When it comes to API testing, Insomnia has made a name for itself with its user-friendly interface, powerful features, and flexible configurations. However, as your API testing needs to evolve, you might find yourself looking for alternatives that offer something different or better suited to your workflow.
In this article, we explore several alternatives to Insomnia, comparing their features, benefits, and how they compare to Insomnia.
Testfully
Website: testfully.io
Testfully is a comprehensive API client and testing platform designed to streamline the API development process. It supports a wide array of APIs, including RESTful, GraphQL, XML, and SOAP, with WebSocket and gRPC support on the horizon. Testfully stands out with its powerful automation features, allowing users to create no-code API validations, chain requests, and leverage scripting for more complex scenarios. It’s available both as a cloud-native solution and an offline-only option, making it flexible for teams with varying security and collaboration needs.
Supported Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| API Support | Restful, GraphQL, XML, Soap, Yaml supported. Web Socket and gRPC coming soon |
| Request Builder | Supports query params, headers, body, auth, scripting, no-code API validation, request chaining |
| Environments | Environment Variables, Authorization settings, Settings |
| Folders | Folders and Sub-folders, Auth, variables, scripts, headers, params and settings |
| Folder (Collection) Runner | Unlimited runs |
| Import | Postman, Insomnia, cURL, Swagger 2.0, Open API 3.0 and 3.1. |
| Export | As Testfully JSON file |
| Authorization | Basic, Bearer, OAuth2, API Key, AWS Signature V4 |
| CLI | Install Testfully CLI to run requests from CLI, compatible with Offline and Cloud workspaces |
| Scripting | Supported with no need to rewrite Postman scripts for most cases |
| API Testing | Supported via no-code validation, request chaining or BDD-style testing in Javascript |
| Storage | Offline (local) or Cloud |
| SSO | Supported: Google, Okta, Microsoft Azure and Github |
| Enterprise-Ready | Yes. We offer enterprise support, SLA and more |
Testfully vs Insomnia
- API Support: While Insomnia currently supports a broad range of APIs, including WebSocket and gRPC, Testfully focuses on RESTful, GraphQL, XML, and SOAP APIs. Although Testfully does not yet support WebSocket or gRPC, it is planned for future updates, making it a potentially more versatile choice as its features expand.
- Request Building: Testfully offers advanced request-building features, such as scripting and request chaining, which are more sophisticated than what Insomnia provides. These features enable more complex workflows and better automation.
- Environments & Folders: Unlike Insomnia, which does not allow variables or authorization to be set at the folder level, Testfully excels in this area by providing comprehensive environment and folder management capabilities.
- Collaboration: Testfully’s team collaboration features, including secure workspaces and detailed access controls, surpass Insomnia’s basic sharing options, making it a better fit for larger teams that require structured collaboration.
- Deployment: Testfully offers both a cloud-native solution and an offline-only option, providing flexibility depending on your security needs. Insomnia, while available across desktop platforms, does not offer a comparable offline-only solution.
Bruno
Website: usebruno.com
Bruno is an open-source API client designed for developers who prefer a lightweight tool for API testing. It focuses on delivering core features without the added complexity often found in more comprehensive API clients. Bruno supports RESTful and GraphQL APIs, providing essential tools for sending requests, managing environments, and organizing API projects. Its simplicity makes it an attractive option for developers who need to quickly test APIs without the overhead of more feature-rich tools.
Supported Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| API Support | Restful and GraphQL for free. GRPC, Websocket, SocketIO, MQTT are going to be available in the Golden edition. |
| Request Builder | Rich request builder with support for query params, headers, body, auth, scripting |
| Environments | With ability to set environment variables |
| Collections | Headers, auth, scripts, tests, docs and client certificates can be set for collection |
| Folders | Only for organizing requests, you cannot set variables, auth etc for a folder |
| Folder Runner | All requests in a folder can be executed with a single click |
| Import | Postman, Insomnia, cURL, Bruno and Open API Spec 3.0 |
| Export | As Bruno or Postman collection |
| Authorization | Basic, Bearer, Digest and AWS Signature V4 and OAuth2. |
| CLI | Install Bru CLI via NPM to run requests from CLI |
| Scripting | Javascript supported. Modify request, access response, set variables, send requests or import any NPM package. |
| API Testing | Write BDD/TDD style tests or use the low-code Assert feature. |
| Storage | Local storage only. No cloud sync. |
Bruno vs Insomnia
- API Support: Bruno is designed to support RESTful and GraphQL APIs, catering to developers who primarily work within these frameworks. In contrast, Insomnia offers broader API support, including WebSocket and gRPC, making it a more versatile tool for developers working with a variety of API types.
