API Testing
An honest comparison to help you pick the right api testing tool in 2026.
| Feature | Bruno | Insomnia |
|---|---|---|
| Category | API Testing | API Testing |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Paid Plan | $19 (one-time) | $5/mo |
| Enterprise | N/A | $14/mo |
| Best For | Developers who want API collections stored in git alongside their code, not locked in the cloud | API developers who work heavily with GraphQL and want git-synced API workspaces |
| Feature 1 | Git-friendly | GraphQL support |
| Feature 2 | Offline-first | Design-first |
| Feature 3 | File-based collections | Git sync |
| Feature 4 | Scripting | Environment management |
| Feature 5 | No cloud required | Plugin ecosystem |
| Website | Bruno | Insomnia |
Bruno and Insomnia are both popular choices in the api testing category, but they serve different types of developers. Bruno is offline-first, git-friendly API client that stores collections as files on your filesystem, not in the cloud. Meanwhile, Insomnia is aPI client with GraphQL support, design-first workflows, Git sync, and environment management for API development.
Both tools offer free tiers, which means you can try each one before committing. Bruno's paid plan starts at $19 (one-time), while Insomnia's starts at $5/mo.
Bruno stands out with Git-friendly and Offline-first, while Insomnia differentiates itself through GraphQL support and Design-first. The right choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow. Ultimately, developers who want API collections stored in git alongside their code, not locked in the cloud, while Insomnia is best for aPI developers who work heavily with GraphQL and want git-synced API workspaces.
Bruno: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $19 (one-time).
Insomnia: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $5/mo. Enterprise pricing: $14/mo.
Choose Bruno if you value git-friendly and offline-first. Go with Insomnia if aPI developers who work heavily with GraphQL and want git-synced API workspaces. Both are solid api testing options in 2026 — the best pick depends on your team size, budget, and technical requirements. We recommend trying both (especially if they have free tiers) before committing to one.
Not sold on either Bruno or Insomnia? Check out these other api testing tools:
See all Bruno alternatives or Insomnia alternatives.
Read more about api testing on our Vibe Coding page.
Get the latest developer tool comparisons, reviews, and recommendations.