The Top 10 Best API Integration Tools For Developers

API integration has proved to be an essential companion for developers in the constantly advancing world of software development. API tools help blend systems and applications as they interact and engage with each other. Despite that, API connections can become complex at times. How do we choose the right API integration tool? What factors should be considered while selecting the API integration tool to work with?

Here are our key takeaways from the article:

API integration is essential for smooth communication between different software systems.
Multiple factors should be considered when selecting API integration tools like deployment options, integration capabilities, user-friendliness, security measures, and scalability.
Choosing the right API integration tool has several benefits enhanced scalability, improved data accuracy, time and cost savings, security compliance, and cross-platform compatibility
Some leading API integration tools for developers include Integrate.io, Zapier, Mulesoft, Apigee, and others.

In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of API integration tools, what factors should be considered, and the leading 10 API Integration tools.

Introduction

Different software systems need to exchange data and information with each other occasionally to ensure streamlined functioning. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) enable this communication, ensuring the system functions smoothly. To ensure the connection and communication between systems, APIs introduce a set of protocols and standards.

API Integration tools help businesses simplify and enhance the API integration process by providing features that allow the integration of multiple systems in one place. Some of these features that facilitate communication between software and systems can be:

Workflow Orchestration: Integration tools can help in defining a set of actions that need to take place between systems - like setting up triggers for certain events.
Error Handling: Integration tools can manage error detection and recovery, making sure that if something goes wrong, the systems can recover effectively.
Event Handling: Integration tools can set up event-driven communication, ensuring that the right actions are taken as and when expected.
Synchronization: There are certain scenarios where systems need to stay in sync and consistent with each other. Integration tools help with the synchronization process.

All of these features allow businesses to streamline their workflows, saving both time and resources.

Benefits of API Integration Tools

Over the past few years, there has been a massive adoption of API integration tools. Let’s dive deeper into the reasons why businesses have been choosing API integration tools:

Increased Productivity: API integration tools play an important role in automating data transfers. This eliminates cumbersome manual processes and enhances productivity. The chances of human error are reduced, ensuring a seamless flow of data between different software systems.
Scalability and Flexibility: Software requirements of a business are constantly evolving. The scalability and flexibility offered by API integration tools help businesses remain agile throughout these dynamic changes.
Data Accuracy and Consistency: API integration tools ensure seamless data synchronization, promising data accuracy and consistency. The tools provide features like data mapping and synchronization through which information shared between systems remains reliable and aligned.
Time and Cost Efficiency: API tools provide easy-to-implement solutions using cost-effective resources, reducing time spent on manual setup.
Security and Compliance: API integration tools often come with robust security features that ensure compliance with different industry regulations and security measures.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: API integration tools enable seamless interaction across different platforms, allowing interoperability and connectivity between systems running on different platforms.

How to Choose The Right API Integration Tool

Choosing the right API integration tool among other providers can significantly impact the efficiency and success of a project. Here are crucial factors to be considered while choosing the right API integration tool for your business requirements:

Deployment Flexibility: Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise - Based on your business requirements, evaluate whether a cloud-based, on-premise, or open-source solution best suits your use case.
- Cloud-based solutions offer the advantages of accessibility, scalability, and reduced maintenance overhead. On-premise solutions provide greater control over data and security but come with increased maintenance requirements.
Integration Capabilities: The API integration tool should be compatible with a varied set of APIs, different databases, and other platforms. The tool should seamlessly integrate with various systems to ensure smooth data flow and interactions.
User-Friendly Interface: An API integration tool that has a user-friendly interface reduces the learning curve involved and makes it easy to use by both developers and non-technical users. Tools that offer intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, pre-built connectors and templates, and clear visual representations of integration workflows increase productivity and allow faster deployment.
Security and Data Protection: The API integration tool should have features like data encryption, secure authentication mechanisms, and access controls. The tool should also comply with industry standards and regulations to ensure the safety and privacy of your data.
Scalability and Performance: It's essential to choose an API integration tool that can adapt and accommodate the growing requirements you may have as your project evolves. Scalability ensures that your integration processes remain efficient even as data volumes and transaction loads expand.
Customization: A good API integration tool should allow customizing workflows to suit your specific use cases. The ability to add custom logic, transform data, and handle exceptions is crucial for accommodating complex scenarios.
Documentation and Support: The API integration tool you choose should have comprehensive documentation so your development faces little-to-no blockers. Robust customer support ensures quick resolution to possible errors.