- Request Building: Bruno offers a straightforward request-building interface that supports essential features such as query parameters, headers, and basic authorization. Insomnia, however, provides a richer set of request-building tools, including support for a wider range of authorization methods and more advanced configurations.
- Environments & Folders: Both Bruno and Insomnia allow users to manage environment variables, though neither tool supports setting variables or authorization at the folder level. Insomnia’s environment management is slightly more advanced, offering better integration with its other features.
- Collaboration: Bruno, being an open-source tool, does not have built-in collaboration features. It is primarily designed for individual developers or small teams who do not require extensive collaboration capabilities. Insomnia, while also somewhat limited in collaboration features, does offer basic options for sharing requests and environments.
- Deployment: Bruno is available as a desktop application for Windows, Mac, and Linux, similar to Insomnia. Because of its lightweight design, it’s the perfect solution for developers who want a resource-efficient, simple tool that fits in well with their existing workflows.
Yaak
Website: yaak.app
Yaak is a minimalist API client that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. It supports RESTful APIs and is designed to provide developers with a straightforward tool for sending requests and managing API projects. Yaak’s clean interface and no-frills approach make it suitable for developers who need a basic tool without the distractions of more complex features.
Supported Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| API Support | Restful, GraphQL and gRPC. Websocket coming soon! |
| Folders | Only for organization, you cannot set variables, auth etc for a folder |
| Request Builder | Query Params, Headers, Payload and Authorization |
| Scripting | Not supported |
| Environments | With ability to set environment variables only |
| Folder Runner | Yes, it’s called Batch Send |
Yaak vs Insomnia
- API Support: Yaak supports RESTful, GraphQL, and gRPC APIs, providing a robust set of options for developers. While it covers some of the same APIs as Insomnia, Insomnia also includes support for WebSocket, giving it a slight edge for developers working with that particular protocol.
- Request Building: Yaak offers a straightforward request-building interface that is effective for simple to somewhat complex API testing tasks. Insomnia, with its more comprehensive request-building features, supports a wider range of authorization methods and more complex configurations, making it better suited for advanced testing needs.
- Environments & Folders: Both Yaak and Insomnia support environment variables, though neither tool offers the ability to set variables or authorization at the folder level. Insomnia’s environment management might be more advanced, but both tools are somewhat limited in this area compared to more fully-featured API clients.
- Collaboration: Yaak is primarily focused on individual developers or small teams, with limited collaboration features. Insomnia offers basic sharing and collaboration capabilities, making it a slightly better option for teams, although still not as robust as some other tools like Testfully.
- Deployment: Yaak is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, much like Insomnia. Its minimalist design ensures quick setup and ease of use, making it an appealing option for developers who value simplicity and speed.
Insomnium
Website: github.com/ArchGPT/insomnium
Insomnium is an open-source API client that was created by the community as an alternative to Insomnia. This happened when Insomnia started requiring users to create accounts and move their data to the cloud. Many users preferred to keep their work offline, so Insomnium was created as a fork of Insomnia’s last version before these changes and was developed as a version of Insomnia that stays fully offline without requiring any cloud services or accounts. It keeps all the features that made Insomnia popular but sticks to the original offline approach.
Insomnium vs Insomnia
- API Support: Both Insomnia and Insomnium support RESTful, GraphQL, WebSocket, and gRPC APIs. This means you get the same flexibility in handling different API types with either tool.
- Request Building: Insomnium offers the same request-building features as Insomnia, including support for various authorization methods. Since it’s based on an earlier version of Insomnia, it doesn’t have any new features but keeps the core functionalities intact, like building and sending API requests easily.
