HTTPie vs Insomnia: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between HTTPie and Insomnia 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:
HTTPie
User-friendly command-line HTTP client
Best for you if:
- • HTTPie is a user-friendly command-line HTTP client for API testing
- • It provides an intuitive syntax for making HTTP requests with formatted output
Insomnia
API client for REST and GraphQL
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • Clean API client focused on simplicity and design
- • Excellent GraphQL support with schema integration
| At a Glance |  HTTPie |  Insomnia |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | API Tools |
Rating | 80/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | HTTPie | Insomnia |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsDebugging | API ToolsDebugging |
How HTTPie and Insomnia Compare
HTTPie
User-friendly command-line HTTP client
Free tier available · 80/100 score
Insomnia
API client for REST and GraphQL
Free tier available · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: HTTPie
Want the highest-rated option?
HTTPie: 80/100. Insomnia: 84/100.
Go with: Insomnia
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Insomnia
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?
Both are api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Insomnia scores higher: 84/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Insomnia
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
HTTPie
The Bottom Line
Insomnia (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HTTPie or Insomnia better?
Insomnia scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are HTTPie and Insomnia used for?
HTTPie: User-friendly command-line HTTP client. Insomnia: API client for REST and GraphQL.
What does HTTPie cost vs Insomnia?
HTTPie is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Insomnia is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.