Frends vs MuleSoft API Manager comparison

Frends Enterprise iPaaS and Salesforce are both solutions in the API Management category. Frends Enterprise iPaaS is ranked #37, while Salesforce is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.0. Frends Enterprise iPaaS holds a 0.6% mindshare in APIM, compared to Salesforce’s 4.4% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Frends Enterprise iPaaS users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of Salesforce users who would recommend it.

Frends

Read 3 Frends reviews

683 Views
683 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

MuleSoft API Manager

Read 60 MuleSoft API Manager reviews

7,214 Views
7,142 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

Frends

MuleSoft API Manager

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 17, 2024

MuleSoft API Manager and Frends compete in the API management space. MuleSoft seems to have the upper hand due to its robust features, while Frends is favored for its competitive pricing and value.

Features: MuleSoft API Manager offers comprehensive API lifecycle management, strong security features, and scalability options for large enterprises. Frends provides integrated workflow automation, straightforward API management, and is ideal for smaller to mid-sized businesses seeking cost-effective solutions.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Frends is known for rapid deployment and efficient customer service, appealing to businesses looking for quick onboarding. MuleSoft has a more complex deployment process but provides extensive support and resources to navigate it.

Pricing and ROI: MuleSoft API Manager has a higher setup cost, justified by significant ROI for organizations using its features. Frends offers a lower setup cost, aligning with its focus on scalable and budget-friendly solutions with quick return benefits.

To learn more, read our detailed Frends vs. MuleSoft API Manager Report (Updated: April 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Frends vs. MuleSoft API Manager

April 2026

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Helped 893,221 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Frends

Ranking in API Management

37th

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

MuleSoft API Manager

Ranking in API Management

4th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2026, in the API Management category, the mindshare of Frends is 0.6%, up from 0.2% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of MuleSoft API Manager is 4.4%, down from 4.7% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

API Management Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
MuleSoft API Manager	4.4%
Frends	0.6%
Other	95.0%

API Management

Featured Reviews

Kalle Reponen

Senior Integration Architect at Visma

Offers simplicity, ease of customization, and visibility of integrations

One thing is that Frends keep the integration, and that is something I know that it's coming, like, a later version; that is something we will be currently missing. So the end-users could take an interest in use by themselves, with the release thing some result flow. That is the most wanted and requested feature for now. Another enhancement includes the monitoring part. It would be nice to have some sort of maybe mobile app on which we can see how integrations are running if there are some problems, and getting those alerts on the mobile would be really nice.

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D.Rajesh Kumar

Enterprise Architect at a consultancy with 10,001+ employees

Improved Integration Efficiency and Potential for Further Enhancements in Monitoring and User Experience

The policies in MuleSoft API Manager are significant features. We get the policies by default, with more than 25 out-of-the-box policies. If any additional requirement exists specific to the customer, there is a custom policy framework. We can build the policy according to our requirement, and deploy and enable it at the API Manager level to consume across different business groups, environments, or organizations altogether within the platform. Developing the custom policy is not challenging; you just need to follow the custom policy framework to implement. The custom policy and the different levels of SLAs of the API Manager are notable. Regarding the monitoring side of the API Manager, MuleSoft provides substantial monitoring with logs, offering search capability, raw data accessibility, and different subscriptions. With the top tier, integration with third-party platforms such as ELK or Splunk becomes unnecessary because all search capabilities, dashboards, and functional monitoring can be built within the platform itself. This is excellent from the monitoring perspective, and there have been recent improvements focusing on observability. For DevOps, if you want to make your continuous integration and continuous deployment effective, irrespective of the tool, there are options to integrate. For example, you can use the Maven plugin, platform APIs, or CLI to build your end-to-end DevOps cycle.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The user-friendly interface for constructing integration solutions is also a notable benefit."

"The product has valuable features for version control."

"One of the benefits is the speed of creating something new. Second, it's replacing the old integration quite fast. Then it is like the visibility of the integration and the possibility to see what is happening in the integration."

"Anypoint API Manager's most valuable feature is its connectors."

