Top 5 Merge Competitors - 2025

Introduction: The Need for Robust Integration Solutions

As SaaS adoption soars, integrations have become critical. Building and managing them in-house is resource-heavy. That’s where unified APIs come in, offering 1:many integrations and drastically simplifying integration development. Merge.dev has emerged as a popular solution, but it's far from the only one. If you're searching for Merge API competitors, this guide dives deep into the top alternatives—starting with Knit, the security-first unified API.

What is Merge.dev?

Merge.dev provides a unified API to integrate multiple apps in the same category—like HRIS or ATS—with one connector. Key benefits include:

• Wide integration coverage within select categories
• Managed authentication
• Simplified developer experience

However, it’s not without pain points:

• Limited integration categories (only 6+1 beta)
• Uses iframes for its auth component with limited customizability for branding
• Requires polling infrastructure for data syncs
• Caches and stores customer data
• Expensive, with prices starting at $7,800/year

Merge API Competitors: Top Alternatives

While Merge.dev is a strong contender, several alternatives address its limitations and offer unique advantages.  Here are some of the top Merge API competitors:  

1. Knit  ‍
2. Finch
3. Apideck
4. Kombo
5. Integration.app

Meet Knit: The Security-First Merge API Competitor

Knit is a standout among Merge API competitors. It’s purpose-built for businesses that care about data security, flexibility, and real-time sync.

Top Reasons to Choose Knit Over Merge

1. No Caching of Customer Data

Unlike Merge, Knit does not store any customer data. All data requests are pass-through. Merge stores and serves data from cache under the guise of differential syncing. Knit offers the same differential capabilities—without compromising on privacy.

2. End User Scope Control

Knit gives your end users granular control over what data gets shared during integration. Users can toggle scopes directly from the auth component—an industry-first feature.

3. AI Connector Builder for Unsupported Use Cases

Merge struggles when your use case doesn’t fit its common models, pushing you toward complex passthroughs. Knit’s AI Connector Builder builds a custom connector instantly.

4. Best Value for Money

Merge locks essential features and support behind premium tiers. Knit’s transparent pricing (starts at $4,800/year) gives you more capabilities and better support—at a lower cost.

5. 100% Webhooks Architecture

Merge requires polling or relies on unreliable webhooks. Knit uses pure push-based data sync. You get guaranteed data delivery at scale, with a 99.99% SLA.

6. Customizable Auth Component

Knit uses a JavaScript SDK—not an iframe. You can fully customize UI, branding, and even email templates to match your product experience.

7. Fine-Tuned Data Sync Controls

Knit lets you:

• Filter data at source (only sync what you need)
• Control sync frequency (start, pause, or stop from dashboard)

8. Broader Category Coverage

Knit offers more vertical and horizontal coverage than Merge:

• Unified APIs for CRM, HRIS, ATS, Accounting, E-Sign, Communication, Assessments, Expense Management, and more

9. Built-In Integration Management

From deep RCA tools to logs and dashboards, Knit empowers CX teams to manage syncs without engineering support.

10. Support for Custom Data Models

You’re not limited to a common model. Knit supports mapping custom fields and controlling granular read/write permissions.

Other Noteworthy Merge.dev Alternatives

1. Finch

Best for: HRIS & Payroll integrations

• Strengths: Standardized employment data, wide HRIS coverage (200+), read/write benefits support
• Weaknesses: Focused only on HR systems, stores customer data, limited RCA tools, many assisted (manual) integrations

Pricing: ~$600/account/year (limited features)

2. Apideck

Best for: Broad API category coverage

• Strengths: Supports file storage, e-commerce, POS, and more; built-in marketplace
• Weaknesses: Shallow depth per category, limited custom field support

Pricing: Starts at $299/month with 10K API call limit

3. Kombo

Best for: European SaaS companies needing HRIS/ATS integrations

• Strengths: Strong European app support, easy to use
• Weaknesses: Limited categories, doesn’t meet global security/compliance needs

Pricing: $1200+/month + per-customer fees

4. Integration.app

Best for: AI-powered integration framework

• Strengths: Pre-built + customizable integrations, extensive documentation
• Weaknesses: Steep learning curve

Pricing: $1200+/month + per-customer fees

Final Verdict: Why Knit is the Best Merge API Competitor

While every tool has its strengths, Knit is the only Merge.dev competitor that:

• Doesn’t cache or store customer data
• Uses 100% webhooks for real-time, scalable syncs
• Provides extensive customization for data models, auth UIs, and syncs
• Offers unparalleled integration management tools
• Is recognized as a leader on the G2 Grid for 2025

If you're serious about secure, scalable, and cost-effective integrations, Knit is the best Merge API alternative for your SaaS product. Get in touch today to learn more!