Postman has for years been the favorite tool for API testing and development. However, recent changes to Postman's pricing and features have prompted many developers and teams to search for alternatives. Luckily, there are now many excellent options on offer that can match or even exceed Postman's functionalities. In this article, we'll investigate some of the top Postman alternatives for API collaboration, testing, and development.
Why Consider Postman Alternatives?
While Postman continues to be a favored and competent tool, there are a few considerations why developers may want to look into alternatives:
Fee modifications - Postman has shifted to a per-user pricing model that can be pricey for larger teams
Mandatory cloud synchronization - Recent versions require syncing data to Postman's cloud, which some companies aren't comfortable with
Speed problems - As Postman has incorporated more features, some users mention slowdowns and crashes
Complication - The Postman interface has become quite complex as features have been included
Limited offline capabilities - Working offline with Postman has turned more difficult
Fortunately, there are now many outstanding Postman alternatives that address these problems while delivering powerful API testing and development capabilities.
Leading Postman Alternatives
1. Insomnia
Insomnia is one of the most popular Postman alternatives, providing a user-friendly interface and powerful features for API development and testing. Some key features include:
Support for REST, GraphQL, gRPC and more
Environment variables and context switching
Code snippet generation
Plugins and themes
Collaborative workspaces
Insomnia is accessible as a desktop app for Windows, Mac and Linux. There's a free version for individual use, with paid team plans initiating from $8/user/month.
2. Hoppscotch
Hoppscotch (formerly Postwoman) is a free, open source API development ecosystem. It offers a web-based interface as well as desktop apps. Key features include:
Handling of REST, GraphQL, WebSockets and more
Environments and variables
Code generation
Collaborative workspaces
Self-hosted option available
Hoppscotch is a excellent free alternative to Postman with a user-friendly, modern interface. The web version can be used without any installation.
3. Bruno
Bruno is a newer open source API client that strives to be fast, lightweight and privacy-focused. Some notable features:
Runs entirely locally - no account or cloud sync required
Git-friendly collections stored as Markdown files
Support for environments and scripting
Built-in API documentation generator
Accessible for Windows, Mac and Linux
Bruno is totally free and open source. It's a great option for developers who want a straightforward, fast API client without any cloud dependencies.
4. Postcode
Postcode is another open source Postman alternative with a clean, minimal interface. Key functionalities include:
Handling of REST and GraphQL APIs
Environment variables
Request history and collections
Code snippet generation
Available as a web app or desktop app
Postcode is free to use and offers a uncomplicated interface for API testing without unnecessary complexity.
5. Thunder Client (VS Code Extension)
For developers who opt to work within VS Code, Thunder Client is an excellent Postman alternative. It offers a full-featured API client right in your VS Code environment. Features include:
REST and GraphQL support
Environment variables
Request collections and history
Code snippet generation
Git sync for collections
Thunder Client is free to use and merges seamlessly with VS Code workflows.
6. Apidog
Apidog is a comprehensive API development platform that aims to cover the entire API lifecycle. Key features include:
API design and prototyping
Mock servers
Automated testing
API documentation
Team collaboration
Apidog provides a free plan for individuals, with paid plans initiating from $7/user/month for teams.
7. HTTPie
HTTPie started as a command-line HTTP client but now delivers a full-featured desktop app as well. Some notable capabilities:
Intuitive CLI syntax
Compatibility with plugins
API documentation generator
Desktop GUI with request builder
Obtainable for Windows, Mac and Linux
HTTPie is free and open source, making it a great option for developers who like working from the command line.
8. Paw (Mac Only)
Paw is a full-featured API testing tool available exclusively for macOS. It provides a native Mac app experience with features like:
Visual request builder
Dynamic values
Code generation
Extensions
Collaborative workspaces
Paw requires a one-time purchase of $49.99 for individual use, with team pricing available.
9. Advanced REST Client
Advanced REST Client (ARC) is an open source API testing tool available as a Chrome app or Electron-based desktop application. Features include:
Compatibility with multiple request types
Environment variables
Request history
Cookie management
Obtainable for Windows, Mac and Linux
ARC is free and open source, providing a capable Postman alternative for Chrome users.
10. Testfully
Testfully is a all-encompassing API testing platform designed for teams. Key features include:
Visual test builder
Automated API testing
Performance testing
Mock servers
Team collaboration features
Testfully delivers a free plan for individuals, with team plans starting at $8/user/month.
11. SoapUI
While primarily known for SOAP API testing, SoapUI also offers robust REST API testing features. Notable features include:
Compatibility with SOAP and REST APIs
Functional, security and load testing
Test automation
Scripting support
Obtainable in open source and pro versions
The open source version of SoapUI is free, while the Pro version initiates from $659 per year.
12. Katalon Studio
Katalon Studio is a comprehensive testing platform that includes strong API testing capabilities. Key features for API testing include:
Compatibility with REST, SOAP and GraphQL
Visual test builder
Data-driven testing
CI/CD integrations
Reporting and analytics
Katalon delivers a free version with basic features, while the postman alternatives full platform initiates from $118 per license per year.
13. JMeter
Apache JMeter is an open source tool primarily used for load testing, but it also delivers capable API testing features. Some key capabilities:
Compatibility with multiple protocols including HTTP, SOAP, and more
Extensible via plugins
Distributed testing
Scriptable samplers
Reporting and results analysis
JMeter is free and open source, making it a great option for teams already using it for performance testing.
14. Karate
Karate is an open source tool that unites API test automation and performance testing in a single framework. Notable features include:
Behavior-driven development (BDD) syntax
Built-in assertions and validations
Reusable feature files
Parallel execution
Reporting and CI/CD integration
Karate is free and open source, delivering a unique approach to API testing for development teams.
15. Swagger UI
For teams working with OpenAPI (formerly Swagger) specifications, Swagger UI provides a quick way to visualize and interact with APIs. Key capabilities:
Automatic visual documentation from OpenAPI specs
Interactive API console
Request builder
Response visualization
Easy to embed in existing documentation
Swagger UI is free and open source, making it a great option for teams already using OpenAPI.
Selecting the Right Postman Alternative
With so many outstanding options accessible, selecting the right Postman alternative depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to think about:
Interface - Do you favor a GUI, web interface, or command line tool?
Features - What specific features do you need for your API workflows?
Collaboration - Do you need team features like shared workspaces?
Pricing - What's your budget for API tools?
Integrations - Does the tool work with your existing tech stack?
Performance - How does the tool perform with large numbers of requests?
Privacy - Do you need a tool that works entirely offline?
By analyzing your requirements against the features of these Postman alternatives, you can find the right tool to streamline your API development and testing workflows.
Conclusion
While Postman remains a capable API platform, the growing ecosystem of alternatives offers excellent options for developers and teams looking to enhance their API workflows. Whether you need a straightforward, fast API client or a all-encompassing API lifecycle platform, there's likely a Postman alternative that fits your needs.
By examining tools like Insomnia, Hoppscotch, Bruno, and others, you can find an API testing and development solution that improves your productivity while tackling any concerns you may have had with Postman. The key is to assess your specific requirements and try out a few options to find the tool that works best for your team and projects.