Insomnia
Open source API client for REST, GraphQL and gRPC. A lighter alternative to Postman, with a Linux build.
Our verdict
Insomnia is the lighter option if Postman feels like too much. It sends the same kinds of requests, shows the same responses, and opens faster. The code is open source under Apache 2.0, which matters if you would rather not depend on a closed tool.
You can use it without an account. The local-only mode keeps everything on your machine and costs nothing. Signing in adds syncing and team sharing, and the bigger team features sit behind paid plans.
The download comes from insomnia.rest. There is a Flathub listing in the Linux app store, but Kong say that package is not theirs, so take the download from the site if you want the supported one.
What's good
- Open source under Apache 2.0, unlike most tools in this category
- Free tier, and a local-only mode that works without making an account
- Covers REST, GraphQL, WebSockets and gRPC in one window
- Lighter and quicker to open than the bigger API tools
What to know first
- The Flathub package is community made and not supported by Kong, who own Insomnia
- Team features and higher limits need a paid plan
- Smaller collection of ready-made examples and plugins than Postman has
The details
- Cost
- Free with paid extras
- Open source
- Yes (Apache-2.0)
- How you install it
- App store (Flatpak)
Windows apps it can replace
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