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Top 7 Free API Clients for 2025

Kanishk Rawat

January 31, 2025

5MIN READ

Discover free API clients that simplify testing, debugging, and collaboration, helping you work smarter and faster

When it comes to testing and working with APIs, finding the right tools can make all the difference. A good API client doesn’t just save you time, it makes your entire workflow smoother and less frustrating. And the best part? You don’t need to buy expensive tools to get the job done.

There are plenty of free API clients out there that are packed with features to help you test, debug, and optimize APIs like a pro. From sending requests to analyzing responses, these tools have got you covered.

In this blog, we will explore some of the best free API clients you can try today. Let’s dive in and discover what makes these tools stand out.

Requestly

Requestly is an all-in-one tool designed for developers to easily test and debug APIs. Available as both a web app and a standalone app, it offers all the essential features to manage APIs efficiently. With support for HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, and more, Requestly simplifies the process of sending requests, analyzing responses, and automating workflows.

Developers can share API collections and environments with their teams, making it easier to work together and maintain consistency across different stages of development. Whether you’re managing environments or mocking API responses, Requestly ensures seamless teamwork with real-time cloud sync

Features💡

Cross-Platform Support: Available as both a web app and standalone app.
Collections: Group and organize API requests for better workflow management.
Environment Management: Seamlessly switch between development, staging, and production environments.
Authorization Support: Manage authentication seamlessly with API keys, bearer tokens, and more.
Dynamic Scripting: Use pre-request and post-response scripts to automate and modify requests/responses.
Mock API Responses: Simulate responses for testing incomplete backends or edge cases.
Collaboration: Share environments and collections with your team for seamless collaboration.

Pros And Cons

Cross-platform flexibility (web app + standalone app).
Intuitive interface with powerful debugging tools.
Real-time collaboration with cloud sync.
Open-source
Advanced interception capabilities to modify requests and responses dynamically.

Limited advanced features compared to standalone clients

Bruno

Bruno is an open-source API client designed for developers who value privacy and offline functionality. Its local-first approach ensures that all your data stays on your machine, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a secure and distraction-free tool.

Features💡

Local-First: All data is stored locally, ensuring privacy and offline access.
Collections: Organize and group API requests efficiently.
Advanced Query Support: Supports REST, GraphQL, and more.
Lightweight Interface: Minimalist design for distraction-free usage.

Pros And Cons

Offline-first design
Privacy-focused
Open-source

Limited ecosystem and integrations
Basic interface compared to competitors

Postman

Postman is one of the most popular API clients, offering a comprehensive suite of tools for developers. It is designed to cater to both beginners and advanced users, providing features that streamline API development and testing. With its robust interface, Postman has become a standard tool in the API world.

Features💡

Collections: Organize API requests into collections for better management.
Automated Testing: Write and run tests using JavaScript.
Environment Variables: Easily switch between development, staging, and production environments.
API Documentation: Generate and share API documentation effortlessly.

Pros And Cons

Extensive features for professional API workflows
Great for collaboration
Supports multiple API types

Heavy resource usage
Can feel overwhelming for beginners

Insomnia

Insomnia is an elegant API client tailored for developers seeking a straightforward yet powerful tool. It supports REST and GraphQL testing, making it a go-to option for those working on modern APIs. Its minimalist design ensures a smooth and efficient experience.

Features💡

GraphQL Support: Easily execute GraphQL queries.
Request Chaining: Pass data between requests seamlessly.
Environment Management: Configure and switch between environments effortlessly.
Code Generation: Generate code snippets in various programming languages.

Pros And Cons

Intuitive and minimalistic UI
Supports GraphQL and REST APIs
Open-source

Fewer features compared to Postman
Limited collaboration tools

HTTPie

HTTPie is a command-line interface (CLI) HTTP client that allows users to send requests to web servers and APIs using a simple and intuitive syntax. It is similar to the popular tool cURL but offers a more user-friendly and intuitive experience. More than just API testing, HTTPie can be used for API debugging, web page scraping, and interacting with RESTful services.

Features💡

Readable Syntax: Write and understand requests easily.
JSON Support: Automatic formatting of JSON responses.
Command-Line Interface: Ideal for quick testing or scripting.

Pros And Cons

Lightweight and fast
Great for command-line enthusiasts
Open-source

Limited to CLI-based workflows

Hoppscotch

Hoppscotch is an open-source API development and testing tool that can be used as a Postman alternative. It has a user-friendly interface to test and debug APIs. It is available as a web app, desktop app, browser extension, and can be used on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Hoppscotch supports REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, and other protocols.

Features💡

Web-Based: No installation required; access it directly from your browser.
Collaboration: Share API requests and responses with your team.
Environment Variables: Test APIs across multiple environments.
Custom Request Options: Supports REST, GraphQL, and WebSocket requests.

Pros And Cons

Lightweight and fast
Open-source and community-driven
Supports multiple protocols

Limited advanced testing capabilities

Thunder Client

Thunder Client is a lightweight API testing extension for Visual Studio Code. It is perfect for developers who prefer to test APIs without leaving their coding environment. Thunder Client combines simplicity with essential features to deliver a seamless experience.

Features💡

VS Code Integration: Test APIs without leaving your editor.
REST Support: Send and inspect REST API requests.
Collections & Environments: Organize requests and switch between environments easily.

Pros And Cons

Lightweight and fast
Great for VS Code users
Simple and easy to use

Limited to REST API testing
Requires VS Code

Conclusion

In conclusion, while each API client has its strengths, Requestly emerges as the top choice with its cross-platform support, intuitive interface, and powerful features like dynamic scripting, environment management, and team collaboration. It combines ease of use with advanced capabilities, making it perfect for developers at any level. Best of all, it’s free and open-source, offering unmatched value compared to its competitors. If you’re looking for a reliable, modern API client, Requestly is the clear winner.

Written by

Kanishk Rawat

Kanishk Rawat, a tech enthusiast since childhood, has mastered programming through dedication. Whether solo or in a team, he thrives on challenges, crafting innovative solutions .

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