exa vs Apiary: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between exa and Apiary 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
exa
Modern replacement for ls
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.3/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need developer tools features specifically
Apiary
API documentation platform
Best for you if:
- • You need productivity features specifically
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Developer Tools | Productivity |
Rating | 73/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | exa | Apiary |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 73 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 209 |
| Categories | Developer Tools | ProductivityDeveloper Tools |
Understanding the Differences
Both exa and Apiary solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.exa positions itself as "modern replacement for ls" while Apiaryfocuses on "api documentation platform". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose exa
exa makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 73/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Apiary
Apiary is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, exa lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: exa
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. exa handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: exa
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: exa
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? exa is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated exa higher (73/100). But the community has upvoted Apiary more (209 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What exa Does Better
- Higher overall score (73/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Apiary If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with exa (73/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. exa scores higher in our analysis, but Apiary might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is exa or Apiary better?
Based on our analysis, exa scores higher with 73/100. exa isfree while Apiary is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from exa to Apiary easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do exa and Apiary offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. exa is completely free.Apiary is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.