Top tools for managing and securing APIs

If your organization is scaling its API footprint, having the right tools for management and security is essential. These platforms go beyond simple gateways, offering governance, analytics, authentication, and compliance controls that protect sensitive data while keeping APIs reliable. Based on the API management software category on G2, here are some standout solutions across business needs:

Postman – Best for Collaborative API Testing and Security Checks

Postman isn’t just for design and testing—it also enables teams to run automated security, performance, and compliance tests before APIs are deployed. With its collaborative workspaces, development and security teams can work together to ensure APIs are both functional and protected. (Free plan available; paid tiers for larger teams)

SwaggerHub – Best for Consistent API Design with Governance

SwaggerHub helps teams build APIs with the OpenAPI standard, ensuring consistency across projects. While focused on design and documentation, it integrates with gateways and CI/CD pipelines to enforce governance and maintain security throughout the API lifecycle. (Pricing based on team size and features)

Platforms for Mid-Market Companies

WSO2 API Manager – Best for Hybrid Security Deployments

WSO2 offers an open-source platform with built-in features for authentication, throttling, and policy enforcement. Its flexibility makes it a good fit for mid-market and enterprise teams that need to secure APIs across both cloud and on-premises environments. (Free open-source option with enterprise support)

Tyk – Best for Lightweight but Powerful Security

Tyk provides a fast, developer-friendly API gateway with policy enforcement tools like access control, rate limiting, and monitoring. Its simplicity makes it appealing to mid-market teams that want strong security without heavy infrastructure overhead. (Open-source and enterprise editions available)

Enterprise-Grade Platforms

MuleSoft Anypoint Platform – Best for End-to-End Governance

MuleSoft provides full lifecycle API management, including advanced security features like policy enforcement, identity management, and data protection. Enterprises use it to secure APIs at scale while connecting diverse systems in cloud and on-premises environments. (Enterprise pricing; robust capabilities)

Apigee – Best for Large-Scale API Security and Monitoring

Apigee by Google Cloud offers advanced tools for threat detection, OAuth support, quota management, and real-time analytics. It’s a top choice for enterprises that need centralized visibility and enforcement across a global API ecosystem. (Enterprise pricing)

These platforms help businesses balance innovation with governance, ensuring that APIs remain secure, compliant, and scalable across industries and environments.