Requestly vs OWASP ZAP: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Requestly and OWASP ZAP 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:
Requestly
Build, test, and debug APIs faster with a lightweight, open-source API client and web debugger.
Best for you if:
- • You need API tools features specifically
- • Open-source API client and web debugger for building, testing, and mocking APIs.
- • Intercepts and modifies network requests, headers, and API responses in real-time.
OWASP ZAP
Open-source web application security scanner
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need security features specifically
- • OWASP ZAP is a free security testing tool for finding web application vulnerabilities
- • It scans for security issues with automated and manual testing capabilities
| At a Glance |  Requestly |  OWASP ZAP |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | API Tools | Security |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
Choose Requestly or OWASP ZAP?
Choose Requestly if
Build, test, and debug APIs faster with a lightweight, open-source API client and web debugger.
- Free and open-source, offering a cost-effective solution.
- Lightweight and fast, designed for quick operations.
- Comprehensive features for both API testing and web debugging.
- Your work is API tools-shaped, not security-shaped
Choose OWASP ZAP if
Open-source web application security scanner
- Free security scanner
- Good for web apps
- Active community
- You want a fully free tool (Requestly requires payment)
- Your work is security-shaped, not API tools-shaped
| Feature | Requestly | OWASP ZAP |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 5 reviews | ★4.5/5 22 reviews |
| Categories | API ToolsDebugging | SecurityTesting & QA |
In-Depth Analysis
Requestly
Build, test, and debug APIs faster with a lightweight, open-source API client and web debugger.
Strengths
- +Free and open-source, offering a cost-effective solution.
- +Lightweight and fast, designed for quick operations.
- +Comprehensive features for both API testing and web debugging.
- +Strong emphasis on security and compliance for enterprise use.
- +Supports collaboration with team workspaces and Git sync.
Weaknesses
- -Requires a desktop and desktop browser for full functionality.
- -Desktop app currently only explicitly mentioned for Mac, implying limited cross-platform desktop support.
- -May require some learning curve for users accustomed to other API tools.
Key features
OWASP ZAP
Open-source web application security scanner
Strengths
- +Free security scanner
- +Good for web apps
- +Active community
- +CI/CD integration
- +Open source
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -False positives
- -Performance varies
- -UI dated
- -Configuration needed
Key features
Pricing: Requestly vs OWASP ZAP
| Plan | Requestly | OWASP ZAP |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $10/month Basic | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $25/month Pro | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Requestly pricing and OWASP ZAP pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OWASP ZAP is free. Requestly is freemium.
Go with: OWASP ZAP
Want the highest-rated option?
Requestly: 4.7/5 (5 reviews). OWASP ZAP: 4.5/5 (22 reviews).
Go with: Requestly
Value user reviews?
Requestly: 5 reviews (4.7/5). OWASP ZAP: 22 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: OWASP ZAP
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Requestly is freemium. OWASP ZAP is free. Go with OWASP ZAP if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Requestly is a API tools tool. OWASP ZAP is in security. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Requestly is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
OWASP ZAP
- Larger review base (22 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Requestly
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5
- Better fit for API tools
The Bottom Line
OWASP ZAP is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Requestly or OWASP ZAP better?
OWASP ZAP is rated in our evaluation. Requestly is freemium and OWASP ZAP is free.
What are Requestly and OWASP ZAP used for?
Requestly: Build, test, and debug APIs faster with a lightweight, open-source API client and web debugger.. OWASP ZAP: Open-source web application security scanner.
What does Requestly cost vs OWASP ZAP?
Requestly is freemium (free tier + paid plans). OWASP ZAP is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.