MockAPI.io alternative: Mockfly vs MockAPI
MockAPI.io is the quickest way to get a fake CRUD resource: define a schema, pick Faker generators, and you have a REST API that remembers what you POST. Mockfly is built for a different job: mocking the API your backend will actually have, including the errors. This page helps you pick the right one.
What MockAPI.io does well
In MockAPI.io a project is a set of resources. Each resource has a schema whose fields map to Faker generators, and the service exposes a full CRUD API for it: list, get, create, update, delete, with the data persisted between calls. It is fast to set up, pleasant to use, and the free plan (1 project, 2 resources) is enough for a demo. The paid plan is inexpensive.
The model is also the limit. Responses follow the resource shape, so a specific error payload, a 429, a response that depends on a header, a file download or an endpoint that does not map to a resource are hard or impossible. Collaboration is limited, and there is no way to import an existing API contract.
What changes with Mockfly
- Any response, not just resources. Each endpoint has its own responses with status code, headers and body: 200 with data, 401, 404, 422 with validation errors, a 500 to test recovery.
- Rules pick the response. Query params, headers, URL params, body fields or JSONPath, with 16 comparators and AND/OR groups. Test the sad paths without touching the frontend.
- Import the contract. OpenAPI, Postman collections and HAR captures become endpoints in one step; the Chrome extension captures real traffic.
- Realistic data. Faker.js templates and AI-generated JSON; dynamic routes like
/users/:idthat echo the id. - More than JSON. XML, file responses (PDF, CSV), WebSocket endpoints, proxy mode to the real API, request logs, auto-generated docs.
- Team plan. 5 seats, one invoice, invite anyone.
Where MockAPI.io is the better choice
- You want a persisted fake database for a prototype: create, edit and delete real items.
- The whole API is plain CRUD over a few resources and errors do not matter yet.
- Price is the only criterion and $5 a month is the ceiling.
Pricing
| Plan | Mockfly | MockAPI.io |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 500 requests/day, 1 project, 4 endpoints, 2 responses each | 1 project, 2 resources |
| Individual | Pro: 15€/month or 150€/year, unlimited requests, projects and endpoints | $5/month or $35/year: 20 projects, 50 resources |
| Team | 49€/month for 5 seats, 9€ per extra seat | No dedicated team plan |
Third-party prices as listed on the vendor's website in September 2026. Check their pricing page for the current figures.
Features comparison
| Feature | Mockfly | MockAPI.io |
|---|---|---|
| Hosted URL | ✅ | ✅ |
| Persisted CRUD data | ❌ Simulated writes | ✅ |
| Custom status codes and headers per response | ✅ | Limited |
| Conditional responses with rules | ✅ | ❌ |
| Faker.js data | ✅ Templates in any body | ✅ Schema generators |
| AI-generated JSON | ✅ | ❌ |
| Import OpenAPI, Postman and HAR | ✅ | ❌ |
| XML, file responses and WebSocket mocking | ✅ | ❌ |
| Proxy to the real API | ✅ | ❌ |
| Team seats, request logs, auto documentation | ✅ | Partial |
| Chrome extension, offline CLI, MCP server | ✅ | ❌ |
Need both? Prototype the data model in MockAPI.io and mock the real contract, errors included, in a free Mockfly project at app.mockfly.dev.
Frequently asked questions
What does the MockAPI.io free plan include?
At the time of writing: 1 project and 2 resources. The paid plan is $5 a month or $35 a year for 20 projects and 50 resources. Mockfly Starter is 1 project, 4 endpoints and 2 responses per endpoint with 500 requests a day; Pro is 15€ a month with no limits.
Does Mockfly persist data like MockAPI?
No. MockAPI.io behaves like a small fake database: a POST really creates an item you can GET later. Mockfly serves the responses you configure, so writes are simulated. That is the right trade for contract-shaped mocks with error scenarios and rules, and the wrong one if you need a persisted playground.
Can I generate a list of fake users in Mockfly?
Yes. Put Faker.js templates in the body, for example {{faker.person.fullName()}}, and they re-evaluate on every request; or ask the AI to generate the whole list from a sentence. Each response also has its own status code and headers.
Can I invite my team?
Yes. Invite Pro users to any project, or take the Team plan: 49€ a month for 5 seats, invite anyone including free accounts, one invoice.