The main difference between REST and SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) is that to be RESTful, an API has to simply meet a specific set of characteristics. Meanwhile, SOAP is an actual protocol, built to enable applications to communicate across languages and platforms. REST APIs are generally seen as more flexible and faster than SOAP protocols. Although SOAP protocols slightly decrease the speed of web services, they provide several features such as improved security, atomicity, consistency isolation, and durability (ACID). SOAP interfaces can process multiple protocol types (HTTP, SMTP TCP, etc.). However, SOAP return messages are always sent in XML. Thus, while REST APIs enable flexible high-speed communication, SOAP web services are slightly slower but offer more built-in functionality.