FastAPI
FastAPI: A free, typed Python backend framework with automatic API schemas and interactive documentation. Ranked #7 of 31 in Web Frameworks by our editors (8.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for python teams building documented APIs.
At a glance
- Editor score8.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPython teams building documented APIs
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Framework typeBackend
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Generates OpenAPI, JSON Schema, Swagger UI, and ReDoc documentation
- Validates request data with Python types and Pydantic
- Includes dependency injection, security utilities, WebSockets, and background tasks
Where it doesn't
- Does not include an ORM
- Deployment is self-managed or handled through cloud infrastructure
- Primary support channels are documentation and community
Our verdict on FastAPI
FastAPI is an open-source Python backend framework for developers building web APIs. It uses standard Python type hints for request validation and produces OpenAPI and JSON Schema documentation, with interactive Swagger UI and ReDoc interfaces. The framework suits solo developers as well as small, mid-market, and enterprise teams that want documented API behavior alongside their application code. It runs on web and API environments, can be self-hosted or deployed through cloud services, and is MIT-licensed.
Its strongest distinction is the connection between typed request handling and generated documentation. Pydantic validates incoming data, while the resulting schemas feed OpenAPI output and interactive reference views. Dependency injection supports request handling and shared resources, and security utilities cover HTTP Basic, OAuth2 with JWT, and API keys. Support for WebSockets, background tasks, startup and shutdown events, middleware, streaming responses, sessions, cookies, CORS, GZip, and static files gives teams room to cover common backend requirements. A built-in test client based on HTTPX adds an application-level testing option.
FastAPI is a framework package rather than a hosted application plan, so teams choose their own deployment path, including servers or cloud services such as FastAPI Cloud. Its adjacent ecosystem includes Starlette, Pydantic, Swagger UI, ReDoc, and HTTPX, but the package does not include an ORM. Documentation and community channels are the listed support routes, making independent technical ownership part of the operating model. Choose FastAPI if typed Python APIs, generated documentation, and flexible backend features are priorities; consider another framework if an included ORM or a managed support and hosting package is central to your requirements.
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FastAPI pricing
FastAPI fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Framework type | Backend |
| Primary languages | Python |
| Rendering modes | Not verified |
| Included ORM | No |
| Built-in authentication | Yes |
| Deployment targets | Self-hosted |
| License model | Open-source |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: Starlette, Pydantic, Swagger UI, ReDoc, HTTPX |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | fastapi.tiangolo.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
FastAPI integrations
FastAPI lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- Starlette
- Pydantic
- Swagger UI
- ReDoc
- HTTPX
Alternatives to FastAPI
- Ruby on RailsRails gives Ruby teams a convention-led, full-stack foundation for database-backed web apps.9.3
- DjangoA free Python backend framework combining ORM, authentication, administration, and deployment flexibility.9.1
- Next.jsA free, open-source full-stack React framework with hybrid rendering and backend routes.9.0
See all FastAPI alternatives →
FastAPI vs the competition
- FastAPI vs Ruby on Rails
- FastAPI vs Django
- FastAPI vs Next.js
- FastAPI vs Nuxt
- FastAPI vs SvelteKit
- FastAPI vs Play Framework
Compare FastAPI with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
FastAPI is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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