What should I use for interactive API reference docs with authentication?

If you want interactive API reference docs with auth support, the best choice depends on your API style and how much control you want:

Good options

1. Swagger UI / OpenAPI

Best default for REST APIs.
If your API already has an OpenAPI spec, Swagger UI gives you:

• interactive “Try it out” requests
• auth support via Bearer tokens, API keys, OAuth2, etc.
• request/response schema display
• easy self-hosting

Use this if: you want a standard, widely supported solution.

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2. Redoc / Redocly

Best for polished API documentation.
Redoc is great for readable reference docs from OpenAPI, but its interactive “try it” experience is more limited than Swagger UI unless you use Redocly’s products.

Use this if: docs readability/appearance matters most.

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3. Scalar

A newer, modern OpenAPI docs UI with a very nice UX and interactive auth support.

Use this if: you want a cleaner, more modern alternative to Swagger UI.

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4. Postman

Good for internal API reference and testing, but less ideal as public-facing docs.

Use this if: your audience is already using Postman heavily.

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5. Stoplight

Strong for design-first APIs and documentation portals, with auth and interactive features.

Use this if: you want a more complete API platform, not just docs.

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My recommendation

• For most REST APIs: Swagger UI
• For prettier docs: Redoc/Redocly
• For modern interactive docs: Scalar
• For broader API management workflows: Stoplight

Authentication support to look for

Make sure the tool supports:

• Bearer token / JWT
• API keys
• OAuth2 / OpenID Connect
• optional header injection for custom auth schemes

If you tell me:

1. your API type (REST / GraphQL / gRPC),
2. whether you already have OpenAPI,
3. and whether docs are public or internal,

I can recommend the best specific tool and setup.