Thunder Client
Lightweight REST API client built directly into VS Code and JetBrains IDEs.
Best for
Developers who want quick API testing without leaving their code editor.
Skip if
You need heavyweight team collaboration, mock servers, or API monitoring at scale.
What is Thunder Client?
Thunder Client is a REST API testing extension that runs inside VS Code and JetBrains IDEs, letting developers send requests and inspect responses without leaving their editor or switching to a separate app like Postman. Collections and environments are stored locally, and can be synced to a team's own Git repository for version-controlled collaboration. Beyond manual request testing, Thunder Client supports scripted assertions, WebSocket, SSE, and gRPC testing, and a CLI for running collections inside CI/CD pipelines. It has been downloaded more than six million times since launching in 2021, positioning itself as a lighter, IDE-native alternative to standalone API clients.
SpecificationsAI-estimated
Key Features of Thunder Client
Use Cases for Thunder Client
Testing APIs during development
Developers send requests and check responses in the same window as their code, without alt-tabbing to another app.
Syncing test collections across a team
Teams commit Thunder Client collections to their existing Git repo so everyone works from the same requests.
Running API tests in CI/CD
The Thunder Client CLI runs saved collections as an automated step in build pipelines.
Testing WebSocket and gRPC services
Teams building real-time or gRPC APIs test those protocols in the same tool used for REST endpoints.
Pros & Cons of Thunder Client
Pros
- No context switching since testing happens inside the code editor
- Local-first storage with Git sync avoids vendor cloud lock-in
- Free tier is usable for individual developers
- Lightweight compared to full standalone API platforms
Cons
- Fewer collaboration and reporting features than dedicated platforms like Postman
- Paid tiers require annual billing for the lowest per-seat price
- Advanced features like performance testing are still listed as coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thunder Client free?
Yes, there is a free tier for individual use; paid plans starting at $3/user/month add JetBrains support, Git sync, and higher collection run limits.
Does Thunder Client work outside VS Code?
Yes, in addition to the original VS Code extension, Thunder Client now supports JetBrains IDEs.
Can Thunder Client collections be version controlled?
Yes, collections and environments can be synced to a team's own Git repository.
Does Thunder Client support non-REST protocols?
Yes, it supports WebSocket, Server-Sent Events (SSE), and gRPC testing in addition to REST.
Pricing Overview
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