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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

HoppscotchInsomnia
Score87.088.0
Rank in list#4 of 6#3 of 6
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under MIT; self-host or use the hosted web appFree plan, paid upgradesFree Scratch Pad and Essentials; Pro $12 and Enterprise $45 per user a month
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsWebWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineSelf-hostedWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line, Self-hostedmacOSWindowsLinuxmacOS, Windows, Linux
Made byNot statedKong
Collections storedBrowser, desktop or self-hosted serverLocal, with optional Git Sync or cloud
Best forSelf-hosted open-source API testingCommercial client with Git Sync
Strengths
  • Open source under the MIT license
  • Can be self-hosted on your own servers
  • Local Scratch Pad with no account
  • Supports many protocols beyond REST
Limits
  • Self-hosting adds server setup and upkeep
  • Cloud collaboration requires a paid plan for larger teams
  • Team pricing is per user
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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.