Comparison · API testing tools
Hoppscotch vs Insomnia: which is better in 2026?
Insomnia ranks higher in our list of API testing tools (#3 against #4, score 88.0 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
Choose Hoppscotch if you want
Self-hosted open-source API testing.
MIT-licensed, with web, desktop and CLI versions and self-hosting on your own servers. Self-hosting adds server upkeep, while the web and desktop apps need no setup.
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.
The main differences
- Only Hoppscotch runs on Web.
- Hoppscotch is free and open source; Insomnia is free plan, paid upgrades.
Side by side
| Score | 87.0 | 88.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in list | #4 of 6 | #3 of 6 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree and open source under MIT; self-host or use the hosted web app | Free plan, paid upgradesFree Scratch Pad and Essentials; Pro $12 and Enterprise $45 per user a month |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | WebWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineSelf-hostedWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line, Self-hosted | macOSWindowsLinuxmacOS, Windows, Linux |
| Made by | Not stated | Kong |
| Collections stored | Browser, desktop or self-hosted server | Local, with optional Git Sync or cloud |
| Best for | Self-hosted open-source API testing | Commercial client with Git Sync |
| Strengths |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Hoppscotch vs Insomnia
- Is Insomnia better than Hoppscotch?
- Insomnia ranks higher in our list of API testing tools (#3 against #4, score 88.0 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Hoppscotch is best for: self-hosted open-source API testing. Insomnia is best for: commercial client with Git Sync.
- Which is cheaper, Hoppscotch or Insomnia?
- Hoppscotch: Free and open source under MIT; self-host or use the hosted web app. Insomnia: Free Scratch Pad and Essentials; Pro $12 and Enterprise $45 per user a month.
- Do Hoppscotch and Insomnia run on the same platforms?
- Hoppscotch supports Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line, Self-hosted. Insomnia supports macOS, Windows, Linux.

