API Testing

20 Postman alternatives you should know about - August 2024 Review

Postman is widely used within engineering and software testing communities as an HTTP client. This article will review the top Postman alternatives to help you decide what HTTP client to pick as the Postman alternative. The comparison table helps you find the best Postman alternative for you easier, look for what matters for you the most and pick the tool that has those features.

Written by Matt Valley
Published On Sun Jul 21 2024
Last Updated Mon Aug 12 2024

For many of us, Postman has been the go-to tool API Client and testing tool for years. Postman has been evolving, and experiencing a lot of changes, some of which have been controversial, and made many, including you, to look for a Postman replacement. This article lists the best Postman alternatives for sending requests to different types of APIs, including SOAP, Restful, or GraphQL. We continue to update this article with the latest information about the offered features. Please reach out to us via our contact page for any correction or addition of a new tool.

Limits of Postman’s Free Plan

Before diving into the alternatives, it’s important to know the limits of Postman’s free plan:

  1. API Creation: The free plan restricts users to creating only three APIs within a team. This can be limiting for projects that need a larger number of APIs, particularly if your project involves multiple microservices.
  2. Collection Runner Runs: One of the most significant constraints is the limit of 25 runs per month using the local collection runner. This limitation might become a bottleneck if your project demands frequent and comprehensive testing, requiring you to either upgrade to a paid plan or find alternative solutions.
  3. API Calls and Mock Server Calls: The free plan allows for a maximum of 1,000 API calls and 1,000 mock server calls per month. For projects with higher traffic or more complex testing needs, these limits might prove restrictive, forcing users to upgrade or explore other tools with more generous quotas.
  4. Flows: Users are limited to five flows under the free plan, which could restrict the complexity of the workflows you can create and automate within Postman.
  5. Team Collaboration: Collaboration is limited to three users per team on the free plan. If your team expands beyond this, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan to continue collaborative work effectively.

Comparison Table

To help you make better decisions faster, We have put together a list of features and their availability. You can use this table to decide what matters for you most and pick your Postman alternative. Once you have a shortlist of tools, you can read the detailed review of each tool below.

FeaturePostmanTestfullyInsomniaHoppscotchApidogThunder ClientPostcodeRapid APIFirecampTestMaceNightingaleAPI TestercurlxHTTPieYaakRecipeUIBrunohttpYacSoapUI
PlatformWeb, Desktop, CLIWeb, Desktop, CLIDesktop, CLIWeb, Desktop, CLIWeb, Desktop, CLIVSCode ExtensionVSCode ExtensionMac OSWebDesktopDesktop (Windows)iOS, Android, Mac OSTerminalWeb, Desktop, CLIDesktopWeb & DesktopDesktopCLI, VSCodeDesktop, CLI
Coding Skills RequiredYesNoYesYesNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNo
Restful API supportYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
GraphQL API supportYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNo
Soap API supportYesYesYesNoNoYesNoYesNoNoNoYesYesNoYesNoYesYesYes
Request chainingNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
EnvironmentsYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoYesNoYesYesYes
Random DataYesYesYesNoYesNoNoYesNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
API TestingYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYes
API MonitoringYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
CLIYesYesYesNoYesNoNoNoNoYesNoNoYesYesNoYesYesYesYes
Team CollaborationYesYesYesNoYesNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoVia a Git RepoVia a Git RepoNo

Testfully

Website: testfully.io | Last reviewed on: 2024-07-28

Testfully, a Postman alternative

Testfully is a fully-fledged API client with an automated API testing superpower, available as a Cloud-native and Offline-only solution for Mac, Windows, Linux or via a modern browser. Team collaboration through well-defined access control and a private & secure vault for each workspace user makes Testfully a great choice for teams. Postman backups, collections, environments and globals can be easily imported with one click and ready to use in Testfully. Testfully Scripts supports most if not all pm. APIs so you don’t have to rewrite your scripts.

Offline & Cloud Supported. Testfully's compatibility with Postman makes the switch a breeze. Give us a try!

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportRestful, GraphQL, XML, Soap, Yaml supported. Web Socket and gRPC coming soon
Request BuilderSupports query params, headers, body, auth, scripting, no-code API validation, request chaining
EnvironmentsEnvironment Variables, Authorization settings, Settings
FoldersFolders and Sub-folders, Auth, variables, scripts, headers, params and settings
Folder (Collection) RunnerUnlimited runs
ImportPostman, Insomnia, cURL, Swagger 2.0, Open API 3.0 and 3.1.
ExportAs Testfully JSON file
AuthorizationBasic, Bearer, OAuth2, API Key, AWS Signature V4
CLIInstall Testfully CLI to run requests from CLI, compatible with Offline and Cloud workspaces
ScriptingSupported with no need to rewrite Postman scripts for most cases
API TestingSupported via no-code validation, request chaining or BDD-style testing in Javascript
StorageOffline (local) or Cloud
SSOSupported: Google, Okta, Microsoft Azure and Github
Enterprise-ReadyYes. We offer enterprise support, SLA and more

