Hoppscotch
FreeOpen-source API development ecosystem. A lightweight, fast alternative to Postman for testing REST, GraphQL, and WebSocket APIs.
What does this tool do?
Hoppscotch is an open-source API testing and development platform designed as a lighter, faster alternative to Postman. It provides a web-based interface for developers to test and debug REST APIs, GraphQL queries, and WebSocket connections without requiring installation or account setup. The tool emphasizes speed and accessibility by running directly in the browser, making it immediately available to developers. As an open-source project, it offers transparency and the ability to self-host, appealing to teams concerned with data privacy or wanting to customize the platform. The interface mirrors familiar API testing workflows while maintaining a cleaner, less resource-intensive approach compared to heavier desktop alternatives.
AI analysis from Feb 25, 2026
Key Features
- REST API request builder with support for all HTTP methods and custom headers
- GraphQL explorer with automatic schema introspection and query builder assistance
- WebSocket connection testing and real-time message exchange
- Request history and collections for organizing and reusing API calls
- Environment variables and dynamic scripting for parameterized testing workflows
- Response visualization with syntax highlighting for JSON, XML, and HTML
- Self-hosting option via Docker or direct deployment
Use Cases
- 1Testing REST API endpoints during backend development without leaving the browser
- 2Debugging GraphQL queries and mutations in real-time with built-in schema exploration
- 3WebSocket communication testing for real-time applications and chat systems
- 4API documentation and shared testing environments for distributed development teams
- 5Teaching API concepts in educational settings with an accessible, zero-setup tool
- 6Self-hosting sensitive API testing scenarios on private infrastructure for compliance
- 7Quick API prototyping and validation before full integration into frontend applications
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Completely free and open-source with no paywalls for core functionality, eliminating licensing costs
- Browser-based access means zero installation required and works across all operating systems instantly
- Self-hosting capability allows teams to maintain data privacy and customize the deployment for specific security requirements
- Lightweight and fast performance compared to Postman's resource-heavy Electron desktop application
- Supports multiple API protocols (REST, GraphQL, WebSocket) in a unified interface
Limitations
- Limited feature parity with Postman's mature ecosystem, particularly lacking some advanced automation and monitoring capabilities
- Community-driven development means slower feature releases and potential gaps in enterprise-grade support
- Browser storage limitations can constrain the number of saved requests and environments compared to desktop applications
- Documentation and community resources are smaller than Postman's, making troubleshooting harder for edge cases
- Lacks some collaboration features like real-time team workspaces that Postman offers in paid tiers
Pricing Details
Hoppscotch is completely free as an open-source project. The hosted version at hoppscotch.io requires no payment or subscription. Self-hosting is available at no cost for organizations preferring on-premise deployment. Pricing details not publicly available for any premium or enterprise tiers.
Who is this for?
Backend developers, API developers, QA engineers, and full-stack developers who need lightweight API testing tools. Best suited for startups, small-to-medium teams, educational institutions, and organizations with privacy requirements. Appeals to developers familiar with Postman who want a faster, free alternative without licensing overhead.