Skip to content
Toolradar

Thunder Client vs Insomnia: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between Thunder Client 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.

Bottom line: Insomnia is our overall pick for API tools workflows. Pick Thunder Client if you need a free tier to start with.

··Methodology
Editor reviewed0 verified reviews comparedPricing checked Jul 2026

Short on time? Here's the quick answer

We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:

Thunder Client

Lightweight REST client for VS Code API testing

Best for you if:

  • • Thunder Client is a lightweight REST API client for VS Code
  • • It provides request testing with collections and environments inline

Insomnia

API client for REST and GraphQL

Best for you if:

  • • Open-source API client by Kong supporting REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket, SSE, SOAP, and Socket.io in one tool
  • • Free tier includes unlimited local projects, collection runners, and Inso CLI for CI/CD integration
At a Glance
Thunder ClientThunder Client
InsomniaInsomnia
Starts at
FreeFree tier available
FreeFree tier available
Best For
API ToolsAPI Tools
Rating
4.3/54.3/5
Free plan
 Yes Yes

Choose Thunder Client or Insomnia?

Thunder Client

Choose Thunder Client if

Lightweight REST client for VS Code API testing

  • VS Code REST client
  • Lightweight
  • Free tier good
  • Budget matters (Free vs Free)
Insomnia

Choose Insomnia if

API client for REST and GraphQL

  • Supports 7+ API protocols in a single tool, no need for separate clients
  • Free tier includes unlimited local projects, collection runs, and environments
  • Git Sync provides true version control without vendor lock-in
Thunder Client logo

Thunder Client

Lightweight REST client for VS Code API testing

Visit Website
TOP RATED
Insomnia logo

Insomnia

API client for REST and GraphQL

Visit Website
FeatureThunder ClientInsomnia
Pricing ModelFreemiumFreemium
User Rating
★4.3/5
15 reviews
★4.3/5
15 reviews
Categories
API ToolsIDE & Code Editors
API ToolsDeveloper Tools

In-Depth Analysis

Thunder ClientThunder Client

Lightweight REST client for VS Code API testing

Strengths

  • +VS Code REST client
  • +Lightweight
  • +Free tier good
  • +Active development
  • +Good UI

Weaknesses

  • -VS Code only
  • -Limited features
  • -Team features paid
  • -Better alternatives exist
  • -Feature gaps

Key features

API clientVS Code extensionLightweightCollectionsEnvironmentFree
Starts at Free

InsomniaInsomnia

API client for REST and GraphQL

Strengths

  • +Supports 7+ API protocols in a single tool, no need for separate clients
  • +Free tier includes unlimited local projects, collection runs, and environments
  • +Git Sync provides true version control without vendor lock-in
  • +Open-source core means transparency and community-driven development
  • +Inso CLI integrates API testing directly into CI/CD pipelines

Weaknesses

  • -Git Sync limited to 3 users on the free plan
  • -Mock server requests capped at 1,000/month on the free tier
  • -Enterprise SSO (SAML/OIDC) only available on the $45/user/month plan
  • -Desktop-only application, no browser-based or mobile client available
  • -Some advanced features require a Kong account even for local-only usage

Key features

Multi-protocol support: REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket, SSE, Socket.io, SOAPGit Sync for version-controlled API collections and team collaborationAutomated collection runners for API test suites and CI/CD pipelinesAI-powered mock server generation and commit messagesEnvironment variable management with inheritance and secret maskingInso CLI for running API tests in continuous integration pipelines
Starts at Free

Pricing: Thunder Client vs Insomnia

PlanThunder ClientInsomnia
Tier 1
Free
Free
Free
Essentials
Tier 2
$3 month per user
Starter
$12
Pro
Tier 3
$7 month per user
Business
$45
Enterprise
Tier 4
$16 month per user
Enterprise
N/A

Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Thunder Client pricing and Insomnia pricing.

Who Should Use What?

On a budget?

Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.

Go with: Thunder Client

Want the highest-rated option?

Thunder Client: 4.3/5 (15 reviews). Insomnia: 4.3/5 (15 reviews).

Go with: Thunder Client

Value user reviews?

Thunder Client: 15 reviews (4.3/5). Insomnia: 15 reviews (4.3/5).

Go with: Insomnia

3 Questions to Help You Decide

1

What's your budget?

Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.

2

What's your use case?

Both are api tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.

3

How important are ratings?

Both are rated 4.3/5.

Key Takeaways

Insomnia

  • Free tier available
  • Our pick for this comparison

Thunder Client

  • Choose if you want lightweight REST client for VS Code API testing

The Bottom Line

Insomnia is our pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thunder Client or Insomnia better?

Insomnia is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.

What are Thunder Client and Insomnia used for?

Thunder Client: Lightweight REST client for VS Code API testing. Insomnia: API client for REST and GraphQL.

What does Thunder Client cost vs Insomnia?

Thunder Client is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Insomnia is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

Related Comparisons & Resources

Thunder Client AlternativesInsomnia AlternativesThunder Client Full ReviewInsomnia Full Review
Compare other tools