Testfully’s Pros

  • Smooth transition from Postman, thanks to our Postman Importer
  • A pricing model that’s simple and transparent. No hidden fees, no surprises, no breaking the bank.
  • A public roadmap that’s driven by our customers. We listen to our customers and build features that matter to them.
  • Rest, GraphQL, XML and Soap are already supported, gRPC and WebSocket are coming soon.
  • Cloud and Offline storage is supported, unlike Postman. Learn more
  • Team collaboration through well-defined access control, a private & secure vault for each workspace user.
  • State-of-art authorization support. Supports OAuth2, Basic Auth, Bearer Token, and API Key authorization.
  • A Folder Runner that allows you to run all requests in a folder with a single click, without any limit.
  • Unique features such as multi-step requests, Actions, Functions, auto-generated API Documentation, and no-code API testing.
  • Scripting capabilities that allow you to write Javascript code to modify requests, access responses, set variables or send requests.

Testfully’s Cons

  • Currently, we do not support gRPC or WebSocket. That said, it’s in Testfully roadmap.

Demo

Thunder Client

Website: thunderclient.com | Last Reviewed on: 2023-12-13

Thunder Client, a Postman HTTP client alternative

Postman’s slow app and confusing UI led Ranga Vadhineni, the creator of Thunder Client, to build a simple and fast HTTP client. Rather than offering a web app, he decided to build a VScode extension to eliminate the need for switching between apps. Thunder Client aims to be a lightweight extension that offers a simple UI and fast experience. As of today (Dec 2023), the extension has over 3 million downloads and 3.5 (out of 5) stars on the VScode marketplace. The extension is free to use, with multiple paid plans to lift the limits and unlock advanced features and capabilities.

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportRestful, GraphQL, XML
Request BuilderQuery Params, Headers, Payload, Authorization and Scripting
EnvironmentsWith ability to set environment variables
CollectionsYes, free plan has 50 requests per collection limit
FoldersCommon headers, scripts, authorization and tests
Folder (Collection) RunnerSupported. Free plan has 30 runs a month limit. Enterprise plan offers unlimited runs
ImportFrom Postman and Insomnia. Requires subscription for importing collections with over 50 requests
ExportAs JSON file
AuthorizationBasic Auth, Bearer, API Key, OAuth2, NTLM, AWS Signature V4
CLIYes, available via subscription
ScriptingBasic scripting capabilities available
API TestingVia a no-code GUI
StorageLocal

Thunder Client’s Pros

  • It’s lightweight and fast as it’s a VScode extension. No need to switch between apps.
  • Offers Git sync, albeit only available via a subscription

Thunder Client’s Cons

  • Only available as a VScode extension
  • The free plan has limits on the number of requests, collections and runs
  • CLI is only available via a subscription
  • Collection Runner has a limit on the number of runs even on some paid plans
  • Missing documentation

Author’s Note on Thunder Client

If you’re a VSCode user looking to send requests without context switching, Thunder Client is a good choice, assuming you’re happy with the 50 requests per collection limit. The VSCode extension also means you can only collaborate with your colleagues if they’re also using VSCode as well.

httpYac

Website: httpyac.github.io | Last reviewed on: 2024-07-21

httpYac, a Postman alternative

httpYac provides a way to create and send HTTP requests using a text-based file format that is superset of RFC 7230, a tool for those who prefer text-based tools over GUI-based tools. At the moment httpYac is available as a command-line tool and via two VSCode extensions: VS Code extension to create and execute requests and httpBook for documentation of requests in a Jupyter Notebook Format.

The goal [of httpYac] is to create a simple, free and extensible development tool that follows known standards if possible. For example, for the description language of the requests, the specification mostly repeats RFC 7230 with several extensions intended for easier requests composing and editing.

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportRestful, GraphQL, Soap and gRPC
AuthorizationOAuth2, AWS, Basic, Digest, SSL Client Certificate and Bearer Token
CLIYes
ScriptingYes (via Javascript)
StorageLocal
EnvironmentsBuilt in support for variables and environments using dotenv and intelliJ files.

httpYac’s Pros

  • It’s free and open-source
  • lightweight and fast

httpYac’s Cons

  • It’s a command-line tool, not a GUI-based tool.
  • Limited to VSCode users.
  • Steep learning curve to master the syntax.

Author’s Note on httpYac

If you’re a developer who prefers text-based tools over GUI-based tools, httpYac is a great choice. It’s a simple, free and extensible development tool that follows known standards.

Insomnia

Website: insomnia.rest | Last reviewed on: 2023-12-05

Insomnina, a Postman HTTP client alternative

Insomnia is a desktop app for Windows, Mac and Linux. You can use it for sending requests to Restful, GraphQL, Web Socket and gRPC APIs and servers. It supports both global and environment variables for reusing variables, but variables cannot be set for folders. When it comes to Authorization, requests in Insomnia can use a great range of authorization options including Basic, Bearer, Digest, OAuth2, and AWS Signature V4. That said, authorization cannot be set for a folder.

