Bruno vs Thunder Client: Features, Pricing and User Reviews 2026
Compare features, pricing, reviews, and more to make an informed decision
Bruno
Bruno is a fast, open-source API client that works offline and stores collections locally with Git support.
Thunder Client
Thunder Client is a lightweight REST API testing extension for Visual Studio Code that simplifies API development without needing separate software.
Bruno
Bruno is a fast, open-source API client that works offline and stores collections locally with Git support.
Thunder Client
Thunder Client is a lightweight REST API testing extension for Visual Studio Code that simplifies API development without needing separate software.
Bruno
Completely offline API client with no cloud sync required
Git-friendly file storage using .bru markup language
Support for REST, GraphQL, and gRPC APIs
JavaScript-based testing and automation capabilities
Environment variable management with secrets support
Command-line interface for CI/CD integration
Import collections from Postman and Insomnia
Cross-platform desktop app for Windows, Mac, and Linux
Open-source with free core features
Thunder Client
Lightweight VS Code extension for API testing
Local storage keeps data private and secure
Git sync for team collaboration
Collections organize related API requests
Environment variables for different settings
Scriptless testing with simple interface
CLI integration for automated testing
GraphQL, WebSocket, and gRPC support
Request chaining and advanced scripting
AI integration through MCP Server
Bruno
Bruno offers transparent pricing with a strong free tier and affordable paid options for advanced features.
Free Version includes all core API testing functionality with unlimited collections, requests, and environments. You get full offline access, Git integration, JavaScript testing, and CLI support at no cost.
Pro Plan ($6/month) adds advanced Git client integration, OpenAPI design tools, and priority support. This plan is ideal for individual developers and small teams who need enhanced workflow integration.
Ultimate Plan ($11/month) includes everything from Pro plus additional enterprise features, advanced automation tools, and expanded OpenAPI capabilities.
Unlike competitors that limit core functionality or require expensive team plans, Bruno keeps essential features free while charging only for premium add-ons. There are no per-user restrictions on the free version, making it accessible for teams of any size who want to start with basic API testing.
Thunder Client
Thunder Client offers flexible pricing to match different needs. The Free plan gives you the extension with 30 collection runs and basic features, but it is limited to personal, non-commercial use only.
The Individual plan costs $49 per year and includes 100 collection runs, advanced scripting, request chaining, and access to WebSocket, SSE, and gRPC testing. This plan works well for freelance developers.
For teams, the Business plan is $7 per month per user and includes 500 collection runs, team features, CLI integration, and the ability to pay by invoice.
The Enterprise plan at $16 per month per user offers unlimited collection runs, priority support, offline activation, encrypted environments, secrets manager integration with Azure and AWS, and enterprise single sign-on capabilities.