API7 Gateway vs Optic API: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between API7 Gateway and Optic API comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
API7 Gateway
Elevate your API management with an open-source infrastructure for efficient, reliable, and secure connections.
Best for you if:
- • Enterprise-grade API gateway built on Apache APISIX for managing, securing, and scaling APIs.
- • Supports multi-protocol traffic management (L4/L7) with extensive plugins and integrations.
Optic API
Automate API documentation, testing, and governance directly from your code.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Automates API documentation generation and updates.
- • Detects and prevents breaking API changes.
| At a Glance |  API7 Gateway |  Optic API |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | API7 Gateway | Optic API |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsHosting & Deployment | API ToolsDocumentation |
How API7 Gateway and Optic API Compare
API7 Gateway
Elevate your API management with an open-source infrastructure for efficient, reliable, and secure connections.
Paid
Optic API
Automate API documentation, testing, and governance directly from your code.
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Optic API has a free tier. API7 Gateway is paid only.
Go with: Optic API
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: API7 Gateway
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: API7 Gateway
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
API7 Gateway is paid. Optic API is freemium. Optic API lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
API7 Gateway
- Our pick for this comparison
Optic API
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
API7 Gateway is our pick. Optic API has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is API7 Gateway or Optic API better?
API7 Gateway scores high/100 in our evaluation. API7 Gateway is paid and Optic API is freemium.
What are API7 Gateway and Optic API used for?
API7 Gateway: Elevate your API management with an open-source infrastructure for efficient, reliable, and secure connections.. Optic API: Automate API documentation, testing, and governance directly from your code..
What does API7 Gateway cost vs Optic API?
API7 Gateway is a paid tool. Optic API is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.