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportRestful, GraphQL, Web Socket and gRPC
Request BuilderRich request builder with support for query params, headers, body, auth but no scripting
EnvironmentsWith ability to set environment variables
FoldersOnly for organizing requests, you cannot set variables, auth etc for a folder
Folder (Collection) RunnerNot Supported
ImportPostman, Insomnia, cURL, Swagger and Open API Spec
ExportAs Insomnia Collection
AuthorizationAll standard authorization schemes available
CLIInstall Inso CLI to run requests from CLI
ScriptingNot supported
API TestingNot supported
StorageLocal and Cloud

Insomnia Pros

  • Simple and easy-to-use UI. Unlike Postman, Insomnia offers a simple and elegant user interface.
  • Insomnia loads faster than Postman and is more responsive than Postman
  • You can organize multiple API services using collections and focus on one at a time.
  • You can embed customizable random values to your request
  • A great echo system of open-source plugins to extend Insomnia’s capabilities

Insomnia Cons

  • You cannot write tests for standard requests. Testing capabilities of Insomnia are only available to Design Documents (API specs written in Open API format).
  • Does not support folders

Author’s Note on Insomnia

I’ve been using Insomnia on and off for a few years now. It’s a great tool, and I love the simplicity of the tool. That said, it won’t work for more advanced scenarios. For me, it was only a tool for sending requests quickly. If you’re among users who need a simple tool for sending requests, Insomnia is a great choice. Also, if you’re moving away from Postman because of the retirement of ScratchPad, it worth to read the next paragraph first before you make a decision.

Insomnium, the fork of Insomnia

Website: archgpt.dev/insomnium | Last Reviewed on: 2023-10-19

Insomnium, a Postman HTTP client alternative that is free and open-source

Source: Insomnium Github repo

To understand why Insomnium exists today, I should tell you a backstory.

The release of Insomnia 8 made a lot of noise. Overnight, and without any prior communication (to the best of my knowledge), Insomnia users were asked to sign up for an account and move their data to the Cloud; the Offline Anonymous Scratchpad experience that many Insomnia users relied on to get their job done became unavailable.

In a sense, Insomnium is a community response to the latest Insomnia product update that forces account creation w/o warning. Source: Insomnium Github repo

Marco Palladino, CTO and co-founder of Kong, commented in a Github issue that the company roadmap, and technical and business challenges, made them move in this direction. A few weeks later, Kong, the company that acquired Insomnia, announced that they had bought back the Local Projects to 8.3.0. This was in response to the feedback Kong received from the community.

With that backstory out of the way, Insomnium, as it is stated in the Github repo, is a fork of Kong/insomnia at 2023.5.8, the last commit before compulsory account login was introduced. In a sense, Insomnium is a community response to the latest product update that forces account creation w/o warning.

But Matt, you didn’t tell us the story behind the name Insomnium. Well, a picture speaks a thousand words!

The backstory of the name Insomnium

Source: Insomnium Github repo

In a nutshell, Insomnium is open-source and free, maintained by a group of contributors, is fully offline and does not come with any tracking or communication to external servers. Insomnia users can follow the instructions to migrate their data to Insomnium. In terms of features, Insomnium offers the same set of features as Insomnia at the time of fork.

Hoppscotch

Website: hoppscotch.com | Last Reviewed on: 2023-12-12

Hoppscotch, a Postman HTTP client alternative

Hoppscotch is an open-source API Client with over 57K Github stars, available as a web and desktop app. Hoppscotch offers offline, Cloud and on-prem storage options for your data. It supports Restful, GraphQL and WebSocket APIs via dedicated GUIs rather than one GUI for all types of APIs. A CLI tool is available for integration with CI/CD pipelines.

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportRestful, GraphQL, Web Socket
Request BuilderQuery Params, Headers, Payload, Authorization and Scripting
EnvironmentsWith ability to set environment variables
FoldersOnly for organizing requests, you cannot set variables, auth etc for a folder
Folder (Collection) RunnerNot Supported
ImportPostman, Insomnia, cUrl and Open API Spec
ExportAs Hoppscotch Collection
AuthorizationBasic Auth, Bearer, API Key and OAuth2
CLIYes
ScriptingBasic scripting capabilities available
API TestingVia pw.test() and pw.expect()
StorageLocal, Cloud, On-prem

Hoppscotch’s Pros

  • Lightweight with a simple UI
  • Supports most API types and authorization schemes
  • Scripting capabilities are available
  • Supports variables and environments

Hoppscotch’s Cons

  • Folders do not support variables, auth etc, they’re purely for organizing requests
  • No collection runner, you cannot run all requests in a folder with a single click
  • The cloud version offers team members, but without access control over folders or requests

Author’s Note on Hoppscotch

Hoppscotch has seen a lot of improvements since it was first released, thanks to an active community of contributors and a 3mil seed funding from OSS Capital in 2021. Today, the company offers paid plans for enterprise customers. As of today, don’t expect more than an API Client form Hoppscotch, for sending basic HTTP requests, Hoppscotch is a great tool. That said, you might experience limits as you start using it for more advanced scenarios. For example, lack of collection runner and inability to set variables for folders might be a deal-breaker for some users.

