Top 10 Python REST API Frameworks to Explore in 2025

Python continues to be one of the most popular programming languages for creating REST APIs. Its simplicity, efficiency, and wide range of frameworks make it an excellent choice for developers. REST APIs are vital in modern apps, helping them communicate and share data seamlessly.

List of Top 10 Python REST API Frameworks

With so many frameworks available, choosing the right one can be challenging. To help you out, here are the top 10 Python REST API frameworks you should know about in 2025.

1. FastAPI

FastAPI has become a favorite for developers who want speed and simplicity. It supports asynchronous programming, making it perfect for projects requiring high performance. Plus, it generates documentation automatically, saving you time.

Best For: Real-time apps, machine learning projects, or any app that needs to process data quickly.

2. Flask

Flask is a classic choice for building REST APIs. It’s lightweight, flexible, and easy to learn. What makes it even better is its large community and the availability of numerous plugins to extend its features.

Best For: Small to medium-sized apps or quick prototypes.

3. Django REST Framework (DRF)

The Django REST Framework (DRF) is a perfect add-on if you already use Django. It has features like authentication, serializers, and an easy-to-use API browser. Django Packages can also help you in development.

Best For: Large-scale projects and enterprise applications.

4. Bottle

Bottle is a tiny but powerful framework. It has no external dependencies, so it’s simple and easy to set up. If you’re working on a small project or a quick API prototype, Bottle can be your go-to option.

Best For: Lightweight apps and single-file projects.

5. Pyramid

Pyramid offers a balance between simplicity and power. It’s flexible enough to handle small projects and scalable for more complex applications.

Best For: Scalable apps that need a solid foundation for growth.

6. CherryPy

CherryPy is one of the oldest Python frameworks and is still popular for its reliability. It has built-in tools for handling everyday tasks like caching and file management.

Best For: Stable and long-term projects.

7. Tornado

Tornado is an asynchronous framework designed to handle many connections at once. It’s great for apps that need real-time updates or deal with heavy traffic.

Best For: Chat apps, live-streaming services, and apps that require WebSocket support.

8. Hug

Hug focuses on making API development fast and simple. It uses Python’s type annotations to validate inputs automatically, which helps keep your code clean and efficient.

Best For: Small projects where quick development is a priority.

9. Falcon

Falcon is lightweight and built for speed. It doesn’t come with unnecessary extras, making it ideal for developers who want a fast and focused framework for building APIs.

Best For: Microservices and apps that require high performance.

10. Sanic

Sanic is built for speed and supports asynchronous programming. It’s a modern framework perfect for projects that need real-time updates and fast performance.

Best For: Real-time dashboards and async-based apps.

How to Choose the Right Framework

Selecting the proper framework depends on what your project needs. Here’s a quick guide:

For scalability: Choose Django REST Framework or Pyramid.

For speed: Go with FastAPI, Falcon, or Sanic.

For simplicity: Bottle and Hug are great options for smaller projects.

Consider your app’s requirements, future growth, and development speed to make the best decision.

Conclusion

Python offers various frameworks to suit different types of projects. In 2025, you can choose from the best Python REST API frameworks, such as FastAPI, Flask, and the Django REST Framework, which will continue to be popular. Newer options like Sanic and Hug provide fresh solutions for modern needs. Ready to build your API? Hire Python developers who can speed up and smooth down your development process.