Top 10 API Integration Tools for Developers

Developers must stay up to date with the latest API integration tools in order to create fast and efficient workflows that accommodate their project requirements. Here is a list of the top 10 API integration tools for developers.

1. Integrate.io

Rating: 4.3/5 (G2)

Integrate.io stands out as a self-hosted API integration platform designed for swift and secure REST API creation. Supporting major data connectors like SQL Server, MySQL, and BigQuery, the platform ensures impeccable data quality and scalability. With features like user-friendly ELT and ETL drag-and-drop interfaces, it simplifies the process of API generation, data warehousing, observability, and more. This allows seamless sharing of data across applications, users, and pipelines.

Key Features

Unlimited API Creation: Craft as many APIs as needed with no constraints on calls or data transfer.
Secure Management: Incorporates security features like OAuth 2.0 and API keys.
Flexible Deployment: Deploy APIs on-premises, cloud, or hybrid setups.
Effortless Documentation: Comprehensive documentation aids developers in optimizing their work.
Data Mesh Capabilities: Facilitates data sharing across various apps and services.
Database Compatibility: Works seamlessly with popular databases like MySQL, BigQuery, and Snowflake.
Exceptional Support: Offers robust, prompt customer support.
No/Low-Code: Create fully-documented APIs with minimal coding.

Distinct from others in the list, Integrate.io is a complete API management platform that ensures superior agility, enhanced API security, and an optimal user experience. Additionally, its ETL/ELT services empower users to construct enterprise-level data workflows, streamlining data integration and migration processes.

When to choose Integrate.io?

Consider Integrate.io when seeking an all-encompassing solution for API creation and management. Whether you're aiming for simple or intricate ETL/ELT solutions with minimal coding, its vast connectors and features make it an efficient choice.

Pricing

The platform has a simple and flexible pricing model. Irrespective of the volume of data, the platform only charges a flat rate per connector.

Integrate.io features usage-based three pricing plans:

Starter plan: Unlimited packages, transfers, and users, two connectors, and a scheduling cluster.
Professional plan: Better suited for larger organizations, 99.5% SLA, advanced security features, and two scheduling clusters.
Enterprise plan: Best for enterprises with advanced data integration requirements. Unlimited REST API connectors, source control development, a QA account, a SOC2 audit report, and more.

Discover more: The Pros and Cons of Buying an Integration Tool vs. Custom-Building APIs

2. Zapier

Rating: 4.5/5 (G2)

Zapier is a cloud-based automation SaaS tool that allows you to connect different apps and services. Zapier's drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to create automated workflows and comes with a wide range of integrations.

Key Features

Easy to use drag-and-drop interface
Wide range of integrations
Triggers and actions for automating tasks
Robust documentation and support

When to choose Zapier?

When you want to automate tasks between different apps or services, build no-code solutions, or automate tasks for simple use cases Zapire can serve as a good solution.

Pricing

Zapier offers a free plan with limited features, allowing up to 100 tasks per month. The paid plans range from $1,673 to $8,289 per month.

3. Mulesoft

Rating: 4.5/5 (G2)

Mulesoft is an API integration platform that allows you to connect different systems and applications. Developers can use Mulesoft to connect applications using custom-built app networks on the platform.

Key Features

Comprehensive API management solutions like API security and API analytics
Visual API designer
Allows users to spot security flaws in real-time through logs

When to choose Mulesoft?

Mulesoft can be a costlier option compared to other tools. When you are working on complex use cases, and need to involve ETL processes, Mulesoft can be the right solution.

Pricing

Mulesoft provides three pricing tiers: Gold, Platinum, and Titanium.

4. Dell Boomi

Rating: 4.5/5 (G2)

Dell Boomi is a cloud-based API and data integration Platform as a Service (PaaS) tool that provides a wide range of features for connecting different systems and data sources. Dell Boomi's AtomSphere Platform includes features for API management, API design, and API development.

Key Features

Dell Boomi's AtomSphere Platform provides API management features
Prebuilt API integrations
Data security standards that comply with most requirements

When to choose Boomi?

When you want to incorporate both API and ETL solutions in your use case, Boomi can serve as the right tool. However, unlike Integrate.io, Boomi does not support instant API generation and requires a higher learning curve.

Pricing

Dell Boomi provides a free trial, after which the monthly pricing starts at $549. However, the basic tires often fall short of meeting multiple requirements like making several connections and having multiple development and production environments.

5. IBM API Connect

Rating: 4.6/5 (G2)

IBM API Connect is an API integration platform that provides a wide range of features to help streamline operations. Along with the features, the tool provides a user-friendly interface that allows developers to enhance API-related development, testing, and deployment.

