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Step CI

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Open-source API testing framework for security, performance, and load testing.

API ToolsTesting & QADeveloper Tools
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Tracked since2026
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The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free plan available, paid tiers above

Biggest pro

Open-source and free base runner and CLI

Biggest con

Custom support and advanced features require a paid plan

TL;DR - Step CI

  • Open-source API testing framework for various API types.
  • Supports security, performance, and load testing.
  • Configurable with YAML, JSON, or JavaScript, and integrates with CI/CD.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams

What is Step CI?

Editorial review
Step CI is an open-source API test automation framework designed for developers and QA engineers to automate API testing, including security, performance, and load testing. It allows users to configure tests easily using YAML, JSON, or JavaScript, and supports a wide range of API types such as REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and SOAP. The framework enables multi-step test workflows by chaining requests, capturing data, and using variables. It supports data-driven testing with the ability to use existing test data or generate mock data. Step CI is built for performance, allowing parallel test execution, and offers secure testing capabilities on local networks and CI/CD environments. It integrates with popular tools and platforms like Node.js, Docker, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, and Jest. Step CI is ideal for teams looking for a flexible, powerful, and open-source solution to ensure the reliability, security, and performance of their APIs throughout the development lifecycle. Its language-agnostic configuration and broad API support make it a versatile tool for various testing needs.

Available on: Web, macOS, Linux, Windows

how we evaluateSourcestepci.com ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Open-source and free base runner and CLI
  • Highly flexible with support for multiple API types and configuration languages
  • Enables comprehensive testing (security, performance, load)
  • Seamless integration with existing CI/CD pipelines
  • Allows for complex, data-driven test scenarios

Cons

  • Custom support and advanced features require a paid plan
  • May require some technical knowledge for setup and advanced configurations

Key Features

Automated API testingSecurity testingPerformance testingLoad testingLanguage-agnostic configuration (YAML, JSON, JavaScript)Support for REST, GraphQL, gRPC, SOAP, tRPC APIsMulti-step test workflows with captures and variablesData-driven testing (real and mock data)

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Jul 14, 2026

Open-Source

$0 / month

  • Open-source under MPL License
  • Configure easily with: YAML, JSON or JavaScript
  • Test REST, GraphQL, SOAP, tRPC APIs
  • Chain requests together using captures and variables
  • Use test data or mock data in tests
  • Run tests in parallel on your local network and CI/CD

Support Plan

Custom

  • Everything included in the open-source version
  • Support with SLA
  • Set up on your Infrastructure
  • Training hours for your team
  • Prioritized feature requests and bugfixes
  • Monthly security report
  • Early access to new features
Calculate your costView full pricing

Is Step CI worth the price?

90/10

The pricing for Step CI is very generous, offering a fully functional open-source version for free.

The 'Support Plan' is custom, indicating enterprise-level support and features, which is standard for open-source projects. This structure is best for individual developers and small teams who can leverage the free tier, and larger enterprises needing dedicated support.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Support plan cost is undisclosed

Self-hosting requires internal resources

No clear upgrade path for features

How Step CI Compares to Competitors

Compared to commercial API testing tools like Postman (which has a free tier but paid plans starting around $15/user/month) or ReadyAPI (starting much higher), Step CI's open-source offering is exceptionally competitive at $0. Its custom support plan aligns with enterprise offerings from these competitors, but without public pricing, direct comparison is difficult.

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

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Step CI FAQ

How does Step CI facilitate comprehensive API testing?

Step CI allows users to automate API testing across various domains, including security, performance, and load testing. It supports multi-step test workflows by chaining requests and capturing data, enabling thorough validation of API behavior.

Which teams benefit most from using Step CI?

Step CI is ideal for development and QA teams seeking a flexible, powerful, and open-source solution to ensure the reliability, security, and performance of their APIs. Its language-agnostic configuration and broad API support make it versatile for diverse testing needs.

How is Step CI priced?

Step CI offers a free tier that includes the base runner and CLI. Paid plans are available for users requiring more extensive usage and advanced features, including custom support.

Can Step CI be integrated into existing development workflows?

Yes, Step CI is designed for seamless integration with existing CI/CD pipelines and popular developer tools. It supports platforms like Docker, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, and Node.js.

What kind of APIs can Step CI test?

Step CI supports a wide range of API types, including REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and SOAP. This broad compatibility allows it to be a versatile tool for various API testing requirements.

How does Step CI compare to k6 for API load testing?

Step CI offers an open-source framework for security, performance, and load testing, configurable with YAML, JSON, or JavaScript, and integrates with CI/CD pipelines. While k6 also focuses on load testing, Step CI provides broader support for various API types and comprehensive testing across security and performance.

What are the main trade-offs when choosing Step CI?

While Step CI offers a robust open-source solution, custom support and advanced features are part of its paid plans. Users might also need some technical knowledge for initial setup and configuring more complex scenarios.

Source: stepci.com

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