Thunder Client vs Hasura
Thunder Client and Hasura are both popular tools in the API Development space. Both use a freemium pricing model, with Thunder Client starting at Free and Hasura at Free. Both offer a free tier to get started. Below we break down features, pricing, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide which tool fits your workflow best.
Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Choose Thunder Client if you want lightweight rest api client built directly into vs code.. Thunder Client's biggest strengths include no context switching — api testing in your editor and lightweight and fast compared to desktop apps. Choose Hasura if you prefer instant graphql and rest apis for your databases with built-in security.. Key advantages include dramatically reduces backend api development time and open-source with strong community support. It's also rated higher (4.4 vs 3.9).
Lightweight REST API client built directly into VS Code.
Instant GraphQL and REST APIs for your databases with built-in security.
| Thunder Client | Hasura | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Rating | ★ 3.9 | ★ 4.4 |
| Categories | API Development | API Development |
| Key Features | 6 features | 6 features |
| Feature | Thunder Client | Hasura |
|---|---|---|
| REST API testing inside VS Code | ✓ | — |
| Environment variables and request collections | ✓ | — |
| Test scripting for automated validation | ✓ | — |
| Git-friendly JSON file storage | ✓ | — |
| GraphQL support | ✓ | — |
| Import from Postman, Insomnia, and OpenAPI | ✓ | — |
| Auto-generated GraphQL and REST APIs from databases | — | ✓ |
| Real-time subscriptions with live queries | — | ✓ |
| Role-based access control and row-level security | — | ✓ |
| Event triggers and scheduled triggers for workflows | — | ✓ |
| Remote schema stitching and federation | — | ✓ |
| Built-in caching and performance optimization | — | ✓ |
Thunder Client
Pros
- + No context switching — API testing in your editor
- + Lightweight and fast compared to desktop apps
- + Git-friendly file storage for team collaboration
- + Easy migration from Postman with import feature
Cons
- − Less feature-rich than Postman for complex workflows
- − Advanced features require paid plan
- − VS Code only — not available in other editors
Hasura
Pros
- + Dramatically reduces backend API development time
- + Open-source with strong community support
- + Real-time capabilities out of the box
- + Works with existing databases without migration
Cons
- − GraphQL learning curve for teams new to the technology
- − Can be overkill for simple CRUD applications
- − Complex authorization rules require careful configuration
The Bottom Line
Choose Thunder Client if: you want lightweight rest api client built directly into vs code.. It's completely free to use. Keep in mind: less feature-rich than postman for complex workflows.
Choose Hasura if: you prefer instant graphql and rest apis for your databases with built-in security.. It's completely free to use. It holds a higher user rating (4.4 vs 3.9). Keep in mind: graphql learning curve for teams new to the technology.
Both tools compete in the API Development space. The right choice depends on your specific needs, team size, and budget.
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