- Environments & Folders: Like Insomnia, Insomnium supports global and environment variables but does not allow setting variables or authorization at the folder level. Both tools are similar in how they manage environments and organize requests.
- Collaboration: Insomnium is a fully offline tool, so it doesn’t have cloud-based collaboration features. This is different from the current version of Insomnia, which has started moving towards cloud integration. If you’re working solo or in a small team that doesn’t need online collaboration, Insomnium keeps things simple and offline.
- Deployment: Insomnium is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, just like Insomnia. The main difference is that Insomnium is designed to work entirely offline, which makes it a good choice if you prefer to keep your work local without any connections to external servers.
Hoppscotch
Website: hoppscotch.com
Hoppscotch is an open-source API client known for its lightweight, browser-based interface. It primarily supports RESTful APIs, with additional support for GraphQL and WebSocket. Hoppscotch was designed to be simple and fast, making it easy to test APIs directly from your browser without the need to install a separate application. It’s a great option for developers who want a quick and accessible tool for basic API testing tasks.
Supported Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| API Support | Restful, GraphQL, Web Socket |
| Request Builder | Query Params, Headers, Payload, Authorization and Scripting |
| Environments | With ability to set environment variables |
| Folders | Only for organizing requests, you cannot set variables, auth etc for a folder |
| Folder (Collection) Runner | Not Supported |
| Import | Postman, Insomnia, cUrl and Open API Spec |
| Export | As Hoppscotch Collection |
| Authorization | Basic Auth, Bearer, API Key and OAuth2 |
| CLI | Yes |
| Scripting | Basic scripting capabilities available |
| API Testing | Via pw.test() and pw.expect() |
| Storage | Cloud, Self-Hosted |
Hoppscotch vs Insomnia
- API Support: Hoppscotch supports RESTful, GraphQL, and WebSocket APIs, which cover a good range of use cases. Insomnia also supports these APIs but goes further by including gRPC, making it slightly more versatile for developers working with that protocol.
- Request Building: Hoppscotch offers a straightforward request-building interface that’s easy to use for basic testing. It includes support for query parameters, headers, payloads, and various types of authorization. Insomnia, on the other hand, offers a more robust set of tools, including a richer variety of authorization methods and more advanced configurations.
- Environments & Folders: Like Insomnia, Hoppscotch allows you to use environment variables, which are useful for managing different testing environments. However, neither tool supports setting variables or authorization at the folder level. Insomnia provides slightly more advanced environment management features, but both are fairly limited in this area.
- Collaboration: Hoppscotch, being a browser-based tool, offers some basic sharing features, but it’s less comprehensive than Insomnia’s options. Insomnia allows for basic collaboration through shared requests and environments, though neither tool is as team-focused as more advanced alternatives like Testfully.
- Deployment: Hoppscotch is unique in that it’s entirely browser-based, meaning you don’t need to install anything to use it. This makes it very accessible and convenient for quick testing tasks. Insomnia is a desktop application available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, offering more features but requiring installation. Hoppscotch is working on a desktop application and has released its alpha version for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Thunder Client
Website: thunderclient.com
Thunder Client is a lightweight API client that integrates directly into VS Code, making it suitable for developers who prefer to work within their coding environment. It supports RESTful and GraphQL APIs and is designed to be simple and fast, providing the essential features needed for API testing without leaving the VS Code editor. Thunder Client is ideal for developers who want a quick and easy way to test APIs without switching between different tools or environments.
Supported Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| API Support | Restful, GraphQL, XML |
| Request Builder | Query Params, Headers, Payload, Authorization and Scripting |
| Environments | With ability to set environment variables |
| Collections | Yes, free plan has 50 requests per collection limit |
| Folders | Common headers, scripts, authorization and tests |
| Folder (Collection) Runner | Supported. Free plan has 30 runs a month limit. Enterprise plan offers unlimited runs |
| Import | From Postman and Insomnia. Requires subscription for importing collections with over 50 requests |
| Export | As JSON file |
| Authorization | Basic Auth, Bearer, API Key, OAuth2, NTLM, AWS Signature V4 |
| CLI | Yes, available via subscription |
| Scripting | Basic scripting capabilities available |
| API Testing | Via a no-code GUI |
| Storage | Local |
Thunder Client vs Insomnia
- API Support: Thunder Client supports RESTful and GraphQL APIs, offering enough flexibility for most API testing scenarios within these frameworks. However, it does not support WebSocket or gRPC, which are available in Insomnia, making Insomnia a better choice for developers who need to work with a wider range of API protocols.
