Side by side
Smithy vs WSO2 API Designer
Both stand on api design tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Smithy provides a shared API model with validation and generation for clients, servers, and documentation. Its protocol and language coverage makes it suited to teams that want these outputs from one model.
Visit Smithy Free trial ExtensionLinuxMac+2
WSO2 API Designer adds visual editing, governance rules, and optional AI assistance to OpenAPI work in VS Code. Its prerequisite version, metadata cautions, and paid Growth plan are important before adoption.
Visit WSO2 API DesignerThe facts
| Smithy | WSO2 API Designer | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Extension, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Growth: $119 a month |
| Plans published | None | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | smithy.io | wso2.com |
| On api design tools | #21 of 26 | #25 of 26 |
Smithy: what it does well
- Generates clients in ten languages.
- Supports server code in five languages.
- Checks model revisions for backward compatibility.
- CLI runs on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
- Open source under Apache 2.0.
What to know first
- CLI support on Windows is limited to x64.
- CLI requires platform-specific architecture support.
WSO2 API Designer: what it does well
- Supports OpenAPI 3.x YAML and JSON
- Provides visual specification editing
- Checks OWASP API security guidance
- Supports custom ruleset folders
- Available in a 30-day trial
What to know first
- Requires compatible VS Code extension engine
- Copilot is optional, not included as required
- Security findings may need real production metadata
- Growth plan costs $119 a month
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