API Testing
An honest comparison to help you pick the right api testing tool in 2026.
| Feature | Bruno | Thunder Client |
|---|---|---|
| Category | API Testing | API Testing |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Paid Plan | $19 (one-time) | $3/mo |
| Enterprise | N/A | Custom |
| Best For | Developers who want API collections stored in git alongside their code, not locked in the cloud | Developers who want to test APIs inside VS Code without switching to a separate desktop app |
| Feature 1 | Git-friendly | Native VS Code extension |
| Feature 2 | Offline-first | Collections & environments |
| Feature 3 | File-based collections | Scriptless testing |
| Feature 4 | Scripting | Git-syncable collections |
| Feature 5 | No cloud required | Lightweight |
| Website | Bruno | Thunder Client |
Bruno and Thunder Client 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, Thunder Client is lightweight API client built directly into VS Code, with collections, environments, and scripting without leaving the editor.
Both tools offer free tiers, which means you can try each one before committing. Bruno's paid plan starts at $19 (one-time), while Thunder Client's starts at $3/mo.
Bruno stands out with Git-friendly and Offline-first, while Thunder Client differentiates itself through Native VS Code extension and Collections & environments. 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 Thunder Client is best for developers who want to test APIs inside VS Code without switching to a separate desktop app.
Bruno: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $19 (one-time).
Thunder Client: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $3/mo. Enterprise pricing: Custom.
Choose Bruno if you value git-friendly and offline-first. Go with Thunder Client if developers who want to test APIs inside VS Code without switching to a separate desktop app. 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 Thunder Client? Check out these other api testing tools:
See all Bruno alternatives or Thunder Client alternatives.
Read more about api testing on our Vibe Coding page.
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