Rapid API

Website: paw.cloud | Last reviewed on: 2024-05-16

Rapid API (formerly known as Paw) has been a Mac-only app for a long time. In Feb 2021, Rapid API announced that they had acquired Paw and announced the availability of cross-platform Paw applications and a new subscription-based pricing model. It is free for personal and professional use and teams up to 5 users. But if you have a team with more than five users, you have to pay a price that begins at 60 USD per month. It’s still a Mac-only app, and other platforms are not supported yet. Generally, Rapid API doesn’t offer many of the features that Postman offers, but don’t let that disappoint you because Rapid API provides a range of extensions for adding new features. For example, you can use a Faker.js extension to generate and include random data in the request. Rapid API comes with a visual HTTP client and a native macOS interface to describe APIs.

Rapid API, a Postman HTTP client alternative

Rapid API’s Pros

  • The native Mac app is fast
  • Rapid API is extendable using 3rd-party extensions

Rapid API’s Cons

  • Does not support other platforms than Mac-OS
  • Documentations are not updated and still refer to the app as Paw instead of Rapid API

Postcode

Website: Github/Postcode | Last Reviewed on: 2023-12-14

Postcode, a Postman HTTP client alternative

Postcode is another VScode extension for sending HTTP requests. It’s free, open-source and is developed to do one thing, sending HTTP requests. Use Postcode to fire a request (XML, JSON, GraphQL, Form Data or binary) and see the response in a clean UI.

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportRestful, GraphQL, XML
Request BuilderQuery Params, Headers, Payload, Authorization (Only Basic and Bearer Token)

Postcode’s Pros

  • It’s free & open source
  • A simple and clean UI that follows your VSCode theme

Postcode’s Cons

  • You cannot save requests for future usage, organise them in folders or share them with your colleagues
  • You cannot create environments, environment variables or globals. Everything has to be set for each request

Author’s Note on Postcode

Use Postcode for sending HTTP requests, nothing more, nothing less. If you’re looking for a tool to organise your requests, share them with your colleagues or run them in bulk, Postcode is not for you.

Firecamp

Website: firecamp.io | Last reviewed on: 2024-01-12

Firecamp, a Postman HTTP client alternative

Firecamp is an API Development Tool that provides tools to interact with REST and GraphQL APIs. Moreover, Firecamp offers dedicated playgrounds for Web Socket, SocketIO and GraphQL APIs. In version 3, they made their platform Web-Based and are currently working on their desktop app. Firecamp still does not have a CLI tool, but its roadmap indicates it will be available. With a free plan that allows users to invite up to 5 team members to their workspace for team collaboration, they also provide a paid plan that suggests up to 15 team members.

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportRestful, GraphQL, Websocket, SocketIO supported
Request BuilderRequest builder with support for query params, headers, body, auth and scripting
EnvironmentsWith the ability to set environment variables
FoldersFolders and Sub-folders, Auth and Scripts
CollectionsAuth, Scripts, Tests and Variables can be set for Collections
ImportPostman and Firecamp
AuthorizationBasic, Bearer, Digest, AWS Signature Version 4 and OAuth1
ScriptingJavascript supported
API TestingWrite BDD/TDD style tests
Execution EnvironmentBrowser and Cloud

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Dedicated GUI Playgrounds for REST, GraphQL, Websocket and SocketIO
  • Being able to import Postman Collections, Variables and Scripts
  • Improved UI compared to previous versions

Cons

  • There are some UI/UX issues
  • You cannot import Postman environment files
  • You cannot set variables and headers for a folder
  • No CLI available
  • No Desktop App
  • Incomplete Documentation

Author’s Note on Firecamp

While using Firecamp, I noticed some minor issues in their UX/UI. Although they have improved their User Interface, you may still face some minor bugs. Their documentation is incomplete, and you might encounter a “WORK IN PROGRESS” message when you want to read about a section. It can make it tricky and time-consuming to figure out how things work. Despite these issues, if you are looking for an alternative to Postman that offers a dedicated GUI playground for REST, GraphQL, Websocket, and SocketIO, Firecamp is worth checking out.

