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Best API Clients 2026
API clients help you send requests, inspect responses and work with services that expose APIs. This list helps developers and teams compare tools before choosing a client for desktop, browser, command line or hosted use.
Entries are ordered by release recency, using figures published by the makers and no score. Compare pricing, protocol support, test runs, documentation, team workspaces and platform availability.
02
Apidog
All-in-one API platform for designing, debugging, mocking, testing and documenting APIs.
WebWindowsMac+4 Record8.5 Visit
03
Postman
API client for web, Windows, macOS and Linux with GraphQL support and a free plan.
WebWindowsMac+2 Record8.4 Visit
04
Bruno
Bruno may suit developers who want API collections stored and reviewed with Git.
WindowsMacLinux+3 Record8.4 Visit
05
Insomnia
Insomnia suits developers and teams that design, test or govern APIs and want collaboration or CI/CD workflows.
WindowsMacLinux+1 Record8.2 Visit
6
HTTPie
WebWindowsMac+1 $10 a month Record8.1 Visit Open-source API testing client with terminal and desktop tools for HTTP requests and debugging.
7
ReadyAPI
WebWindowsMac+3 — Record7.6 Visit ReadyAPI suits teams handling API functional, security, performance, or virtualization work.
8
Hoppscotch
WebWindowsMac+3 $6 a month, billed yearly Record7.6 Visit Collaborative open-source API platform for creating, testing, documenting and sharing APIs.
9
Testfully
WebWindowsMac+2 $168 a year Record7.5 Visit API client for creating, testing, debugging, mocking and monitoring APIs with a free plan.
10
Kreya
WindowsMacLinux Free plan Record6.9 Visit Cross-platform API client for Windows, macOS and Linux with GraphQL support.
11
Thunder Client
WindowsMacLinux+1 $3 a month, billed yearly Record6.9 Visit API client available as an extension on Windows, macOS and Linux with a free plan.
12
Hurl
WindowsMacLinux+1 Free plan Record6.8 Visit Command-line tool that runs plain-text HTTP requests for data fetching and HTTP session tests.
13
Altair GraphQL Client
WebWindowsMac+3 $7.99 a month Record6.7 Visit GraphQL client for web, desktop and extensions with WebSocket, docs and team workspaces.
14
Requestly
WindowsMacLinux $10 a month, billed yearly Record6.5 Visit Paid API client for Linux, macOS, and Windows with GraphQL, gRPC, and WebSocket support.
15
Yaak
WindowsMacLinux $79 a year Record6.4 Visit Local-first desktop API client for HTTP/REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket, and server-sent events.
16
OpenReq
WebWindowsBrowser extension+1 Free plan Record6.3 Visit Free API client with GraphQL, WebSocket, automated test runs and API documentation support.
17
Firecamp
WebWindowsMac+2 Free plan Record6.1 Visit API client for HTTP, GraphQL and WebSocket work with automated tests, docs and team workspaces.
18
grpcurl
WindowsMacLinux+1 Free plan Record5.8 Visit Free command-line client for making gRPC requests on Windows, macOS and Linux.
21
httpYac
Browser extensionSelf-hosted Free plan Record5.6 Visit Free extension and self-hosted API client with GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket tests and documentation.
Before you choose
Compare free access and paid plans
A free plan lets you begin without payment. A free trial can provide temporary access to paid features before a subscription.
Check the paid starting point, billing term and user pricing shown for the tool you are considering.
Match the protocols you use
Check support for GraphQL, gRPC and WebSocket alongside standard API requests. Your services and test cases should fit the protocols the client handles.
Look for automated test runs when repeatable checks are part of your workflow.
Pick a platform that fits your setup
Compare support for Windows, macOS, Linux, web use, browser extensions and self-hosted deployment. A client that runs where your code lives can simplify setup.
Confirm the platform you need before choosing a plan or download.
Check documentation and collaboration
API documentation can help you understand requests and responses inside the client. Team workspaces can support shared collections and collaboration.
If you need to read or change the code, check the tool's licence and open-source status.
Questions
What should I compare in an API client?
Compare free plans, paid starting points, GraphQL, gRPC and WebSocket support, automated test runs, API documentation, team workspaces and available platforms.
Which platforms do these API clients support?
The list covers Windows, macOS, Linux, self-hosted deployments, web apps and browser extensions. Support differs by tool.
Can I use an API client without paying?
Many listed tools provide a free plan. Pricing details also show paid starting points and, for some tools, a free trial.
Are any API clients open source?
Open-source status varies by tool. API Dash is marked open source, and its pricing note identifies a free plan.
Do API clients support automated testing?
Automated test runs are one of the comparison fields. Check the feature details for the client and workflow you plan to use.
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