Bruno vs Hoppscotch
Self-host pick — both replace Insomnia (API client / HTTP request testing).
Both Bruno and Hoppscotch self-host as a replacement for Insomnia (API client / HTTP request testing). Pick Bruno if you want the lighter footprint — 5min installer (desktop app), $0 — collections live as files in a folder; sync via git, no central server. Pick Hoppscotch if you need teams that want a browser-based Postman-shaped UI with self-hosted team sync — 20min docker-compose (Hoppscotch + Postgres + admin dashboard) and $5-10 vps; can also run as static frontend with no backend if you don't need team sync.
| Brunoopen-source | Hoppscotchopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | MIT |
| Setup time | 5min installer (desktop app) | 20min docker-compose (Hoppscotch + Postgres + admin dashboard) |
| Monthly cost | $0 — collections live as files in a folder; sync via git, no central server. | $5-10 VPS; can also run as static frontend with no backend if you don't need team sync. |
| GitHub | usebruno/bruno | hoppscotch/hoppscotch |
| Replaces | Insomnia + 1 other | Insomnia + 1 other |
Good fit for
Bruno
Teams that want git-based collection sync (PR reviews on API changes) instead of a SaaS workspace.
Weak at:Collaborative real-time editing — Bruno is file-first, so concurrent edits resolve through git merge, not live presence.
Hoppscotch
Teams that want a browser-based Postman-shaped UI with self-hosted team sync.
Weak at:Desktop-app feel — it's a PWA at heart; some power users prefer a native binary.
Both also replace
- Postman— API client / API workspace
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli insomnia prints Insomnia's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, Bruno or Hoppscotch?
Bruno: 5min installer (desktop app). Hoppscotch: 20min docker-compose (Hoppscotch + Postgres + admin dashboard).
What does each cost to run?
Bruno: $0 — collections live as files in a folder; sync via git, no central server.. Hoppscotch: $5-10 VPS; can also run as static frontend with no backend if you don't need team sync.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Bruno and Hoppscotch replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Insomnia (and 1 other SaaS).