# Powerduck vs Mockoon: Which API Mocking Tool?

**Short answer:** Mockoon is a dedicated, powerful mock designer; Powerduck generates the mock from the contract. The first gives fine manual control and drifts; the second keeps the mock synced to the spec, the tests, and the docs. Choose by whether the mock should be authored or derived.

## What Mockoon is best at

Designing a bespoke mock with precise routes, templating, and rules. It is the right tool when you want maximum control over a standalone mock.

## What a generated mock is best at

| Capability | Mockoon | Powerduck |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Routes | Hand-built | From spec |
| Source | Mock file | OpenAPI contract |
| On change | Manual | On save |
| Other surfaces | Separate | Shared |

## The drift problem

A hand-built mock is a separate artifact and diverges when the API changes. A generated mock reflects the contract, so it cannot quietly drift.

## The decision rule

Use Mockoon for a bespoke, highly controlled mock. Use Powerduck when the mock should stay synced and share the source with the rest.

This is part of the [Powerduck vs Mockoon comparison](https://www.powerduck.com/blog/powerduck-vs-mockoon/). Next, read [manual vs generated routes](https://www.powerduck.com/blog/mockoon-manual-routes-vs-openapi-mocks/).