Hoppscotch vs Thunder Client: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Hoppscotch and Thunder Client comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Hoppscotch
Open source API development
Best for you if:
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Hoppscotch is a free, open-source API development ecosystem
- • It provides a lightweight interface for testing REST, GraphQL, and WebSocket APIs
Thunder Client
REST API client for VS Code
Best for you if:
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • Thunder Client is a lightweight REST API client for VS Code
- • It provides request testing with collections and environments inline
| At a Glance |  Hoppscotch |  Thunder Client |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 82/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Hoppscotch | Thunder Client |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsDebugging | IDE & Code EditorsAPI Tools |
How Hoppscotch and Thunder Client Compare
Hoppscotch
Open source API development
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Thunder Client
REST API client for VS Code
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Hoppscotch is a api tools tool. Thunder Client is in ide & code editors.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Hoppscotch
Want the highest-rated option?
Hoppscotch: 82/100. Thunder Client: 82/100.
Go with: Hoppscotch
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Hoppscotch
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Hoppscotch is a api tools tool. Thunder Client is in ide & code editors. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Both score 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Hoppscotch
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Thunder Client
- Better fit for ide & code editors
The Bottom Line
Hoppscotch (82/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hoppscotch or Thunder Client better?
Hoppscotch scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Hoppscotch and Thunder Client used for?
Hoppscotch: Open source API development. Thunder Client: REST API client for VS Code.
What does Hoppscotch cost vs Thunder Client?
Hoppscotch is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Thunder Client is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.