Softwares/Tools for testing RESTFUL webservices

I am trying to evaluate the right tool to test RESTful Web services and eventually automate the same for our project. I understand that SOAPUI is the leader in this front, but wanted to check if there are any other tools that are better, lighter and cheaper that SOAPUI, especially considering the fact that I would be using only RESTFUL services in my project and would not use all the features provided by SOAPUI.

I am ready spend few bucks to buy the license if required.