TestMace

Website: testmace.com | Last Reviewed on: 2024-01-12

TestMace, a Postman alternative

TestMace is a cross-platform API client (Windows, Mac, Linux) and API testing tool that works with different APIs. Using TestMace, you can easily create, execute, and manage HTTP requests and tests for your API as a developer or tester. In our ongoing quest to keep our readers informed about the best API testing and development tools, we’re revisiting TestMace, an emerging alternative to Postman. Our initial review highlighted its potential, and we’re excited to delve into the latest updates and features that TestMace offers in 2024

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportRestful, GraphQL, WebSocket and gRPC
Request BuilderSupports Query Params, Headers, Body, Auth, Variables
EnvironmentsWith ability to set environment variables
FoldersFolders and Sub-folders support, variables, headers and settings
Folder RunnerAll requests in a folder can be executed with a single click
ImportPostman, cURL, Swagger
AuthorizationBasic, Bearer, OAuth1, Digest auth
CLIInstall Testmace CLI via NPM
ScriptingJavaScript supported, some Nodejs modules are available
AssertionsSupported no-code and JavaScript Assertions

TestMace Pros

  • TestMace supports global variables (Environment, User-defined, Default)
  • You can add various assertions to your requests to test your APIs.
  • You can see responses and requests at the same time.
  • TestMace supports the group for your requests by adding them in a folder, so that you can run all of them on one hood.
  • You can set the default header in the folder level, applying all its requests.
  • TestMace can generate random data with scripting ability.
  • You can write JavaScript codes as the Setup/teardown scripts.
  • TestMace supports “Team Collaboration”. You can sync your project to the cloud and share it with your team.
  • The “UI” is simple.
  • You can use the multi-step (chained) request capability of TestMace to create complex automated tests.
  • TestMace supports export and import.
  • You can test your API through the CLI (Command-Line) tool in TestMace.
  • TestMace supports GraphQL.

TestMace Cons

  • The documentation is not complete. For example, there is no information about making requests using GraphQL in TastMace.
  • TestMace doesn’t support SOAP APIs.
  • You cannot use TestMace for API monitoring. If you’re looking for a Postman alternative for API monitoring, please check our API monitoring tools list.
  • You may occasionally face the reload app error when you don’t use the app in the background for a while in Windows.
  • The app size in Windows is about 1GB, Which is too much.

Nightingale

Website: nightingale.rest | Last reviewed on: 2024-01-12

Nightingale, a Postman alternative

The Nightingale REST client makes it easy to test your APIs without writing a single line of code. This interactive Windows application allows you to call any API, make requests and observe responses. It’s easy to install and has a simple UI. Moreover, It presents some facilities like workspaces, collections, and more.

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportRestful API only
Request BuilderCapabilities like query parameters, headers, body, authentication methods, Chaining and Mock
EnvironmentsWith the ability to set environment variables
CollectionsHeaders, Auth, Query Params can be set for collection
ImportPostman, Insomnia, cURL, Nightingale, Open API and OData
ExportAs Nightingale
AuthorizationBasic, Bearer, Digest, OAuth1 and OAuth2

Nightingale Pros

  • Nightingale is free.
  • Nightingale supports multi-step (chained) requests.
  • You can use collections to have more organized workspaces.
  • Using environment variables, you can embed and reuse customized values in your requests.
  • Nightingale supports importing from other clients such as Postman, Insomnia, etc.
  • You can execute all requests on one run.
  • You can add the mock servers to generate random data in Nightingale for your front-end development team or anything that uses your API to continue their development. At the same time, you are working on your APIs.

Nightingale Cons

  • Nightingale is a REST client only.
  • Nightingale doesn’t support assertions.
  • Nightingale doesn’t offer user management. Thus, the team can’t collaborate.
  • Nightingale doesn’t support GraphQL.
  • It is only available for the Windows platform.
  • The last commit on GitHub was back in 2022.

HTTPie

Website: httpie.io

HTTPie is a decade-old (as old as Postman), Python-backed CLI HTTP Client that’s evolved into a web and desktop app. If you’re scouting for a Postman alternative, HTTPie’s desktop version is worth a look. It’s straightforward and dependable, but might not satisfy those seeking advanced features.

Screenshot of HTTPie desktop app, a free and lightweight API client

Trivia: HTTPie’s founder, Jakub Roztocil, once unintentionally wiped out 54K Github stars. Discover the story.

HTTPie Pros

  • It’s free
  • Your data can be stored in the Cloud or offline
  • Fast, light, and intuitive
  • Works well with both GraphQL and Restful APIs
  • Supports Globals and Environment Variables
  • Supports Basic, Bearer, and API Key Authentication for requests and a collection
  • Supports Query Params and Headers
  • Full Request & Response is available for inspection
  • Save responses as JSON file
  • Import from Postman, Insomnia or cURL commands
  • Desktop app available for Mac (Silicon, Intel), Linux, and Windows
  • Comes with a powerful CLI version

HTTPie Cons

  • The web app sends request via HTTPie servers — could be a privacy or security concern for some users
  • All environments can have the same set of environment variables
  • Does not support advanced auth schemes including OAuth2 etc.
  • Requests CANNOT be organised in folders
  • Make sure your exported file is fully valid and latest version or you may not be able to import it
  • Data CANNOT be exported at the moment
  • Does not support HTTP Proxy
  • The web-version does not work with localhost APIs. The desktop app, hover works with localhost APIs
  • Scripting is not supported
  • SSL Certificate Verification cannot be disabled
  • You cannot run multiple requests in one go

A quick demo of HTTPie

Yaak

Website: yaak.app | Last reviewed on: 2024-01-22

Yaak, a Postman alternative

Greg, the creator of Yaak, needed a tool to help debug the APIs he was working on, but he wasn’t satisfied with anything on the market so he built his own! Yaak is still in its early days, but it’s a lightweight and cross-platform tool for sending HTTP requests. A robust and elegant UI, support for multiple environments, and folders are some of the features that make Yaak a great choice for sending HTTP requests.

