Postman vs Insomnia vs Requestly: Which One Is Best for You?

API tools have become essential for developers and testers to streamline their workflows. Postman, Insomnia, and Requestly are three prominent names in this space, each offering distinct features. In this article, we’ll compare these tools and explore which tool might be the right choice for your needs.

Postman

Postman is one of the most popular API platforms, widely used for testing, collaboration, and documentation. It offers a comprehensive set of features, making it ideal for large teams.

Key Features:

• API Testing: Simplifies testing REST, GraphQL, and SOAP APIs.
• Collaboration Tools: Workspaces and version control for team collaboration.
• Mock Servers: Create mock APIs for testing.
• Automation: Powerful scripting capabilities with Postman’s built-in JavaScript sandbox.

Pricing

• Free plan: For individuals or a small team of 3 or less to start testing APIs.

• Basic Plan: Starts at $14 per user/month and includes advanced features like team collaboration, collections

• *Professional:* Starts at around $29/user/month and adds more features such as private workspaces, multi partner workspace, and more integrations

• Enterprise: Starts at around $49/user/month and adds more advanced features such as monitoring, and User Groups.

Strengths:

• Extensive documentation and tutorials.
• Suitable for complex workflows.
• Strong community support.

Limitations:

• Can feel bloated for smaller or simpler projects.
• Resource-intensive, especially in enterprise setups.

Insomnia

Insomnia is known for its minimalistic design and developer-friendly features. It’s particularly popular among those who value simplicity without compromising on functionality.

Key Features:

• Intuitive UI: Clean and straightforward interface.
• GraphQL Support: First-class support for GraphQL queries.
• Plugins: Extend functionality with community-built plugins.
• Environment Variables: Simplify switching between environments.

Pricing

• Free plan: Provides basic features for individuals or small teams, including sending requests, managing environments, and using GraphQL.

• Pro Plan: Starts at $12/month for additional features such as RBAC and Native Git support

• Professional: Starts at around $29/user/month and adds more features such as private workspaces, multi partner workspace, and more integrations

• Enterprise: Starts at around $49/user/month and adds more advanced features such as monitoring, and User Groups.

Strengths:

• Lightweight and fast.
• Open-source version available.
• Excellent for individual developers.

Limitations:

• Documentation cannot be made public
• Offers basic mock servers that cannot be shared publicly

Requestly

Requestly’s API client is a unique tool that combines traditional API testing with powerful request interception and modification capabilities, providing developers with unparalleled control over their API workflows. It can be seen as a combination of Postman + Charles Proxy, offering both API request handling and network debugging capabilities.

Key Features:

• Request Interception & Modification: Intercept outgoing API requests and modify headers, query parameters, and request bodies before they are sent to the server.
• Mock APIs: Create mock APIs to simulate real server responses when the actual backend is not available.
• Request Logging & Replay: View detailed logs of your API requests and responses. Replay requests with just a click for repeated testing.
• Cross-Browser Support: Available as a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox, allowing you to interact with APIs directly within the browser.
• Environment-Specific Settings: Configure different rules for different environments (e.g., staging, production), making testing smoother.
• Easy Import/Export: Users can seamlessly import and export configurations, including directly importing Postman collections.
• API Client Features: Includes environment variables support, detailed request history, and workspace organization for enhanced productivity.

Pricing

• Free Plan: Includes all core features of API client like collections, requests, environments etc.

Strengths:

• Real-time debugging and interception capabilities.
• Available as both a browser extension and a standalone desktop app.
• Lightweight and browser-integrated for quick access.
• Powerful rule-based approach to modify and test APIs.
• Effortless migration from other tools through import/export functionality.

Limitations:

• Newer compared to Postman and Insomnia, so fewer third-party integrations.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Why Choose Requestly?

While Postman and Insomnia are excellent API tools, Requestly offers unique capabilities that cater specifically to developers who need real-time request interception, debugging, and rule management. Its lightweight design and browser-first approach make it an excellent choice for modern development workflows.

Additionally, Requestly’s quick import feature and user-friendly interface make it ideal for teams looking to streamline their API testing and request debugging processes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right API tool depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize extensive documentation and API flow automation , Postman is a solid choice. For those who value simplicity, Insomnia is a great option. However, if you’re looking for a tool that combines request modification, API testing, and debugging in an intuitive package, Requestly is the way to go.