
- Best suited for simpler API projects.
Here's a comparison table summarizing the key features, supported protocols, pricing, and weaknesses of the top API documentation tools in 2025:
| Tool | Key Features | Supported Protocols | Pricing | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apidog | Markdown integration, rich elements, multi-language/version support | REST, SOAP, GraphQL, WebSocket | Free - $9/mo+ | Limited integration, online only |
| SwaggerHub | Comprehensive API lifecycle management, easy standardization | REST | Free - $23/mo+ | Focused on REST, complex for beginners |
| Postman | Full lifecycle support, collaboration, auto-generation of docs | REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, SOAP | Free - $12/mo+ | Resource-intensive, limited customization |
| Redocly | Interactive docs, highly customizable | REST | Free - $12/mo+ | Limited to OpenAPI, complex setup |
| Stoplight | Visual design, mock server, multi-protocol support | REST, GraphQL, WebSocket | Free - $99/mo+ | Learning curve, smaller support community |
| Fern | Simplified setup, clean design | REST | Start from $400/mo | Limited protocol support |
| ReadMe | Interactive docs, code examples, customizable themes | REST, GraphQL | Free - $99/mo+ | Costly for high usage, features locked behind paywall |
| GitBook | Modern design, Markdown support, real-time collaboration | General documentation platform | Free - $65/mo+ | Not API-specific, additional integration setup required |
| Theneo | User-friendly, drag-and-drop, team collaboration | REST, GraphQL | Free - $120/mo+ | Limited integration, lacks depth for complex APIs |
| apiDOC | Generates docs from comments, simple setup | REST | Free, open-source | Community-limited features, best for simpler projects |
This table provides a quick glance comparison to help identify which tool may best suit specific needs and preferences.
Each of these tools provides distinct advantages and addresses specific needs within the realm of API documentation, allowing developers to choose the best fit based on their project requirements and team dynamics.
Top comments (5)
ApiDog has a desktop app that has offline capabilities.
I use it regularly and love it.
I was just thinking that Apidog is the best in terms of UI, and if there's offline support, I'll definitely use it
hopscotch works for me. community self hosted edition has sso, team collaboration, and enough features compared to postman
I use Insomnia
Forgot scalar