10 Best Postman Alternatives in 2025

Postman has been one of the most popular API development and testing tools for years. It simplifies collaboration, debugging, and documentation. But as the API ecosystem expands, different users have different needs — developers, QA engineers, project managers, and even small startups might look for tools that better suit their workflow, budget, or preferences.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best Postman alternatives in 2025, looking at them from different points of view — so you can decide which tool fits your role and requirements best.

1. Insomnia – From the Developer’s Point of View

Developers often need a clean, intuitive interface and strong integration with code workflows. Insomnia shines here with its lightweight UI, GraphQL support, and environment variables. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with Git makes it developer-friendly.

• Best for: Developers who want simplicity and productivity.

2. Paw – From the Designer’s Point of View

API design is as important as testing. Paw, available for macOS, focuses heavily on design and visualization. It supports dynamic values, code generation, and advanced API modeling.

• Best for: API designers and Mac users who want a visually appealing tool.

3. Hoppscotch – From the Open-Source Enthusiast’s Point of View

Some users prefer open-source solutions for transparency, flexibility, and cost savings. Hoppscotch (formerly Postwoman) is browser-based, fast, and free, with features like WebSocket testing and GraphQL support.

• Best for: Open-source fans who want a lightweight, browser-first tool.

4. Katalon Studio – From the QA Engineer’s Point of View

Testing teams look for automation, reporting, and cross-platform capabilities. Katalon Studio provides robust testing automation, CI/CD integrations, and built-in reporting.

• Best for: QA teams that want an all-in-one test automation platform.

5. Apigee – From the Enterprise Point of View

Large organizations often need more than just testing—they need full API lifecycle management. Apigee, by Google, provides governance, monitoring, monetization, and analytics for enterprise-scale APIs.

• Best for: Enterprises that want security, scalability, and analytics.

6. SoapUI – From the Legacy Systems Point of View

Not every organization works only with RESTful APIs. SoapUI is ideal for those who deal with SOAP services alongside REST. It offers automation, load testing, and data-driven testing.

• Best for: Teams working with SOAP + REST services in legacy systems.

7. Swagger (OpenAPI) – From the Documentation Point of View

For many, documentation is the biggest challenge. Swagger makes designing, documenting, and testing APIs easier with its OpenAPI specification standard. It helps teams ensure consistency across API projects.

• Best for: Teams that prioritize API documentation and standardization.

8. RESTer – From the Lightweight User’s Point of View

Some users don’t need advanced features; they just want something lightweight and fast. RESTer, a Firefox add-on, is perfect for quick API requests without downloading heavy tools.

• Best for: Developers or testers who want simple API checks.

9. Thunder Client – From the VS Code User’s Point of View

If you’re already living inside VS Code, why switch to another app? Thunder Client is a VS Code extension that lets you test APIs directly in your IDE.

• Best for: Developers who want API testing inside their coding environment.

10. ReadyAPI – From the Advanced Tester’s Point of View

Some professionals need performance, security, and functional testing in one place. ReadyAPI (from SmartBear) provides advanced automation, CI/CD pipelines, and scalability.

• Best for: Teams looking for advanced enterprise-grade testing.

Quick Comparison: Postman vs. Top API Testing Alternatives

How to Use / Interpret the Table

• Match the tool to your scope and scale — If you need just a lightweight tool for simple API calls or exploration, Hoppscotch or Insomnia may be sufficient. If you need end-to-end API lifecycle support (design, testing, monitoring), Postman or Katalon may be more apt.
• Consider team size and role — A solo developer likely values simplicity and speed; larger teams or enterprises will prioritize collaboration, access control, and governance.
• Weigh trade-offs — Every tool has trade-offs. For example, Postman may slow down with many collections, while Insomnia gives up some team features. The table helps highlight what you gain vs lose.
• Future Growth & integration needs — If your project is likely to scale, picking a tool with strong CI/CD, automation, and enterprise integrations is wise.

How to Choose the Right Alternative?

Instead of asking “Which is better than Postman?”, think about:

• Your role (Developer, QA, Designer, Manager)
• Your budget (Free, Open-source, Enterprise-grade)
• Your workflow (Lightweight vs. Full lifecycle management)
• Your team size (Solo developer vs. Enterprise collaboration)

The best tool is the one that fits your perspective and workflow.

👉 Final Thought: Postman is still excellent, but alternatives like Insomnia, Paw, and Hoppscotch are proving that one size doesn’t fit all. Whether you’re a solo coder, a QA tester, or managing enterprise APIs, there’s an alternative built just for you.