Thunder Client vs Hoppscotch
Thunder Client and Hoppscotch are both popular tools in the API Development space. Thunder Client uses a freemium model starting at Free, while Hoppscotch is open-source from 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 Hoppscotch if you prefer open-source api development ecosystem — lightweight and fast.. Key advantages include completely free and open-source and lightning fast — runs in the browser with no bloat. It's also rated higher (4.2 vs 3.9).
Lightweight REST API client built directly into VS Code.
Open-source API development ecosystem — lightweight and fast.
| Thunder Client | Hoppscotch | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Open-source |
| Rating | ★ 3.9 | ★ 4.2 |
| Categories | API Development | API Development |
| Key Features | 6 features | 6 features |
| Feature | Thunder Client | Hoppscotch |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, and MQTT support | — | ✓ |
| Browser-based — no installation needed | — | ✓ |
| API testing with pre and post-request scripts | — | ✓ |
| Team collaboration with shared collections | — | ✓ |
| Code generation in multiple languages | — | ✓ |
| Self-hosted option for enterprise teams | — | ✓ |
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
Hoppscotch
Pros
- + Completely free and open-source
- + Lightning fast — runs in the browser with no bloat
- + Supports protocols beyond REST (GraphQL, WebSocket, MQTT)
- + Self-hostable for enterprise privacy requirements
Cons
- − Smaller ecosystem and plugin support than Postman
- − No built-in AI features yet
- − Team features require self-hosted enterprise edition
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 Hoppscotch if: you prefer open-source api development ecosystem — lightweight and fast.. It's completely free to use. It holds a higher user rating (4.2 vs 3.9). Keep in mind: smaller ecosystem and plugin support than postman.
Both tools compete in the API Development space. The right choice depends on your specific needs, team size, and budget.
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