5 Best Nango Alternatives for Streamlined API Integration
Are you in the market for Nango alternatives that can power your API integration solutions? In this article, we’ll explore five top platforms—Knit, Merge.dev, Apideck, Paragon, and Tray Embedded—and dive into their standout features, pros, and cons. Discover why Knit has become the go-to option for B2B SaaS integrations, helping companies simplify and secure their customer-facing data flows.
TL;DR
Nango is an open-source embedded integration platform that helps B2B SaaS companies quickly connect various applications via a single interface. Its streamlined setup and developer-friendly approach can accelerate time-to-market for customer-facing integrations. However, coverage is somewhat limited compared to broader unified API platforms—particularly those offering deeper category focus and event-driven architectures.
Nango also relies heavily on open source communities for adding new connectors which makes connector scaling less predictable fo complex or niche use cases.
Pros (Why Choose Nango):
- Straightforward Setup: Shortens integration development cycles with a simplified approach.
- Developer-Centric: Offers documentation and workflows that cater to engineering teams.
- Embedded Integration Model: Helps you provide native integrations directly within your product.
Cons (Challenges & Limitations):
- Limited Coverage Beyond Core Apps: May not support the full depth of specialized or industry-specific APIs.
- Standardized Data Models: With Nango you have to create your own standard data models which requires some learning curve and isn't as straightforward as prebuilt unified APIs like Knit or Merge
- Opaque Pricing: While Nango has a free to build and low initial pricing there is very limited support provided initially and if you need support you may have to take their enterprise plans
Now let’s look at a few Nango alternatives you can consider for scaling your B2B SaaS integrations, each with its own unique blend of coverage, security, and customization capabilities.
1. Knit
Overview
Knit is a unified API platform specifically tailored for B2B SaaS integrations. By consolidating multiple applications—ranging from CRM to HRIS, Recruitment, Communication, and Accounting—via a single API, Knit helps businesses reduce the complexity of API integration solutions while improving efficiency.
Key Features
- Bi-Directional Sync: Offers both reading and writing capabilities for continuous data flow.
- Secure - Event-Driven Architecture: Real-time, webhook-based updates ensure no end-user data is stored, boosting privacy and compliance.
- Developer-Friendly: Streamlined setup and comprehensive documentation shorten development cycles.
Pros
- Simplified Integration Process: Minimizes the need for multiple APIs, saving development time and maintenance costs.
- Enhanced Security: Event-driven design eliminates data-storage risks, reinforcing privacy measures.
- New integrations Support : Knit enables you to build your own APIs in minutes or builds new integrations in a couple of days to ensure you can scale with confidence
2. Merge.dev

Overview
Merge.dev delivers unified APIs for crucial categories like HR, payroll, accounting, CRM, and ticketing systems—making it a direct contender among top Nango alternatives.
Key Features
- Extensive Pre-Built Integrations: Quickly connect to a wide range of platforms.
- Unified Data Model: Ensures consistent and simplified data handling across multiple services.
Pros
- Time-Saving: Unified APIs cut down deployment time for new integrations.
- Simplified Maintenance: Standardized data models make updates easier to manage.
Cons
- Limited Customization: The one-size-fits-all data model may not accommodate every specialized requirement.
- Data Constraints: Large-scale data needs may exceed the platform’s current capacity.
- Pricing : Merge's platform fee might be steep for mid sized businesses
3. Apideck

Overview
Apideck offers a suite of API integration solutions that give developers access to multiple services through a single integration layer. It’s well-suited for categories like HRIS and ATS.
Key Features
- Unified API Layer: Simplifies data exchange and management.
- Integration Marketplace: Quickly browse available integrations for faster adoption.
Pros
- Broad Coverage: A diverse range of APIs ensures flexibility in integration options.
- User-Friendly: Caters to both developers and non-developers, reducing the learning curve.
Cons
- Limited Depth in Categories: May lack the robust granularity needed for certain specialized use cases.
4. Paragon

Overview
Paragon is an embedded integration platform geared toward building and managing customer-facing integrations for SaaS businesses. It stands out with its visual workflow builder, enabling lower-code solutions.
Key Features
- Low-Code Workflow Builder: Drag-and-drop functionality speeds up integration creation.
- Pre-Built Connectors: Quickly access popular services without extensive coding.
Pros
- Accessibility: Allows team members of varying technical backgrounds to design workflows.
- Scalability: Flexible infrastructure accommodates growing businesses.
Cons
- May Not Support Complex Integrations: Highly specialized needs might require additional coding outside the low-code environment.
5. Tray Embedded

Overview
Tray Embedded is another formidable competitor in the B2B SaaS integrations space. It leverages a visual workflow builder to enable embedded, native integrations that clients can use directly within their SaaS platforms.
Key Features
- Visual Workflow Editor: Allows for intuitive, drag-and-drop integration design.
- Extensive Connector Library: Facilitates quick setup across numerous third-party services.
Pros
- Flexibility: The visual editor and extensive connectors make it easy to tailor integrations to unique business requirements.
- Speed: Pre-built connectors and templates significantly reduce setup time.
Cons
- Complexity for Advanced Use Cases: Handling highly custom scenarios may require development beyond the platform’s built-in capabilities.
Conclusion: Why Knit Is a Leading Nango Alternative
When searching for Nango alternatives that offer a streamlined, secure, and B2B SaaS-focused integration experience, Knit stands out. Its unified API approach and event-driven architecture protect end-user data while accelerating the development process. For businesses seeking API integration solutions that minimize complexity, boost security, and enhance scalability, Knit is a compelling choice.