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Thunder Client

Freemium

Lightweight REST API client built as a VS Code extension.

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Pricing

Freemium

Type

Manual & Automation

// VERDICT

Reach for Thunder Client when you live in VS Code and want API testing in the editor without a separate app. Skip it when you're not a VS Code user or need Postman-scale collaboration and tooling.

Best for

A lightweight API client built into VS Code - test REST and GraphQL without leaving the editor, with Git-syncable collections.

Avoid when

You don't use VS Code, or you need large-team collaboration and a full API platform.

CI/CD fit

Thunder Client CLI · GitHub Actions · GitLab CI

Team fit

VS Code developers · API teams · Developers wanting in-editor testing

Setup

Easy

Maintenance

Low

Learning

Beginner

Licence

Freemium

// BEST FOR

  • Testing REST and GraphQL APIs inside VS Code, no separate app
  • Developers who want requests next to the code they're writing
  • Git-syncable collections stored as files for version control
  • A lightweight, fast client without a heavy platform
  • Scriptless request building with environment variables
  • Running collections in CI via the Thunder Client CLI

// AVOID WHEN

  • You don't use VS Code (it's an extension)
  • Large-team shared workspaces and collaboration are central
  • You want a full API platform with monitoring and mocks
  • Non-developers need to author or run the requests
  • You need an extensive marketplace of integrations
  • Cross-editor or standalone use matters

// QUICK START

Install the Thunder Client extension in VS Code -> create a collection and
environment -> build and send requests -> enable Git sync -> run via the CLI in CI.

// ALTERNATIVES TO CONSIDER

ToolChoose it when
PostmanYou want a full standalone platform with collaboration.
BrunoYou want a standalone offline-first client with Git-versioned collections.
HoppscotchYou want a free, browser-based client.

// FEATURES

  • Native VS Code integration — no separate app
  • Scriptless GUI-based testing
  • Collections and environments
  • Local-first storage (paid sync for teams)
  • GraphQL support
  • Import/export Postman collections

// PROS

  • Zero context switching for VS Code users
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Generous free tier for local use

// CONS

  • VS Code only
  • Team sync and advanced features behind paid tier
  • Closed-source

// EXAMPLE QA WORKFLOW

  1. Install the Thunder Client extension in VS Code

  2. Create collections and environments

  3. Build and send REST/GraphQL requests in-editor

  4. Add assertions to key requests

  5. Enable Git sync so collections live in the repo

  6. Run headless in CI via the CLI

// RELATED QA.CODES RESOURCES

Glossary