Postman vs Thunder Client: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Postman 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:
Postman
API platform for building and using APIs
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Comprehensive platform for API development and testing
- • Collections organize requests with documentation and tests
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 |  Postman |  Thunder Client |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | API Tools | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 89/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Postman | Thunder Client |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 89 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | API ToolsDocumentation | IDE & Code EditorsAPI Tools |
How Postman and Thunder Client Compare
Postman
API platform for building and using APIs
Free tier available · 89/100 score
Thunder Client
REST API client for VS Code
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Postman 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: Postman
Want the highest-rated option?
Postman: 89/100. Thunder Client: 82/100.
Go with: Postman
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Postman
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?
Postman is a api tools tool. Thunder Client is in ide & code editors. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Postman scores higher: 89/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Postman
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Thunder Client
- Better fit for ide & code editors
The Bottom Line
Postman (89/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Postman or Thunder Client better?
Postman scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Postman and Thunder Client used for?
Postman: API platform for building and using APIs. Thunder Client: REST API client for VS Code.
What does Postman cost vs Thunder Client?
Postman is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Thunder Client is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.