Bruno vs Insomnia
Self-host pick — both replace Postman (API client / API workspace).
Both Bruno and Insomnia self-host as a replacement for Postman (API client / API workspace). Pick Bruno 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 — $0 — collections are flat files in your git repo vs $0 for local-only use; cloud sync requires kong account.
| Brunoopen-source | Insomniaopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 (open core; some sync features are SaaS-only) |
| Setup time | 5min (desktop app install) | 5min (desktop app) |
| Monthly cost | $0 — collections are flat files in your Git repo. | $0 for local-only use; cloud sync requires Kong account. |
| GitHub | usebruno/bruno | Kong/insomnia |
| Replaces | Postman + 1 other | Postman |
Good fit for
Bruno
Teams that want their API collections version-controlled in Git instead of a SaaS workspace.
Weak at:No live multi-user editing; collaboration via PR review only.
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, Bruno or Insomnia?
Bruno: 5min (desktop app install). Insomnia: 5min (desktop app).
What does each cost to run?
Bruno: $0 — collections are flat files in your Git repo.. Insomnia: $0 for local-only use; cloud sync requires Kong account.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Bruno and Insomnia replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Postman.