Key Features

Good for entire API lifecycle management
Reliable and scalable solution
Offers improved searchability with features like API categorization

When to choose IBM API Connect?

When you specifically want to opt for a security-driven platform, IBM API Connect is the right fit.

Pricing

IBM API Connect allows a free trial of 30 days, a pay-as-you-go model starting from $100 per month, and a custom pricing model.

6. Apigee

Rating: 4.4/5 (G2)

Apigee is an API Management tool that allows developers to manage API calls, perform error handling, throttle traffic, manage endpoints, etc. Apigee is a flexible solution as it provides support to REST, SOAP, GraphQL, etc.

Key Features

API generation capabilities
Since it is a native Google Cloud API, it ensures security features
Has monitoring and analysis features

When to choose Apigee?

When you want to quickly create and manage APIs that are secure, scalable, and compliant, Apigee can serve you well. Utilizing the wide range of connectors, you can integrate into multiple systems and streamline the workflow.

Pricing

Apigee offers a subscription-based and pay-as-you-go pricing model.

7. Tray.io

Rating: 4.6/5 (G2)

Tray.io is a low-code API integration tool that allows businesses to manage and automate their workflows across different systems. The user-friendly interface reduces the learning curve required.

Key Features

Offers a range of pre-built and custom connectors
Offers automation capabilities
Has parallel processing, error handling, and other features

When to choose Tray.io?

When you want to follow a low-code cloud-first approach, Tray.io can prove to be the right fit. The tool allows you to execute efficient and scalable API tasks.

Pricing

Tray.io pricing ranges from $595 - $2450 per month.

8. Jitterbit

Rating: 4.6/5 (G2)

Jitterbit is a cloud-based ETL and API integration platform. Jitterbit offers pre-built API connectivity to a variety of systems. The user-friendly interface allows quick and efficient development and testing of APIs.

Key Features

Scalable and secure
Allows integration with a variety of systems

When to choose Jitterbit?

When your use case involves working on both APIs and ETL tasks, you should consider Jitterbit’s features and functionalities. The platform provides API generation capabilities that can help in your project. However, the platform comes with a higher learning curve compared to other platforms.

Pricing

Jitterbit offers a 14-day free trial, and three pricing tires Standard, Professional, and Enterprise. Further pricing details have not been revealed.

9. Oracle API Platform

Rating: 4.0/5 (G2)

Oracle API Platform is a powerful API integration tool that allows businesses to integrate multiple systems. It offers a secure and scalable solution to manage APIs. The platform provides features like caching, throttling, rate limiting, etc.

Key Features

Flexible deployment options including on-prem, cloud, and hybrid
Ensures scalability and security.

When to choose Oracle API Platform?

Oracle API Platform provides features that fit well for businesses of all sizes. You can implement complex workflows using the platform, and like Integrate.io, the platform can manage the entire API lifecycle.

Pricing

Oracle API Platform provides a pay-as-you-go pricing model.

10. Cleo

Rating: 4.3/5 (G2)

Cleo is an API integration platform that allows businesses to create custom integrations and allows connectivity with Big Data tools like Hadoop. It supports multiple API integrations including REST, SOAP, etc.

Key Features

Pre-configured connectors allow efficient communication
Improved API visibility with real-time summaries
Allows connectivity to software systems and databases

When to choose Cleo?

When you want to use a platform that is versatile and powerful, you can consider Cleo for your business requirements. The tool allows integration with a wide range of systems and complies with data privacy regulations.

Pricing

Cleo offers four pricing options - Express, Essential, Business, and Premium. Further pricing details have not been shared transparently on their site.

Conclusion

In software development, API integration tools are essential to ensure seamless collaboration among systems. By now, you have an idea about the leading API integration tools for developers.

Based on your requirements, it is a good idea to shortlist multiple tools and leverage their free trials so that you can have a better understanding of how the tool performs for your requirements.

On a final note, if your tasks and requirements involve accelerating API integration or ETL tasks, consider trying out Integrate.io by signing up for the free trial.

Integrate.io comes packed with a wide range of features that streamline your tasks as a developer and improve productivity. The friendly interface allows low/no-code development and deployment. Irrespective of the task complexity and the company size, the developers have been loving Integrate.io as their solution platform.

big data integration

The Top 10 Best API Integration Tools For Developers

Table of Contents

Introduction

Benefits of API Integration Tools

How to Choose The Right API Integration Tool

Top 10 API Integration Tools for Developers