"The most valuable features of Mulesoft Anypoint API Manager are the API gateway, rate limiting, and orchestration."

"Mulesoft is great in terms of reusability."

"The most valuable feature is the scalability."

"The entire offering and suite of tools that this solution provides have been very valuable."

"The onboarding process significantly contributes to faster market access, and the effort reduced by 30 to 40% directly leads to savings in IT time and costs."

"Overall, the platform is pretty good, I cannot say which one specific feature is good. The idea of an API manager is really interesting."

"MuleSoft API Manager allows us to implement custom policies or use out-of-the-box policies, such as authentication policies, which save time."

More MuleSoft API Manager pros

Cons

"Another enhancement includes the monitoring part. It would be nice to have some sort of maybe mobile app on which we can see how integrations are running if there are some problems, and getting those alerts on the mobile would be really nice."

"One of the primary areas for improvement is a more mobile-friendly interface for the control center."

"It is a new application and lacks some essential features compared to competitors."

"It was decent to work with it even though there weren't many stand out features."

"The pricing is a bit expensive. It would be better if they offered more price-conscious licensing."

"One improvement is maybe to add a plugin in the API manager. Let's say an organisation is using SOAP services or legacy APIs. Maybe I don't want to migrate it to rest API, but my plugin should be able to convert Jason to XML. Basically, protocol transformation features in API Manager."

"The pricing is quite expensive. It should be adjusted to make it more affordable for users."

"The roadmap could include more GenAI use cases integrated into the platform, focusing on various industry verticals."

"I would like to see more automation. Operations are done manually. It should also automate in the operation."

"The solution could be improved in educational and onboarding areas."

"I would like to see more automation. Operations are done manually. It should also automate in the operation."

More MuleSoft API Manager cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Recent changes in their pricing have removed this benefit, moving towards process-specific pricing."

"The pricing is quite fair."

"Licensing fees are paid on a yearly basis."

"The solution looks more expensive on the surface because it builds all the functions into one core component or into an integrated suite of components."

"I think that it is pretty expensive."

"I'm unsure about licensing costs because I'm not the person who handles this. But, ballpark, it's probably somewhere around $300,000-$400,000 or something like that."

"Anypoint is the most expensive solution on the market, as far as I know, though it's also the most capable."

"Pricing can be improved."

"MuleSoft Anypoint API Manager is an expensive solution."

"When it comes to determining price, the pre-sales team interacts with the customer's primary integration team and the price is negotiated based on the specific usage of the system."

More MuleSoft API Manager pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

No data available

Financial Services Firm

15%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Computer Software Company

10%

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	17
Midsize Enterprise	5
Large Enterprise	44

Questions from the Community

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How does Kong Enterprise compare with Mulesoft Anypoint API Manager?

The Mulesoft Anypoint API Manager was designed with its users in mind. Though it is a reasonably complex piece of software, it is easy to install and upgrade. While there are different things that ...

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How does Mulesoft Anypoint API Manager compare with Amazon API Gateway?

I have found that Mulesoft Anypoint API Manager is the best integration tool out there for API management. It is easy to implement and learn; it provides several options for deployment, (including ...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Mulesoft Anypoint API Manager?

When it comes to pricing, I find it always expensive. The pricing is high, which is the biggest point where some customers are hesitant about adopting it, and their deployment strategy is also more...

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Comparisons

Microsoft Azure API Management vs Frends

Compared 31% of the time

Boomi AtomSphere API Management vs Frends

Compared 20% of the time

Traefik Enterprise vs Frends

Compared 12% of the time

SAP Integration Suite vs Frends

Compared 10% of the time

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Microsoft Azure API Management vs MuleSoft API Manager

Compared 12% of the time

Apigee vs MuleSoft API Manager

Compared 12% of the time

WSO2 API Manager vs MuleSoft API Manager

Compared 7% of the time

Amazon API Gateway vs MuleSoft API Manager

Compared 6% of the time

Kong Gateway Enterprise vs MuleSoft API Manager

Compared 5% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

API Management

May 2026

Download Frends product report

Buyer's Guide

MuleSoft API Manager

April 2026

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Also Known As

No data available

Anypoint API Manager

Overview

Frends is a versatile integration platform tailored for streamlined business operations, facilitating seamless automation and connectivity across systems. It effectively addresses integration challenges, providing a reliable foundation for efficient data flow and process enhancement.

