Bruno
⚙️ Dev Tools & IDEsOffline-first API client that stores requests in your git repo. Postman alternative with no cloud sync, no accounts. Just files.
Our Take
Bruno is what happens when developers get fed up with Postman's increasingly aggressive push towards cloud accounts, teams, and monetisation. It's an offline-first API client that stores collections as plain files in your git repo. No cloud sync, no accounts, no tracking. Just a clean app that lets you build and test API requests. It uses a simple markup language (Bru) that's version-control friendly. If Postman's direction frustrates you, Bruno is the protest vote that actually works.
What we like
- Collections stored as files in your git repo — version control, diffs, and code review for API tests
- Completely offline — no accounts, no cloud, no telemetry
- Open-source and actively developed with a passionate community
- Scripting support with JavaScript for pre/post request logic
Where it falls short
- Missing some advanced features like mock servers, monitoring, and automated testing that Postman offers
- Team collaboration is literally 'commit and push' — no real-time sync if your team expects that
- Smaller extension ecosystem and fewer integrations than established alternatives
Verdict
Bruno is the API client for developers who believe API collections belong in version control, not in someone else's cloud. It's fast, clean, and respects your workflow. If you need Postman's collaboration features, you'll miss them. If you don't, Bruno is strictly better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bruno free?
Yes, Bruno is completely free to use.
What are the best Bruno alternatives?
Popular alternatives to Bruno in the Dev Tools & IDEs category include VS Code, Docker, GitHub, CodeSandbox, GitBook. Each has different strengths depending on your specific needs and budget.
How much does Bruno cost?
Free and open-source. Golden Edition (one-time $19) adds advanced features.
Is Bruno worth it in 2026?
Bruno is the API client for developers who believe API collections belong in version control, not in someone else's cloud. It's fast, clean, and respects your workflow. If you need Postman's collaboration features, you'll miss them. If you don't, Bruno is strictly better.
The Dev Tools & IDEs Landscape
There are 27 tools in the Dev Tools & IDEs category on Fewer Tools. Our top pick is VS Code. The right choice depends on your stage, budget, and specific needs.
The code editor. Extensions for everything, built-in terminal, Git integration. Free, fast, universal.
Containers that work everywhere. Package your app and its dependencies into one portable unit. DevOps essential.
Where code lives. Version control, CI/CD, project management, and the world's largest open source community.
Browser-based dev environment. Share a running app with a link. Perfect for prototyping and collaboration.
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