Top alternatives to Merge.dev and Unified API landscape
- Arpan Desai
- Jan 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 24
Both Nango and Merge.dev are powerful tools designed to simplify API integrations, but they differ significantly in their focus, use cases, and technical approaches. Here's a detailed comparison:
Nango is an open-source platform that simplifies API integrations by providing developers with tools and infrastructure to connect, authenticate, and manage third-party APIs. It is particularly popular for handling APIs that require OAuth-based authentication. Nango focuses on making API integrations faster, more secure, and easier to maintain.
Key Features of Nango:
OAuth Simplification: Nango abstracts away the complexity of handling OAuth flows, making it easier for developers to authenticate users with third-party APIs.
Integration Templates: Pre-built templates for popular APIs reduce the time required to configure and integrate APIs.
Token Management: It securely manages access tokens, including refreshing them automatically when they expire.
Backend-first: Designed to work seamlessly with backend services, helping developers avoid re-implementing common authentication and integration tasks.
Open Source: As an open-source tool, Nango provides transparency, customizability, and cost efficiency.
Tool | Focus Area | Unified API | OAuth Handling | Specialization |
B2B integrations (HR, Accounting) | Yes | Yes | HR, payroll, ticketing | |
Nango | Generic API integrations | No | Yes | OAuth-first integrations |
Apideck | General SaaS integrations | Yes | Yes | CRM, HR, payments |
Codat | Financial & accounting software | Yes | Yes | Accounting, banking |
Finch | Payroll, HR, and benefits | Yes | Yes | HR and payroll systems |
Kloudless | Storage, CRM, calendar, email APIs | Yes | Yes | Diverse SaaS platforms |
Nylas | Email, calendar, contacts | Yes | Yes | Communication platforms |
Prismatic | SaaS integrations | No | Yes | Customizable SaaS integrations |
Cloud Elements | SaaS applications | Yes | Yes | Marketing, CRM, ERP |
Use Cases:
Connecting to APIs for fintech, social media, or SaaS platforms.
Automating tasks that require interacting with multiple third-party services.
Building applications that involve OAuth-based user authentication for external APIs.
Merge.dev vs Nango
Nango is a flexible, developer-first tool that excels in generic API integrations and OAuth management, making it ideal for projects requiring customization and scalability across a variety of APIs.
Merge.dev is a vertical-focused platform offering prebuilt, plug-and-play integrations, making it perfect for B2B applications targeting specific industries like HR, payroll, and accounting.
When to Use Nango
You need a general-purpose API integration tool that works with any OAuth-enabled API.
You want an open-source solution with full control over hosting and customization.
Your project involves custom workflows and unique API use cases.
You prefer a developer-centric approach to integration.
When to Use Merge.dev
You need a unified API platform for HR, payroll, accounting, or ticketing.
You want a turnkey solution that abstracts API-specific complexities.
Your use case fits within the predefined categories offered by Merge.dev.
You’re building a vertical-specific B2B SaaS tool and need quick integration with multiple providers in that space.
