Insomnia
A mature, multi-protocol API client with a fully local storage mode.
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sovereigntyInsomnia is an open-source, cross-platform API client maintained by Kong, covering REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket, and SSE. Its Local Vault and Scratch Pad options keep collections 100% on your device, and Git Sync stores them in a repository you control, while optional Cloud Sync adds end-to-end-encrypted team collaboration. It is well-established and feature-rich, though most capabilities beyond the local Scratch Pad require a (free) account.
OPEN SOURCEApache-2.0SELF-HOSTLOCAL-FIRST
LicenseApache-2.0
PricingFree with a generous plan; paid tiers for unlimited collaboration, Git Sync, and org/SSO features
Open sourceYes
Self-hostableYes
Local-first dataYes
What it does well
- +Open-source (Apache-2.0), backed by Kong
- +Local Vault and Scratch Pad allow fully local storage
- +Git Sync keeps collections in your own repository
- +Mature and multi-protocol (REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket)
Where it falls short
- −Most features beyond the local Scratch Pad require a free account
- −The product is steered toward Kong's cloud
- −Premium collaboration and Git Sync sit on paid plans
- −Some users prefer a fully no-account tool
Insomnia as an alternative to
Where Insomnia shows up in our comparisons, and how it ranked.
Insomnia head-to-head
Straight comparisons against the tools people weigh it against.