Hopscotch vs Insomnia vs Requestly: Which One Is Best for You?
Dinesh Thakur
Compare Hopscotch, Insomnia, and Requestly to find the best API client. Explore features, performance, and pricing to choose the right tool for you
API tools have become essential for developers and testers to streamline their workflows. Hopscotch, Insomnia, and Requestly are three prominent names in this space, each offering distinct features. In this article, we’ll compare these tools and explore which tool might be the right choice for your needs.
Hopscotch
Hopscotch is an open-source, web-based API client designed for simplicity and accessibility. It aims to provide a lightweight alternative to other resource intensive api clients.
Key Features:
- Web-Based: No installation required; accessible directly in the browser.
- Support for Multiple Protocols: Handles REST and GraphQL APIs.
- Environment Variables: Manage environments and variables for testing.
- Collaboration: Shareable collections for team collaboration.
- Lightweight Design: Focused on speed and usability.
- Offline Desktop App: Available for offline usage, offering flexibility beyond the browser.
Pricing
- Free Plan: Completely free and open-source, providing all the features of a API client.
- Enterprise Plans: Starting at $19/ user / month, it provides featues like SAML-based sign on, Dedicated support and IAM system.
Strengths:
- Completely free and open-source.
- Web-based and offline desktop app for broader accessibility.
- Simple and fast for quick API testing.
Limitations:
- Lacks advanced debugging tools and request interception.
Insomnia
Insomnia is known for its minimalistic design and developer-friendly features. It’s particularly popular among those who value simplicity without compromising on functionality.
Key Features:
- Intuitive UI: Clean and straightforward interface.
- GraphQL Support: First-class support for GraphQL queries.
- Plugins: Extend functionality with community-built plugins.
- Environment Variables: Simplify switching between environments.
Pricing
- Free plan: Provides basic features for individuals or small teams, including sending requests, managing environments, and using GraphQL.
- Pro Plan: Starts at $12/month for additional features such as RBAC and Native Git support
- Professional: Starts at around $29/user/month and adds more features such as private workspaces, multi partner workspace, and more integrations
- Enterprise: Starts at around $49/user/month and adds more advanced features such as monitoring, and User Groups.
Strengths:
- Lightweight and fast.
- Open-source version available.
- Excellent for individual developers.
Limitations:
- Documentation cannot be made public
- Offers basic mock servers that cannot be shared publicly
Requestly
Requestly’s API client is a unique tool that combines traditional API testing with powerful request interception and modification capabilities, providing developers with unparalleled control over their API workflows. It can be seen as a combination of Postman + Charles Proxy, offering both API request handling and network debugging capabilities.
Key Features:
- Request Interception & Modification: Intercept outgoing API requests and modify headers, query parameters, and request bodies before they are sent to the server.
- Mock APIs: Create mock APIs to simulate real server responses when the actual backend is not available.
- Request Logging & Replay: View detailed logs of your API requests and responses. Replay requests with just a click for repeated testing.
- Cross-Browser Support: Available as a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox, allowing you to interact with APIs directly within the browser.
- Environment-Specific Settings: Configure different rules for different environments (e.g., staging, production), making testing smoother.
- Easy Import/Export: Users can seamlessly import and export configurations, including directly importing Postman collections.
- API Client Features: Includes environment variables support, detailed request history, and workspace organization for enhanced productivity.
Pricing
- Free Plan: Includes all core features of API client like collections, requests, environments etc.
Strengths:
- Real-time debugging and interception capabilities.
- Available as both a browser extension and a standalone desktop app.
- Lightweight and browser-integrated for quick access.
- Powerful rule-based approach to modify and test APIs.
- Effortless migration from other tools through import/export functionality.
Limitations:
- Newer compared to Hopscotch and Bruno, so fewer third-party integrations.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Hopscotch | Insomnia | Requestly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-platform Support | |||
| Desktop and Browser Support | (Both) | (Desktop only) | (Both) |
| Collaboration Tools | |||
| Environment Variables | |||
| API Design and Documentation | |||
| Scripting with JavaScript | |||
| Collection Sharing | |||
| Pricing (Free Tier) | |||
| Lightweight and Minimalist | |||
| Mock Servers | |||
| Team Workspaces | |||
| Quick Import for Other Tools | |||
| Interceptor | |||
| HTTP Rules |
Why Choose Requestly?
While Hopscotch and Insomnia are excellent API tools, Requestly offers unique capabilities that cater specifically to developers who need real-time request interception, debugging, and rule management. Its lightweight design and browser-first approach make it an excellent choice for modern development workflows.
Additionally, Requestly’s quick import feature and user-friendly interface make it ideal for teams looking to streamline their API testing and request debugging processes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right API tool depends on your specific needs. If you want a quick to use browser based API client, Hopscotch is a solid choice. For those who value simplicity, Insomnia is a great option, if you’re looking for a tool that combines request modification, API testing, and debugging in an intuitive package, Requestly is the way to go.
Give Requestly a try today and experience a modern, efficient approach to API management!
Written by
Dinesh Thakur
Dinesh Thakur, fascinated by technology since childhood, has mastered programming through dedication. Whether working solo or in a team, he thrives on challenges, crafting innovative solutions.
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