The database-to-API market has exploded. There are now dozens of tools that promise to turn your database into a REST API. But which one is right for your use case?
We compared the five most popular options across setup time, features, pricing, and ideal use cases.
The Contenders
| Tool | Type | Best For | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApiBanana | Managed REST API builder | Existing databases, ERPs | Yes (10K calls) |
| DreamFactory | Self-hosted API generator | Enterprise on-premise | No |
| Hasura | GraphQL engine | PostgreSQL + GraphQL | Yes |
| Xano | No-code backend builder | New apps from scratch | Yes |
| PostgREST | Open-source REST layer | PostgreSQL-only, dev teams | Open source |
Key Differentiators
Setup Time
ApiBanana wins here — zero infrastructure, 5-minute setup, fully managed. DreamFactory and PostgREST require server setup and configuration. Hasura has a cloud option but requires GraphQL knowledge. Xano is quick but creates a new database rather than connecting to yours.
Database Support
ApiBanana supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MongoDB, and legacy systems (SOAP/XML). Hasura and PostgREST are PostgreSQL-only. DreamFactory has broad support but requires self-hosting. Xano uses its own proprietary database.
ERP/Legacy Integration
This is where ApiBanana stands apart. It's the only tool designed specifically for connecting ERPs (SAP, Navision, Odoo) and legacy systems via API. The others focus on databases only.
Our Recommendation
- Existing databases + zero DevOps → ApiBanana
- Enterprise on-premise requirement → DreamFactory
- PostgreSQL + GraphQL frontend → Hasura
- Building a new app from scratch → Xano
- Open-source PostgreSQL REST → PostgREST
Try ApiBanana free — 10,000 API calls/month, no credit card required.