Best 6 Free Alternatives to Postman in 2025

Tired of Postman's workspace limits, rising prices, or slow performance with large collections? Or maybe you're just looking for a change? There are plenty of other tools that offer the same features or even more.

I tested several alternatives and picked the best ones based on real performance, ease of use, and features.

Postman features

Postman helps you develop, test, and collaborate on APIs. You can build requests, run automated tests, manage different environments, and work with your team. Developers love how it keeps all their API work in one place.

Best 6 free alternatives to Postman in 2025

Here's how these tools stack up against each other:

1. Bruno

Bruno is the newest kid on the block, and it's making waves. This open-source API client stores everything as files in your project and works perfectly with Git for team collaboration.

🌟 Key features

• Saves collections as files right in your project for Git tracking
• Works completely offline - no account needed ever
• Uses Bru markup language to describe API requests
• Lets teams collaborate through normal Git workflows
• Makes API requests directly from your computer, not through a proxy

➕ Pros

• Completely free and open-source with no paid plans
• File storage works perfectly with Git - great for dev teams
• Faster than Postman, especially with big collections
• No signup, login, or cloud connection required
• Unlimited collection runs unlike Postman's 25/month limit
• Simple declarative scripting for tests and variables
• Install npm modules normally with package.json
• You own all your data, stored only on your computer

➖ Cons

• Newer tool with fewer people to help if you get stuck
• Not as many connections to other services
• Less documentation than older tools
• Missing some advanced features like API monitoring

2. Hoppscotch

Hoppscotch (formerly Postwoman) has grown into a powerful but lightweight API testing tool. Its clean design and speed have made it popular with developers who want simplicity without losing features.

🌟 Key features

• Light, browser-based tool with PWA support for offline use
• Quick and easy request building
• Works with REST, GraphQL, WebSockets, and more
• Built-in tools to visualize and understand responses

➕ Pros

• Super fast compared to bulkier tools
• Works right in your browser or as an installed app
• Open-source with regular updates
• Handles many request types beyond just REST
• Clean, simple design that doesn't overwhelm you

➖ Cons

• Limited team features
• Browser-based approach might not fit how you work
• Fewer advanced testing options than Postman
• Some complex auth methods take extra steps to set up

3. HTTPie

HTTPie started as a popular command-line tool but now offers both terminal and desktop app versions. Developers love its human-friendly approach that makes API work clearer and simpler.

🌟 Key features

• Available as both desktop app and command-line tool
• Uses human-friendly commands that are easy to read
• Highlights response syntax automatically
• Supports modern auth methods and add-ons

➕ Pros

• Commands that are easy to read and remember
• Switch easily between command line and desktop app
• Great for both quick checks and complex API work
• Focuses on making developers more productive
• Beautiful color highlighting and response formatting

➖ Cons

• Desktop version is newer than the command-line tool
• Team features require paying for a subscription
• Not as good at managing collections as Postman
• Some advanced testing features still being developed

4. Insomnia

Insomnia has established itself as a mature and powerful API tool that focuses on design-first API development. Now owned by Kong, it gives you comprehensive API tools with great usability.

🌟 Key features

• Design-first API development with OpenAPI support
• Powerful request chaining and environment management
• Built-in GraphQL query editor and schema explorer
• Git sync for team collaboration

➕ Pros

• Excellent GraphQL support with built-in explorer
• Clean, easy-to-use interface with custom themes
• Powerful system for managing variables across environments
• Strong plugin system to add more features
• Smart organization of requests and workspaces

➖ Cons

• Advanced team features cost money
• Can sometimes slow down with very large collections
• Takes time to learn all the complex features
• Desktop app can be heavy on older computers

5. RapidAPI

RapidAPI combines an API marketplace with testing tools. This unique approach brings API discovery, testing, and monitoring together, making it especially useful if you work with multiple APIs.

🌟 Key features

• Connected to a huge API marketplace
• Works with multiple protocols (REST, GraphQL, SOAP)
• Automated testing and monitoring tools
• Team collaboration features

➕ Pros

• Direct access to thousands of APIs through the marketplace
• Makes authentication easier across different services
• Clean, modern design that's easy to use
• Helpful for both using and providing APIs
• Flexible system for managing environments

➖ Cons

• Free plan limits how many API calls you can make
• Some features focus more on the marketplace than testing
• Takes time to learn if you're coming from Postman
• Not as customizable as some other options

6. Thunder Client (VS Code Extension)

Thunder Client takes a different approach by living inside VS Code as an extension. It's become incredibly popular with developers who want to test APIs without leaving their code editor.

🌟 Key features

• Lightweight VS Code extension for API testing
• Simple, clean interface with minimal design
• Collections and environment management
• Response formatting and visualization

➕ Pros

• Works right inside VS Code - no app switching needed
• Super lightweight and doesn't drain resources
• Simple, focused interface for quick testing
• Stores collections as JSON files for easy version control
• Faster to start up and use than standalone apps

➖ Cons

• Only works in VS Code
• Fewer advanced features than dedicated tools
• Limited options for team collaboration
• Simpler options for configuring requests

Simplify your API monitoring with Better Stack

No matter which Postman alternative you pick, keeping an eye on your APIs in production becomes more important as your applications grow.

When you manage several APIs across different environments, finding problems quickly gets hard. Better Stack gives you real-time API monitoring and alerts, helping you catch issues before your users do.

🌟 Key Better Stack features for API monitoring

• Super-fast 30-second checks from locations worldwide
• Screenshots and detailed error logs when APIs fail
• Full traceroute and MTR outputs for connection timeouts
• Smart incident merging to reduce alert noise
• Flexible notification options (SMS, email, calls, Slack, Teams)
• Custom status pages at status.yourdomain.com for transparency
• Works with your existing monitoring stack (Datadog, New Relic, Grafana)

Final thoughts

The best Postman alternative depends on your specific needs and team setup.

If you value Git-based collaboration and working offline, Bruno is your best bet. Its file-based storage and open-source nature make it perfect if you want to integrate API testing directly into your project workflow.

For a lightweight browser tool, Hoppscotch delivers great performance with a clean design. HTTPie gives you both command-line and GUI options, while Insomnia offers a mature platform with excellent GraphQL support.

If you work in VS Code all day, Thunder Client lets you stay in your editor, making it ideal if you want an integrated workflow.

Article by

Stanley Ulili

Stanley Ulili is a technical educator at Better Stack based in Malawi. He specializes in backend development and has freelanced for platforms like DigitalOcean, LogRocket, and AppSignal. Stanley is passionate about making complex topics accessible to developers.

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