Bruno Instead of Postman: Run API Tests in a Simpler Environment

Main Program/Application

Postman

Recommended Alternative

Bruno

Supported Systems

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

Bruno's official product page offers the desktop app for these three platforms. The tool can work with API types such as REST, GraphQL, gRPC and WebSocket. Bruno

Fee Status

• Bruno Open Source: Free and open source; It is not necessary to open an account.
• Bruno Pro: $6 per user per month with annual billing.
• Bruno Ultimate: $11 per user per month with annual billing.
• Postman Free: Free plan available.
• Postman Solo: $9 per month with annual billing. Bruno

What Does It Do?

APIs are interfaces that allow applications or services to exchange data with each other.

With Bruno, you can send API requests, review incoming responses, prepare tests, and store your request collections as local files.

Advantages

• The basic desktop client is free.
• Can be used without opening an account.
• Stores request collections as local files.
• Suitable for Git-based development workflows.
• REST, GraphQL, gRPC and WebSocket support.
• Provides tools for running API tests from the command line. Bruno

Disadvantages

• Does not replicate Postman's cloud-based team workspaces.
• Bruno's approach is based on local files and Git, so teams need to get used to this workflow.
• Some advanced Git functionality within the app may require a paid plan. Git's command line or any other Git client can be used in the free version. Bruno Blog

Why Use?

Bruno is a powerful alternative if you want to run your API tests on local files and store request collections in Git along with your code.

Especially useful for developers who care about local development and version control.

Better for Whom?

Software developers, API testers, freelance developers, and technical teams who prefer Git-based workflows.

Detailed Explanation

“If you are developing software, you know how important API tests are. It is necessary to check whether a request works correctly, examine the response from the server and catch errors earlier.

Postman is a very common tool for this job. However, if you are looking for a more native, simple and open source alternative, you can look at Bruno.

The most remarkable thing about Bruno is that it stores request collections as files on your computer.

Let's say you are developing a web application. You need to test user login, product list or order creation. You can prepare these API requests through Bruno, examine the responses from the server, and create reusable collections.

REST and GraphQL. There is also gRPC and WebSocket support.

Another important point is that the basic desktop application is free and open source. You can use it without opening an account. There are versions for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Bruno's approach appeals specifically to developers using Git. You can store request collections with your code, compare changes, and version control.

So is it better than Postman? Not for everyone.

Postman's cloud-based workspaces and team collaboration features may be more useful for some projects. In Bruno, local files and Git workflow are at the forefront.

Also, some of Bruno's advanced features are available in paid plans. So, we should not assume that the free version includes every team feature.

My suggestion is, if you want to run API tests locally, try Bruno. Send a simple GET request first, examine the response, and then move on to creating test collections.

If you are developing software, this tool can be both a simple and powerful option as long as it fits into your existing workflow.”