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportRestful, GraphQL and gRPC. Websocket coming soon!
FoldersOnly for organization, you cannot set variables, auth etc for a folder
Request BuilderQuery Params, Headers, Payload and Authorization
ScriptingNot supported
EnvironmentsWith ability to set environment variables only
Folder RunnerYes, it’s called Batch Send

Yaak’s Pros

  • It’s cross-platform, lightweight, fast and with a simple and elegant UI
  • Requests & folders can be organized using drag and drop

Yaak’s Cons

  • Missing variables or authorization for folders
  • Limited support of authorization schemes
  • No scripting capabilities
  • Lack of tabs for switching between requests

Author’s Note on Yaak

Yaak is still in its early days, yet I found it relatively stable and functional. If you’re looking for a simple and lightweight tool for sending HTTP requests, Yaak is worth a look.

Bruno

Website: usebruno.com | Last reviewed on: 2023-11-29

Bruno, a Postman HTTP client alternative

Bruno’s website says they’re Re-Inventing the API Client. It’s an offline-only (with no plans to add cloud sync) API Client that stores requests, environments and collections as plain text files in your local machine using Bru Lang, a domain-specific language, making it easy to version control requests and collaborate with your colleagues. The app is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, no web version, sorry!

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportRestful and GraphQL for free. GRPC, Websocket, SocketIO, MQTT are available in the Golden edition.
Request BuilderRich request builder with support for query params, headers, body, auth, scripting
EnvironmentsWith ability to set environment variables
CollectionsHeaders, auth, scripts, tests, docs and client certificates can be set for collection
FoldersOnly for organizing requests, you cannot set variables, auth etc for a folder
Folder RunnerAll requests in a folder can be executed with a single click
ImportPostman, Insomnia, cURL, Bruno and Open API Spec 3.0
ExportAs Bruno or Postman collection
AuthorizationBasic, Bearer, Digest and AWS Signature V4 only. No OAuth2 support
CLIInstall Bru CLI via NPM to run requests from CLI
ScriptingJavascript supported. Modify request, access response, set variables, send requests or import any NPM package.
API TestingWrite BDD/TDD style tests or use the low-code Assert feature.
StorageLocal storage only. No cloud sync.

Bruno’s Pros

  • Free, open source and fast
  • Requests can be executed from within Visual Studio Code using the Bru extension. That said, I could not get it to work as I was getting an error saying command 'extension.runBrunoRequest' not found.

Bruno’s Cons

  • It’s only available as a desktop app
  • Certain features like request timeout, cookie jar or disabling SSL verification errors are missing.
  • You cannot set variables, headers or auth for a folder.
  • If you need a cloud sync, that feature will never be available in Bruno.
  • There are some UX issues and rough edges that need to be ironed out. For example, I tried importing a Postman collection, and it failed without giving a clear error. I tried importing the same collection in Insomnia, and it worked fine.

Author’s Note on Bruno

I’ve been using Bruno for a week now, and it’s been a good experience so far. It takes a bit of time to get used to the UI, but once you get used to it, it’s a breeze to use and despite some UX issues and missing features, the app has a lot of potential. If you’re looking for a Postman alternative that’s open source, fast, and has a CLI, Bruno is worth a look.

API Tester

Website: apitester.org

API Tester is a free and lightweight alternative to Postman. The main goal of API Tester is to offer a convenient app that helps to shift the performance of some work tasks from desktops to mobile devices, thereby allowing developers and testers to not be tied to their workstations as only a mobile phone is always with us. Currently, the app allows interaction with all the most popular API types, including Rest and GraphQL.

API tester, a Postman alternative

APITester Pros

  • Free; available as a mobile application

APITester Cons

  • Does not support folders for organization
  • Does not offer a solution for Windows or Linux users
  • Multiple environments cannot be configured (e.g. UAT, Prod, Dev)
  • You cannot collaborate with your colleagues

RecipeUI

Website: recipeui.com | Last reviewed on: 2024-02-04

RecipeUI, a Postman alternative

Jeane Carlos created RecipeUI at Robinhood after witnessing colleagues struggle to use and test internal APIs. RecipeUI is an open-source alternative to Postman that allows JSON to be type-safe and enriched with autocomplete using TypeScript.

