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Open source Insomnia alternatives

Top API Clients like Insomnia

The most popular alternative to Insomnia is Bruno, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Insomnia are Yaak, Hoppscotch, and HTTPie.

Most alternatives to Insomnia are in the API Clients category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Insomnia alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
4 apps

All Insomnia alternatives

  1. Bruno is an open source API client that keeps collections as plain-text files on your disk rather than in a vendor cloud. Requests live next to your code and can be versioned and reviewed with Git like any other file. It handles REST and GraphQL requests, environments, scripting and assertions, and works fully offline without an account. Paid editions add advanced Git tools, AI assistance and enterprise features.

    6 Bruno alternatives

    Pros

    • Collections stored as plain-text files you can version with Git
    • Works fully offline, with no account required
    • Open source, with REST, GraphQL, scripting and assertions

    Cons

    • No built-in cloud sync: teams share collections through Git
    • Advanced Git tools and AI features need a paid edition
    • Smaller ecosystem than long-established API clients
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
  2. Yaak is a desktop API client created by Gregory Schier, the original author of Insomnia. It handles REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket and server-sent event requests, stores them as files that work with Git, and supports plugins for auth, importers and template functions. No account is required and secrets can be encrypted. Yaak is open source under MIT and free for personal use, with a paid license for use at work.

    6 Yaak alternatives

    Pros

    • Requests are stored as plain files that work well with Git
    • No account needed, with optional encryption for secrets
    • Fast, clean desktop app from the original author of Insomnia

    Cons

    • Use at work requires a paid license
    • Younger project with a smaller plugin ecosystem than Postman
    • Desktop only, with team sharing handled through Git rather than a cloud workspace
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
  3. Hoppscotch is an open source API client that runs in the browser, as a desktop app or on your own server. It tests REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, Socket.IO, MQTT and server-sent events with collections, environments, pre-request scripts and tests. Teams can share workspaces, and organizations can self-host the whole platform with Docker. A browser extension helps send requests that CORS would otherwise block.

    6 Hoppscotch alternatives

    Pros

    • Runs in the browser with nothing to install
    • Supports REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, Socket.IO, MQTT and SSE
    • The whole platform can be self-hosted with Docker

    Cons

    • In the browser, CORS limits require an extension or proxy
    • Some team and enterprise features are paid
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
  4. HTTPie is a family of HTTP clients designed to make working with APIs readable and quick. The open source command-line tool offers an intuitive syntax, built-in JSON support, colorized output, sessions and plugins, and is widely used in scripts and documentation. HTTPie for Web and Desktop adds a graphical interface with collections and environments, and HTTPie AI turns plain-language prompts into requests.

    6 HTTPie alternatives

    Pros

    • Readable command-line syntax that is easier to type than curl
    • Formatted, colorized JSON output makes responses quick to scan
    • One tool covers terminal scripts and a graphical app on desktop and web

    Cons

    • The graphical app has fewer testing and automation features than full API platforms
    • Not preinstalled like curl, so scripts carry an extra dependency
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories

Insomnia vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Insomnia, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Insomnia vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAutomated API testingGraphQL supportMock serversOffline modePlugins & extensions
InsomniaFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
BrunoFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
YaakFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
HoppscotchFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux, Self-hosted, Browser extension
HTTPieFreeOpen sourceWeb, Windows, Mac, Linux

Insomnia alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Insomnia?

The most popular alternative to Insomnia is Bruno: Offline-first, open source API client that stores collections as files. Other great alternatives are Yaak, Hoppscotch, and HTTPie.

Is there a free alternative to Insomnia?

Yes, 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Bruno, Yaak, Hoppscotch, and HTTPie.

Is there an open source alternative to Insomnia?

Yes, 4 open source alternatives are listed, including Bruno, Yaak, Hoppscotch, and HTTPie.

Is Insomnia free?

Insomnia has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Insomnia with its alternatives

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