- Request Building: Thunder Client provides a basic request-building interface that is well-suited for developers working within VS Code. It covers the essentials, such as query parameters, headers, and body content. Insomnia offers a more comprehensive request-building environment with a broader range of authorization methods and more detailed configuration options, catering to more complex testing needs.
- Environments & Folders: Thunder Client supports the use of environment variables, similar to Insomnia, but neither tool allows for folder-level variables or authorization settings. Insomnia provides a slightly more advanced setup for managing environments, though both tools are somewhat limited in this area compared to more feature-rich alternatives.
- Collaboration: Thunder Client is designed primarily for individual use within VS Code, and as such, it has limited collaboration features. Insomnia offers more in terms of sharing and collaborating on API requests.
- Deployment: Thunder Client’s integration with Visual Studio Code makes it highly convenient for developers who spend most of their time in this environment. It allows for seamless API testing without the need to switch applications. Insomnia, on the other hand, is a standalone desktop application available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, offering more extensive features but requiring a separate installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
We got an answer for your questions
-
What is Insomnia, and why might I need an alternative?
Insomnia is a popular API client used for testing RESTful, GraphQL, WebSocket, and gRPC APIs. It's known for its simple interface and powerful features. However, you might need an alternative if you require additional features like better team collaboration, offline capabilities, or support for more complex workflows that Insomnia doesn't fully accommodate.
-
What are the best alternatives to Insomnia for API testing?
Some of the best alternatives to Insomnia include Testfully, Bruno, Yaak, Insomnium, Hoppscotch, and Thunder Client. Each tool offers unique features that might better suit your specific API testing needs.
-
How does Testfully compare to Insomnia?
Testfully offers advanced features like automated API testing, support for various APIs, including RESTful, GraphQL, XML, and SOAP, and strong team collaboration tools. It's available as both a cloud-native and offline-only solution. Compared to Insomnia, Testfully provides more options for managing environments and folders, as well as scripting and request chaining, which Insomnia lacks.
-
What makes Insomnium different from Insomnia?
Insomnium is a fork of Insomnia created by the community after Insomnia introduced mandatory cloud accounts. Insomnium keeps all work offline and maintains the same core features that Insomnia offered before the shift to cloud services. It's a great option if you prefer to keep your data local and avoid using cloud-based tools.
-
Is Hoppscotch a good replacement for Insomnia?
Hoppscotch is a lightweight, browser-based API client that's easy to use for quick API testing. It supports RESTful, GraphQL, and WebSocket APIs. However, it may not be as feature-rich as Insomnia, especially if you need more advanced request-building options or support for gRPC. Hoppscotch is a good replacement if you need a simple, accessible tool without the need for installation.
-
Can I use Thunder Client as an Insomnia alternative within Visual Studio Code?
Yes, Thunder Client is a great alternative for developers who prefer to stay within the Visual Studio Code environment. It integrates seamlessly with VS Code and supports RESTful and GraphQL APIs. However, it lacks support for WebSocket and gRPC, which are available in Insomnia.
-
What should I consider when choosing an Insomnia alternative?
When choosing an alternative to Insomnia, consider factors like API support (e.g., RESTful, GraphQL, WebSocket, gRPC), the need for team collaboration features, offline capabilities, ease of use, and how well the tool integrates into your existing workflow or development environment.
-
Are these Insomnia alternatives free to use?
Many of the alternatives offer free versions or are fully open-source like Insomnium and Hoppscotch. However, some tools like Testfully might have paid plans that offer more advanced features or better support. It's best to check the specific pricing model of each tool to find one that fits your budget and needs.