Hoppscotch vs Insomnia
Self-host pick — both replace Postman (API client / API workspace).
Both Hoppscotch and Insomnia self-host as a replacement for Postman (API client / API workspace). Pick Hoppscotch if you want a MIT-licensed codebase (MIT); pick Insomnia for Apache (Apache-2.0 (open core; some sync features are SaaS-only)). Both run in roughly the same cost bracket — $5 vps for the sh backend; or use the public app at hoppscotch vs $0 for local-only use; cloud sync requires kong account.
| Hoppscotchopen-source | Insomniaopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 (open core; some sync features are SaaS-only) |
| Setup time | 10min docker-compose | 5min (desktop app) |
| Monthly cost | $5 VPS for the SH backend; or use the public app at hoppscotch.io. | $0 for local-only use; cloud sync requires Kong account. |
| GitHub | hoppscotch/hoppscotch | Kong/insomnia |
| Replaces | Postman + 1 other | Postman |
Good fit for
Hoppscotch
Teams that want a hosted, browser-based API workspace they fully control.
Weak at:Niche request types (gRPC web) are still maturing.
Insomnia
Devs migrating off Postman who still want a polished desktop GUI.
Weak at:Multi-user sync is gated behind Kong's cloud unless you self-host their backend (paid).
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli postman prints Postman's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, Hoppscotch or Insomnia?
Hoppscotch: 10min docker-compose. Insomnia: 5min (desktop app).
What does each cost to run?
Hoppscotch: $5 VPS for the SH backend; or use the public app at hoppscotch.io.. Insomnia: $0 for local-only use; cloud sync requires Kong account.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Hoppscotch and Insomnia replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Postman.