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportREST only
FoldersOnly for organization, you cannot set variables, auth etc for a folder
Request BuilderQuery Params, Headers, Body, URL variables and Authorization
Type safe JSONUses TypeScript to make your JSON type-safe
Auto CompleteUses TypeScript to allow auto completion of JSON properties

RecipeUI’s Pros

  • It’s cross-platform, lightweight, fast and with a simple and elegant UI
  • Uses TypeScript to make your JSON type-safe
  • Allows JSON auto-completion by using TypeScript
  • It has a builder for URL variables

RecipeUI’s Cons

  • Missing variables or authorization for folders
  • Missing variables and environments
  • No scripting capabilities
  • Lack of tabs for switching between requests

Author’s Note on RecipeUI

RecipeUI uses an interesting approach to make your JSON type safe with TypeScript and autocomplete. You can only use it to send HTTP requests to a REST API. No testing and monitoring can be done with it.

curlx

Website: curlx.dev

Curlx, as you might have already guessed, is a supercharged cURL. It’s cURL with the goodness of Postman, for terminal lovers. Shivkanth Bagavathy, the creator of Curlx, has made a great decision (in my opinion) to follow cURL’s syntax so if you know how to use cURL, you’re going to feel at home with Curlx.

History and Collections make CurlX a supercharged cURL. Access past requests using the cx history command and organize requests into collections using the cx collections command.

Curlx uses your disk to store the data in JSON format which makes it super easy to version control your data and share it with your colleagues.

curlx, a Postman alternative

Curlx Pros

  • Free & open source
  • Follows cURL syntax which makes it easy to use
  • Local storage

Curlx Cons

  • Requires Node.js runtime to work, distributed via NPM

Apidog

Website: apidog.com | Last reviewed on: 2024-03-21

Apidog, a Postman alternative

Apidog is an API development platform that presents itself as an All-in-one Collaborative API Development Platform that simplifies testing and development. With a focus on user-friendliness and a set of features, it’s designed for developers and teams looking for efficient API testing solutions. It comes with a web and desktop version that supports Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportREST, GraphQL, Web Socket and gRPC (beta)
Request BuilderRich request builder with support for query params, headers, body, cookies, auth and scripts
EnvironmentsWith ability to set environment variables
FoldersOnly for organizing, you cannot set variables, auth etc for a folder
Folder (Collection) RunnerNot Supported
ImportPostman, Insomnia, JMeter, Swagger and Open API Spec, Google Discovery and etc.
ExportAs OpenAPI Specification, HTML, Markdown, Apidog
AuthorizationAll standard authorization schemes available
CLIInstall apidog-cli to run requests from CLI
ScriptingJavaScript supported
API TestingWrite BDD/TDD style tests or use the low-code Assert feature.

Apidog’s Pros

  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Offers a wide range of features, including debugging, variable support, pre-processors, API mocking, and CI/CD integration
  • Supports import of Postman collections
  • Provides API mocking capabilities and generates interactive API documentation

Apidog’s Cons

  • Having recently completed its beta phase, it’s relatively new to the market, so that it may lack the maturity and community support found in more established tools like Testfully and Postman
  • While Apidog focuses on integration-level testing, it might not provide detailed insights into how an API interacts with other system components.
  • Despite its user-friendly interface, new users might still face a learning curve with some advanced features or when transitioning from other tools due to differences in workflows or terminologies.
  • Accounts for Europe and Global are entirely separate and cannot collaborate across regions

Author’s Note on Apidog

Apidog focuses on integration-level testing and is helpful if you have an API-first approach; it has some valuable features for API mocking and API testing, but it might be a little tricky at first to be able to use its features. If you have a diverse company with colleagues worldwide, using Apidog can be a problem for your company in case of collaboration cause the accounts for Europe and the rest of the world are entirely separated, and they cannot collaborate across regions. With all that said, Apidog is still in its early days and has a long way to go.

SoapUI

Website: soapui.org | Last reviewed on: 2024-08-07

SoapUI, a Postman alternative

SoapUI is a versatile testing tool designed primarily for API testing, supporting both SOAP and RESTful services. It is particularly strong in complex testing scenarios, such as functional, load, and security testing, making it a preferred tool for enterprise environments.

Supported Features

FeatureDetails
API SupportSupports SOAP and REST.
Request BuilderSupports various request types, headers, authentication, and scripting using Groovy.
EnvironmentsAllows setting up environment variables and context-based testing.
FoldersSupports organizing requests in folders with shared configurations.
Collection RunnerSupports running multiple requests as part of a test suite, with support for data-driven tests.
Import/ExportSupports import/export of test cases, projects, and environments in XML format.
AuthorizationSupports OAuth, Basic Auth, SPNEGO-Kerberos, and NTLM.
CLICommand-line interface for running tests and generating reports.
ScriptingAdvanced scripting capabilities using Groovy.
API TestingComprehensive support for functional, load, and security testing.
StorageLocal storage, with support for collaborative projects.
CollaborationSupports collaboration through shared projects and integration with tools like Jenkins and JIRA.

