Comparison · API testing tools

Bruno vs Insomnia: which is better in 2026?

Bruno ranks higher in our list of API testing tools (#2 against #3, score 90.0 against 88.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

  • 90.0
    Editorial score
    88.0
  • 4
    Platforms
    3
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Bruno if you want

Git-based API collections.

Free and MIT-licensed, with collections stored as Git-friendly files and no cloud sync needed. Team features need Pro at $6 per user a month, and it has fewer hosted collaboration features than Postman.

Choose Insomnia if you want

Commercial client with Git Sync.

A Kong-maintained client with a free local Scratch Pad, Git Sync for small teams and Apache-2.0 source. Team pricing is per user, with Pro at $12 and Enterprise at $45 per user a month.

Side by side

BrunoInsomnia
Score90.088.0
Rank in list#2 of 10#3 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesOpen Source plan free; Pro $6 and Ultimate $11 per user a month, billed annuallyFree plan, paid upgradesFree Scratch Pad and Essentials; Pro $12 and Enterprise $45 per user a month
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineWindows, macOS, Linux, Command linemacOSWindowsLinuxmacOS, Windows, Linux
Made byNot statedKong
Collections storedGit-friendly files on diskLocal, with optional Git Sync or cloud
Best forGit-based API collectionsCommercial client with Git Sync
Strengths
  • Collections live in Git-friendly files
  • Open source under the MIT license
  • Local Scratch Pad with no account
  • Supports many protocols beyond REST
Limits
  • Team features require paid Pro or Ultimate plans
  • Fewer hosted collaboration features than Postman
  • Cloud collaboration requires a paid plan for larger teams
  • Team pricing is per user
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Questions about Bruno vs Insomnia

Is Bruno better than Insomnia?
Bruno ranks higher in our list of API testing tools (#2 against #3, score 90.0 against 88.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Bruno is best for: Git-based API collections. Insomnia is best for: commercial client with Git Sync.
Which is cheaper, Bruno or Insomnia?
Bruno: Open Source plan free; Pro $6 and Ultimate $11 per user a month, billed annually. Insomnia: Free Scratch Pad and Essentials; Pro $12 and Enterprise $45 per user a month.
Do Bruno and Insomnia run on the same platforms?
Bruno supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line. Insomnia supports macOS, Windows, Linux.