SoapUI review
A broad, free API testing desktop tool for functional, contract, performance, and load work.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
SoapUI is an open-source desktop API testing tool for developers and testers working with REST, SOAP, HTTP, and GraphQL services. It is suited to teams that need one application for functional, regression, interoperability, performance, and load testing. The feature set also covers response assertions, schema validation, WSDL and REST definitions, service mocking, WSDL contract coverage analysis, and command-line test execution. It runs locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with scheduled runs and CI/CD integration support.
Its broad testing scope is the main reason to consider it. Teams can test SOAP and WSDL services alongside REST and GraphQL requests, then extend coverage with Groovy or JavaScript scripting. Mocking helps represent REST and SOAP services, while contract coverage, assertions, and schema validation support checks beyond basic request-and-response verification. Maven, Hudson, Bamboo, and command-line runners provide integration points for delivery workflows. This makes SoapUI a practical fit for teams that value open-source access and a wide API testing surface over a narrowly focused request client.
SoapUI itself is presented as free and open source, with no paid SoapUI tier described. SmartBear provides ReadyAPI as a separate commercial companion with additional enterprise testing capabilities, so organizations seeking those capabilities should evaluate that product separately. SoapUI is also a desktop tool, which may not suit teams seeking a browser-first service or a single enterprise platform for broader testing operations. Choose it for local, scriptable testing across REST, SOAP, and GraphQL; consider ReadyAPI instead when the requirement is specifically for additional enterprise capabilities.
SoapUI pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Covers REST, SOAP, GraphQL, functional, regression, and performance testing
- Includes service mocking, contract coverage, assertions, and schema validation
- Runs locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux with command-line execution
- Where it doesn't
- Desktop-focused rather than a browser-based testing platform
- Enterprise testing capabilities are provided through separate ReadyAPI products
- Groovy and JavaScript scripting may require scripting knowledge
SoapUI fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update