Altair GraphQL Client

Altair GraphQL Client is an IDE for running and debugging GraphQL queries, mutations and subscriptions. It can format queries, upload files using the multipart specification and export query collections. Environment variables can be applied across endpoints, headers and queries, and a documentation explorer helps users browse schema types, queries, mutations and subscriptions. Pre-request and post-request scripts and an extensible plugin system allow additional customization. Altair GraphQL Cloud adds centralized query management, collections, query versioning and shareable query URLs. Official integration packages include Express and Koa middleware, a static build and a Gatsby plugin. The free Basic plan lists up to two team members and 20 queries; the Pro plan costs $7.99 per user per month and lists unlimited members, teams and queries. The maker says the web app is meant for quick or one-time use and is not recommended for full development because it has limitations. Documentation warns that GraphQL introspection can expose an API schema, while Content Security Policy support is beta and should be tested before production use.

Altair combines GraphQL query tools with schema browsing, scripting and optional Cloud collaboration. Consider the web-app limitations and the security cautions around introspection and beta CSP support when assessing fit.

Altair suits developers who need to run and debug GraphQL operations, explore schemas or organize queries. Teams wanting centralized query management can consider its Cloud features, while web-app users should note the maker's limitation guidance.

Overview

Altair GraphQL Client is a GraphQL IDE for building, running and debugging queries, mutations and subscriptions. It is best suited to developers who want schema browsing and reusable request workflows, with optional shared query management for teams. Its focused GraphQL toolset is compelling, but the web app is intended for quick or one-time use, not full development.

Key features

Request building and schema context

Query formatting, multipart file uploads and collection exports cover useful parts of day-to-day GraphQL work. The documentation explorer makes schema types and available operations browsable alongside query work; WebSocket support extends the client to subscription workflows. These features make Altair a more focused choice than a general-purpose API client for teams centered on GraphQL.

Reusable workflows and collaboration

Environment variables can be reused across endpoints, headers and queries, which helps keep request configurations consistent. Pre- and post-request scripts add automation hooks, and plugins provide an extension path. Altair GraphQL Cloud adds centralized query management, collections, versioning and shareable query URLs; that is most relevant when work needs to be shared rather than kept in an individual client.

Official integration packages cover Express and Koa middleware, a static build and a Gatsby plugin. This broadens its fit for teams using those environments, though the core product remains a GraphQL IDE.

Security and reliability considerations

GraphQL introspection can expose an API schema, so the maker advises considering disabling it in production. Content Security Policy support is beta, and configurations should be tested before production use. The privacy notice describes safeguards for personal information and says sensitive personal information is not processed. The terms provide an email contact but do not obligate the maker to maintain or support services or provide updates, a meaningful consideration for organizations that require firm support commitments.

Pricing

Altair is freemium, with a free plan and paid plans from $7.99/user/mo. The Basic plan has custom pricing: it allows up to 2 team members and 20 queries, with unlimited collections and query history up to 10 revisions. It suits a small team that can work within those query and history caps, but the limits may constrain heavier shared use.

Pro costs $7.99 a month, billed $ 7.99 per user/month. It removes the Basic member and query caps, with unlimited team members, teams, queries and collections, plus query history. This is the clearest fit for active teams needing room to grow, though its per-user billing scales with membership.

Enterprise has custom pricing and includes unlimited team members, teams, queries and collections, plus full control. Self hosted also has custom pricing and includes those unlimited allowances, query history and full control. Enterprise is the option for teams seeking full control through that plan; Self hosted is the named choice for teams needing self-hosted deployment. No trial terms are stated.

Platforms

Altair is available on web and desktop, with platform support spanning browser use, extensions and Linux, macOS and Windows. The web app is for quick or one-time use and is not recommended for full development, so sustained development work should favor a desktop option. Self-hosted is also a platform option.

Who it's for

Altair suits GraphQL developers who value schema documentation, scripts and repeatable environments, as well as teams that want Cloud-based query organization. It is less suitable when full development in a browser is essential, production CSP support must be mature, or a guaranteed maintenance and support commitment is required.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Schema exploration, query tools and WebSocket support bring common GraphQL workflows into one focused IDE.
• Pros: Reusable variables, scripts, plugins and Cloud query versioning support repeatable individual and team work.
• Cons: The web app is not recommended for full development, narrowing its role for browser-only workflows.
• Cons: CSP support is beta, and production users must account for introspection exposure and the absence of a support or update obligation.
• Cons: Basic caps queries at 20 and team members at 2; Pro's per-user charge rises with team size.

Alternatives

For a managed GraphQL platform rather than a focused IDE, consider Apollo Studio, whose free plan includes up to 3 developers, a router limited to 60 requests per minute and one-day data retention. Apollo Client is another free-plan option, also capped at 3 developers with the same router and retention limits, and may suit readers comparing a client-oriented alternative.

GraphiQL is a free, MIT-licensed open-source package for React applications, making it relevant when embedding a GraphQL IDE in a React project matters. Relay is a free alternative for readers comparing GraphQL tools across web and mobile platforms.

GraphQL Hive offers a free Hobby plan with 1M operations monthly, seven-day usage data retention and unlimited seats, projects, organizations and schema pushes; consider it when those usage and team allowances are the priority. GraphQL Kotlin is a free Apache-licensed option for API and self-hosted use. Hot Chocolate is a free MIT-licensed option for commercial or private projects, while Lighthouse is an installable PHP package requiring Laravel or Lumen.

Browse GraphQL Tools or API clients for broader comparisons.

Verdict

Choose Altair if GraphQL is your main concern and you want schema browsing, reusable requests and optional team query management in one client. Its Basic and Pro plans offer a clear path from capped collaboration to unlimited queries, but browser limitations, beta CSP support and the lack of a support obligation make it a weaker fit for browser-only development or teams requiring production-grade assurances.