Side by side
API Validator vs Postman
Both stand on api governance software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Self-hostedWeb
API Validator offers browser-based linting, editing, documentation, and repository workflows for its supported formats. Its narrow scope and lack of CI/CD integration are worth considering for broader governance needs.
Visit API Validator
Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+2
Postman combines API creation, testing, documentation, and monitoring in one platform, with a free plan and paid options. Check plan availability and the annual billing terms before choosing a tier.
Visit PostmanThe facts
| API Validator | Postman | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted, Web | Extension, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Solo: $9 a month |
| Plans published | None | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Postman |
| Website | validator.apicommons.org | postman.com |
| On api governance software | #13 of 25 | #9 of 25 |
API Validator: what it does well
- Free and open source under Apache-2.0.
- Supports four API artifact types.
- Can generate HTML or Markdown documentation.
- Supports repository commits and pull requests.
- The app can be downloaded for offline use.
What to know first
- Its scope is limited to four artifact types.
- It has no CI/CD integration.
- Git-host searches require users' own tokens.
Postman: what it does well
- API client supports multiple protocols and built-in authentication.
- Mock servers and API specification support are included.
- Testing covers performance, regression, and end-to-end workflows.
- Integrates with Jira, GitHub, Slack, and other tools.
What to know first
- Basic and Professional plans are unavailable to new customers.
- Solo is $9 a month, billed annually.
- Premium Support is an Enterprise-only add-on.
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