Side by side
DreamFactory vs Fern
Both stand on api generation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted
DreamFactory combines API generation, access controls, auditing, scripting, and AI gateway features in a self-hosted platform. The open-source version is limited, and paid pricing starts at $1,500 a month billed annually.
Visit DreamFactory Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
Fern combines API documentation publishing with client library generation and offers a defined Free plan. Teams considering it should check the free-tier limits and note that self-hosting is reserved for Enterprise.
Visit FernThe facts
| DreamFactory | Fern | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | DF Linux Lite: $1,500 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 6 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | dreamfactory.com | buildwithfern.com |
| On api generation software | #3 of 25 | #1 of 25 |
DreamFactory: what it does well
- Generates documented REST APIs with CRUD operations.
- Supports 30+ databases.
- Role-based controls can restrict access to rows and fields.
- API calls are logged with user identity.
- Deployment supports air-gapped environments.
What to know first
- The open-source version has limited features.
- Paid plans start at $1,500 a month billed annually.
- Access to all databases and advanced customization requires a demo.
Fern: what it does well
- Generates API references from several specification formats.
- Includes interactive API Explorer.
- Free plan includes one site.
- Supports SSO, JWT, and OAuth access controls.
- Supports custom domains and version history.
What to know first
- Free plan is limited to one site.
- Free plan has 10 team members.
- Free plan includes 250 AI credits monthly.
- Self-hosting is an Enterprise capability.
Alternatives to DreamFactory Alternatives to Fern The whole list