Alternatives to Thunder Client

Lightweight REST and GraphQL client built into VS Code. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Thunder Client.

  • Postman

    The most widely used API client, for sending HTTP requests, organising them into collections and sharing them with a team.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxWeb

    Postman is a standalone desktop and browser client with scripting, a runner and mocks, but it is cloud-first and requires an account.

  • Bruno

    An API client that saves collections as plain files in a folder, so Git handles the sharing instead of a cloud account.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Bruno is an MIT licensed standalone desktop app storing collections as plain files in Git, adding gRPC and WebSocket support.

  • Insomnia

    An API client for REST, GraphQL and gRPC that can keep everything local or sync through Git instead of a cloud.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Insomnia is an open source standalone client with gRPC, an OpenAPI editor and mocking, heavier than an editor extension.

  • Yaak

    An offline-first API client for REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSockets and SSE, with requests stored as files you can commit to git.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    Yaak is an MIT licensed desktop client with git-stored requests, gRPC and WebSocket support, and no telemetry.

  • Hoppscotch

    A fast API client that runs in a browser tab, with a self-hostable workspace if you want one.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxWebSelf-hosted

    Hoppscotch runs in a browser tab or self-hosted under MIT licence, independent of any code editor.

  • Kreya

    Desktop client for gRPC, REST, GraphQL, WebSocket and SSE APIs.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinux

    Kreya is a separate desktop app with gRPC reflection and Git-friendly project files, also with some paid features.

  • RapidAPI for Mac

    Native macOS HTTP client, formerly Paw, with code generation and team sync.

    FreeProprietarymacOS

    RapidAPI for Mac is a free native macOS client with code generation, but it is macOS only and outside the editor.

  • REST Client for VS Code

    A Visual Studio Code extension that sends HTTP requests written in .http files and shows responses.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    REST Client for VS Code is free and MIT-licensed, sending requests written as plain text .http files rather than using a form-based panel with paid team features.

Also worth comparing

These listings name Thunder Client as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • Altair GraphQL Client

    A GraphQL client for writing, sending and debugging queries on desktop, in a browser extension and online.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxWebBrowser extension

    Thunder Client handles REST and GraphQL inside VS Code rather than as a standalone app or browser extension, and is closed source with paid team features.

  • EchoAPI

    An API client for designing, debugging, load testing and documenting APIs, compatible with Postman scripts.

    FreemiumProprietaryCommand line

    Thunder Client runs inside VS Code for REST and GraphQL with collections stored as repository files, without EchoAPI's load testing or mocking.

  • httpYac

    A command-line and VS Code client for sending HTTP, GraphQL, SOAP and gRPC requests from files.

    FreeOpen sourceCommand line

    Thunder Client runs inside VS Code with a graphical interface and repository-stored collections, but it is closed source with paid features.

  • Requestly

    An API client for designing and testing APIs, plus a browser HTTP interceptor for modifying requests.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxBrowser extensionCommand line

    Thunder Client moves API testing into VS Code with collections stored as repository files, but it is tied to the editor and has no request interceptor.

  • rest.nvim

    A Neovim plugin that sends HTTP requests written in .http files from inside the editor.

    FreeProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinux

    Thunder Client is a REST and GraphQL client inside VS Code with collections stored as repository files, but some capabilities require a paid licence and it is closed source.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.