Built to cater to complex business environments, Frends offers a comprehensive suite of integration solutions. Users appreciate its capability to simplify integration processes, leveraging robust tools and functionalities that enhance connectivity and automation. This adaptability makes it a preferred choice for enterprises aiming to boost efficiency in data management and workflow automation. Users value its easy-to-use yet powerful features that help bridge various IT systems and improve operational performance. Frends provides meaningful insights into data interactions, fostering informed decision-making and enabling strategic business growth.

What are the key features of Frends?

Intuitive Workflow Designer: Simplifies the creation and management of complex workflows through a user-friendly interface.
API Management: Offers comprehensive tools for designing, deploying, and monitoring APIs efficiently.
Scalability: Ensures the ability to grow with business needs by efficiently handling increasing data volumes.
Security: Provides robust security features to protect data and ensure compliance with industry standards.

What should users look for in terms of benefits and ROI?

Improved Efficiency: Automates processes reducing manual intervention and increasing productivity.
Reduced Costs: Streamlines operations to save resources and reduce operational expenses.
Enhanced Flexibility: Adapts to changing business environments and requirements smoothly.
Increased Data Accuracy: Ensures seamless data flow, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of business information.

In specific industries, Frends is implemented to address distinct challenges in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and logistics. In healthcare, it automates patient data management, enabling efficient record handling. Finance sectors utilize Frends for secure data exchange and compliance, while logistics firms leverage it for optimizing supply chain operations and enhancing tracking capabilities.

Frends Enterprise iPaaS

MuleSoft API Manager offers a user-friendly platform with comprehensive integration capabilities, strong security, and scalable architecture. It's designed to streamline API management and development processes through robust analytics and a rich interface.

MuleSoft API Manager stands out with its lightweight design, offering extensive connector libraries and ease of applying policies via drag-and-drop functionality. Its robust analytics enhance operational efficiency. Users can implement custom policies, benefit from advanced integration needs like OAuth authentication, and manage extensive API inventories. While facing challenges like high costs and complex upgrades, MuleSoft API Manager is vital for managing APIs across sectors, supporting data exchange between systems such as SAP and Salesforce, and modernizing legacy systems.

What are the standout features of MuleSoft API Manager?

Lightweight Design: Ensures easy deployment and usability.
Robust API Management: Provides strong capability in handling API processes.
Strong Security: Offers extensive protection for API applications.
Scalable Architecture: Supports growth and adaptation to changing needs.
Comprehensive Integration Options: Facilitates seamless data exchange.
Extensive Library of Connectors: Enhances flexibility and connectivity.
Ease of Applying Policies: Simplifies management with intuitive drag-and-drop functions.
Robust Analytics: Aids in monitoring and operational efficiency.
Custom Policies: Supports advanced integration with OAuth authentication.

What benefits and ROI should reviewers consider?

Usability: Promotes ease of use for technical teams.
Integration Efficiency: Accelerates connections to essential systems.
Security: Ensures data integrity and protection.
Scalability: Provides potential for growing business needs.
Policy Management: Simplifies and enforces compliance across APIs.

MuleSoft API Manager is widely implemented in sectors seeking to integrate services like SAP and Salesforce quickly and securely. Its use in automating processes and enhancing API governance makes it a go-to API gateway. Organizations rely on it to modernize systems and manage interconnectivity, facilitating traffic control and robust policy management.

Salesforce

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Coca-Cola, Splunk, Citrix, UCSF, Vertu, State of Colorado, National Post, TiVo, Deakin, LLS, Oldcastle Precast, ParcelPoint, Justice Systems, Ube, Sumitomo Corporation, PacificComp, University of Witwatersrand, Groupe Initiatives, Camelot, Panviva

Buyer's Guide

Frends vs. MuleSoft API Manager

April 2026

Free Report: Frends vs. MuleSoft API Manager

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