Mockoon vs LocalStack: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Mockoon and LocalStack 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:
Mockoon
API mocking made easy
Best for you if:
- • Mockoon is a free desktop application for creating mock APIs locally
- • It simulates REST APIs with customizable responses for development and testing
LocalStack
AWS cloud emulator
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 7.7/10)
- • Run AWS services locally for development
- • Emulate S3, Lambda, DynamoDB and more
| At a Glance |  Mockoon |  LocalStack |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | 77/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Mockoon | LocalStack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 77 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 56 |
| Categories | API ToolsDebugging | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How Mockoon and LocalStack Compare
Mockoon
API mocking made easy
Free tier available · 77/100 score
LocalStack
AWS cloud emulator
Free tier available · 83/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Mockoon
Want the highest-rated option?
Mockoon: 77/100. LocalStack: 83/100.
Go with: LocalStack
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: LocalStack
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
LocalStack scores higher: 83/100 vs 77/100.
Key Takeaways
LocalStack
- Higher score: 83/100 vs 77
- More community upvotes (56)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Mockoon
The Bottom Line
LocalStack (83/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mockoon or LocalStack better?
LocalStack scores 83/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Mockoon and LocalStack used for?
Mockoon: API mocking made easy. LocalStack: AWS cloud emulator.
What does Mockoon cost vs LocalStack?
Mockoon is freemium (free tier + paid plans). LocalStack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.