SoapUI’s Pros

  • SoapUI supports a wide range of protocols, making it ideal for testing both SOAP and RESTful APIs.
  • It offers comprehensive testing features, including functional, load, and security testing, which are crucial for complex projects.
  • It offers robust features that support large-scale testing needs.

SoapUI’s Cons

  • It can be challenging for users new to API testing because of its steep learning curve.
  • The tool can be resource-intensive, particularly during large-scale tests, potentially slowing down your system.
  • Because of its many features, the interface can be too overwhelming at times, which makes it less user-friendly.

SoapUI vs Postman

  1. Protocol Support
    • SoapUI: SoapUI primarily supports SOAP and RESTful APIs. It is particularly strong in environments where detailed SOAP API testing is required, making it a go-to tool for projects heavily reliant on these protocols.
    • Postman: Postman supports a wide range of protocols, including REST, GraphQL, SOAP, gRPC, and WebSocket APIs. This versatility makes it a flexible option for developers working across various modern APIs.
  2. Usability
    • SoapUI: The interface is feature-rich but can be complex and overwhelming, especially for beginners. It is better suited for users who need detailed control over their testing environment and can handle a steeper learning curve.
    • Postman: Although Postman is known for its user-friendly design, its interface can also feel bloated with features, which might overwhelm users who prefer a simpler, more streamlined tool. While it remains accessible to new users, the large number of options available can make the UI cluttered, requiring some time to navigate efficiently.
  3. Testing Capabilities
    • SoapUI: SoapUI excels in functional, load, and security testing, with advanced automation capabilities through Groovy scripting. It is ideal for complex testing scenarios, especially those involving SOAP services.
    • Postman: Postman supports automated testing and scripting (in JavaScript) and is optimized for quick, straightforward API validations. However, it may not offer the same depth as SoapUI in some areas, particularly in load testing and complex scenarios.
  4. Collaboration
    • SoapUI: Collaboration is possible but often requires integration with third-party tools, making it less seamless compared to Postman. It is more geared toward individual or small team use in larger projects.
    • Postman: Postman offers collaboration features, including shared workspaces and version control, making it suitable for teams working on shared projects.
  5. Performance
    • SoapUI: Can be resource-intensive, especially during large-scale testing like load tests, which might affect system performance.
    • Postman: Generally lighter on system resources, making it a more efficient option for quick tasks. However, its feature-rich interface can sometimes feel sluggish, particularly when dealing with large collections and complex setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

We got an answer for your questions

  • Why do people seek alternatives to Postman?

    People seek alternatives to Postman for various reasons, including cost, performance, the need for open-source solutions, specific feature requirements, and usability preferences. Additionally, Postman sunsetting Postman ScratchPad and moving to a cloud-only model has raised concerns among users who prioritize data security and privacy.

  • Is Postman open source?

    No, Postman is not open source. This is one of the reasons why people seek alternatives to Postman, as they need something open source to modify and extend the tool to better fit their needs.

  • What are the costs associated with using Postman?

    Postman offers both free and premium plans. The free plan is limited in terms of features and collaboration capabilities. The premium plans start at $19 per user per month, which can be prohibitive for small teams or individuals.

  • Which Postman alternatives are open source?

    Several Postman alternatives are open source, including httpYac, Bruno, Insomnium, and Curlx.

  • What are some lightweight alternatives to Postman?

    Some lightweight alternatives to Postman include Insomnia, Thunder Client, Yaak, and Postcode.

  • Do Postman alternatives support different API types like SOAP, GraphQL, and Restful?

    Yes, many Postman alternatives support various API types, such as Testfully, httpYac, Firecamp, and Insomnia.

  • Can I collaborate with my team using Postman alternatives?

    Yes, many Postman alternatives offer team collaboration features, including Testfully, Hoppscotch, Thunder Client, and Apidog.

  • What are the scripting capabilities of Postman alternatives?

    Postman alternatives offer various scripting capabilities, such as JavaScript scripting in Testfully, Bruno, Firecamp, and Apidog.

  • Which Postman alternatives offer API testing features?

    Several Postman alternatives offer API testing features, including Testfully, Bruno, Firecamp, and Apidog.

  • Which Postman alternatives offer a command-line interface (CLI) support?

    Some Postman alternatives offer CLI support, including Testfully, Bruno, httpYac, and HTTPie.

  • Are there any Postman alternatives that provide a free plan?

    Yes, many Postman alternatives provide free plans, such as Insomnia, Thunder Client, Yaak, httpYac, and API Tester.

  • Which Postman alternatives have a desktop application?

    Several Postman alternatives have desktop applications, including Testfully, Insomnia, Bruno, Firecamp, and HTTPie.

  • Are there any Postman alternatives available as VSCode extensions?

    Yes, some Postman alternatives are available as VSCode extensions, such as Thunder Client and Postcode.

  • Which Postman alternatives support importing Postman collections?

    Many Postman alternatives support importing Postman collections, including Testfully, Insomnia, Bruno, Firecamp, and Apidog.

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