SoapUI

SoapUI is an open-source tool for testing REST, SOAP, and GraphQL web services. Developers and testers can build functional and regression tests with a drag-and-drop workflow, add assertions, and create data-driven tests. It can mock SOAP and REST APIs, including service mocks created from WSDL. Listed protocols also include JMS and SOAP/WSDL.

Functional tests can be extended into load tests, which can run from command-line tools. The open-source feature set names Maven, Hudson, Bamboo, JUnit, and Ant integrations, and SoapUI can run from other CI tools. It can configure incoming and outgoing WS-Security, including encryption, signatures, SAML, keystores, and truststores. SoapUI is described as cross-platform for Windows, Mac, and Linux/Unix. The open-source edition is listed for basic functional and performance testing; security testing is associated with expanded ReadyAPI capabilities. The site links to SmartBear Support and a community forum.

SoapUI Open Source covers API testing, mocking, and command-line automation across several protocols. The listed security testing capabilities belong to expanded ReadyAPI offerings rather than the open-source edition.

SmartBear describes SoapUI as a starting point for developers and testers working with API testing. It may suit teams that need functional, regression, or performance testing across the listed protocols.

SoapUI is an open-source API testing tool for developers and testers who need to validate services and automate checks. Its breadth across protocols and testing workflows is compelling at no software cost, but the open-source edition is not the place to look for expanded security testing.

Overview

SoapUI combines REST, SOAP, and GraphQL testing with support for JMS. That range makes it a useful fit for teams testing web services across different protocols, especially when they need repeatable functional checks rather than a tool focused only on sending requests.

Functional and regression testing, mocking, and command-line automation form a substantial core. The trade-off is that the open-source edition is positioned for basic functional and performance testing; expanded security-testing capabilities belong to ReadyAPI. SoapUI supports WS-Security configuration, including encryption, signatures, SAML, keystores, and truststores, but that capability should not be confused with the expanded security-testing scope.

SoapUI fits the API Testing Tools and Integration Testing Tools categories. Readers comparing tools centered on making API requests can also browse API clients.

Key features

Functional and regression testing

Drag-and-drop test creation, assertions, and data-driven tests let developers and testers check behavior across varied inputs. This supports repeatable validation without relying on a single fixed case. It is a stronger fit for building test workflows than for users who only need a lightweight API request client.

Mocking and protocol coverage

SoapUI can create service mocks from WSDL and mock SOAP and REST APIs. Alongside REST, SOAP/WSDL, and GraphQL, it lists JMS support. Mocking is useful when a service needs to be represented in a test workflow; protocol breadth also makes SoapUI relevant to teams working beyond REST alone.

Performance checks and automation

Load testing extends functional tests, and tests can run through command-line tools. The project names Maven, Hudson, Bamboo, JUnit, and Ant integrations, and says it can run from other CI tools. Scheduled runs and CI/CD integration support ongoing automation, making it a practical option for teams that want checks incorporated into established build workflows.

WS-Security

SoapUI can configure security for incoming and outgoing WS-Security messages, including encryption, signatures, and SAML, with keystores and truststores. This is useful for configuring security-related service exchanges, but it does not make the open-source edition equivalent to the expanded security-testing capabilities associated with ReadyAPI.

Pricing

SoapUI Open Source is free. It includes REST, SOAP, and GraphQL API testing, functional and regression testing, API mocking, and command-line automation. There is no paid tier in the stated SoapUI plan lineup; readers who need expanded security testing should consider ReadyAPI rather than assume it is part of this free edition.

The free edition suits developers and testers who want protocol coverage, mocks, and repeatable tests without a software fee. Its main compromise is scope: the open-source edition is described for basic functional and performance testing, not ReadyAPI's expanded security-testing capabilities.

Platforms

SoapUI is cross-platform, with support for Windows, macOS, and Linux/Unix. It is also available as self-hosted software, which suits teams that prefer to run their testing environment themselves.

Who it's for

SoapUI is best for developers and testers starting API testing or maintaining functional and regression checks across REST, SOAP, GraphQL, or JMS services. Teams that need WSDL-based mocks, WS-Security configuration, and command-line or CI automation can get meaningful coverage from one free tool. It is a weaker match for readers seeking expanded security testing in the open-source edition or a tool whose primary role is simply making API requests.

Pros and cons

• Broad protocol support: REST, SOAP/WSDL, GraphQL, and JMS coverage makes it relevant to teams testing more than one API style.
• Useful testing workflow at no cost: Functional and regression tests, data-driven inputs, assertions, mocking, and command-line automation are included in the free open-source edition.
• Automation options: Named integrations and the ability to run from other CI tools help teams connect tests to existing build workflows.
• Security scope has a boundary: The open-source edition covers basic functional and performance testing; expanded security testing is associated with ReadyAPI.
• Focused on testing: Its test-building and mocking strengths are less compelling for someone who only wants to make API requests.

Alternatives

Postman is worth considering for readers who want a freemium API client with a free plan and support across extension, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows.

Apidog offers a time-unlimited free plan for four users, making it an alternative for a small team that values a defined multi-user free tier.

Insomnia may suit teams that want a free Essentials plan with Git Sync projects for three users and 1,000 mock-server requests per month.

Bruno is an option for users drawn to an open-source plan with two workspaces and five OpenAPI syncs per month.

xh is a free open-source command-line HTTP client.

HTTPie offers free web and desktop software in public beta, plus an open-source terminal client.

Testfully has a free Developer Edition with one offline and one cloud workspace and invitations for up to five users per workspace.

Hurl is a free open-source command-line tool with no paid plans stated.

Verdict

Choose SoapUI if you are a developer or tester who needs free functional and regression testing, mocking, and automation across several service protocols. Its strongest reason to choose it is that this breadth is available in an open-source tool; its clearest reason to look elsewhere is a need for expanded security testing rather than basic testing and WS-Security configuration.