curl
curl curl is the timeless command-line workhorse for firing off HTTP requests, from simple GETs to multipart uploads, all without needing a GUI or fancy setup. It's baked into most systems, letting you script complex chains with headers, auth, and data payloads right from your terminal for quick API probes or file transfers. Open-source and ubiquitous, it's the minimalist's best friend for building requests on the fly without distractions.
Explore →HTTPie
HTTPie HTTPie is the humane CLI alternative to curl, turning verbose commands into readable one-liners with colorized JSON output and smart cookie handling for effortless API tinkering. Perfect for solo devs testing endpoints, it auto-formats responses and supports sessions for chained requests without the syntax headaches. Open-source and intuitive, it's like curl with a user-friendly glow-up.
Explore →Postman
Postman Postman is the collaborative powerhouse for building and chaining HTTP requests in a slick GUI, complete with variables, tests, and mock servers to simulate full API workflows. For individuals, its free tier lets you organize collections for personal projects, debugging with timelines and assertions that make complex auth flows a breeze. It's the all-in-one canvas for API explorers who want more than just a send button.
Explore →Insomnia
Insomnia Insomnia is the open-source darling for REST and GraphQL requests, offering a distraction-free interface with environments, plugins, and Git sync for seamless local experimentation. Craft requests with drag-and-drop auth and body builders, then export as code snippets for your scripts—ideal for lone coders iterating on APIs without vendor lock-in. It's the thoughtful alternative that feels custom-built for your workflow.
Explore →Hoppscotch
Hoppscotch Hoppscotch is the lightweight, browser-based request builder that shines for quick GraphQL and WebSocket tests, with real-time collaboration if you want to share sessions on the fly. No install needed—just open a tab, tweak headers and params, and watch formatted responses roll in for instant feedback loops. Open-source and zero-config, it's the portable sidekick for ad-hoc API debugging anywhere.
Explore →Thunder Client
Thunder Client Thunder Client is the VS Code-integrated request sender that keeps your HTTP tinkering right in your editor, with collections and environments for organized API explorations. Send requests alongside your code, test GraphQL queries with introspection, and script responses for automated checks—all without leaving your dev flow. Free and extension-based, it's the seamless embed for coders who live in their IDE.
Explore →Bruno
Bruno Bruno is the Git-friendly API client that stores requests as plain files, making version control a snap for personal or team API docs without proprietary formats. Build collections with scripting and assertions, then run them offline for reliable testing in any environment. Open-source and file-based, it's the devops dream for reproducible request workflows minus the bloat.
Explore →ReqBin
ReqBin ReqBin is the no-fuss online request maker for testing APIs with built-in formatters, code generators, and shareable links to collaborate on payloads instantly. Drop in a URL, tweak JSON/XML bodies, and inspect responses with syntax highlighting—all from your browser without accounts or installs. Free and web-native, it's the instant playground for one-off requests during late-night debugging.
Explore →Advanced REST Client
Advanced REST Client Advanced REST Client is the veteran Chrome extension for crafting requests with OAuth, file uploads, and history tracking, evolving into a PWA for desktop use too. Save environments for multi-project testing and export HAR files for analysis, keeping your API interactions organized and repeatable. Free and extension-first, it's the reliable workhorse for browser-bound pentesters.
Explore →Paw