What should I use for interactive API reference docs?

If you want interactive API reference docs, the best choice depends mostly on your API style and how much customization you need.

Good options

1. Swagger UI / OpenAPI

Best if your API already has an OpenAPI spec.

• Pros: widely used, interactive “try it out” requests, easy to host
• Cons: can feel a bit generic out of the box
• Best for: most REST APIs

2. Redoc / Redocly

Best for a more polished, readable reference experience.

• Pros: clean design, good navigation, strong OpenAPI support
• Cons: less “interactive” than Swagger UI unless paired with extra tooling
• Best for: public-facing developer portals

3. Stoplight

Good if you want API design, mocking, and docs in one platform.

• Pros: strong OpenAPI support, collaboration features, nice UI
• Cons: more platform-dependent
• Best for: teams that want docs + design workflow

4. ReadMe

Best for hosted developer portals with excellent interactivity.

• Pros: polished docs, API explorer, auth support, analytics, changelogs
• Cons: paid product, less control than self-hosted options
• Best for: SaaS companies and developer-focused products

5. Slate

Best for simple, static docs that look nice.

• Pros: elegant markdown-based docs
• Cons: not really interactive
• Best for: narrative documentation, not reference-heavy interactive docs

My quick recommendation

• If you have OpenAPI and want something straightforward: Swagger UI
• If you want best-looking reference docs: Redocly
• If you want a hosted developer portal: ReadMe
• If you want design + mock + docs workflow: Stoplight

If you tell me:

• REST, GraphQL, or gRPC
• self-hosted vs hosted
• how much customization you need

…I can recommend the best specific tool for your situation.