Bruno vs Thunder Client
Thunder Client has taken a different approach - paywalling essential API testing features that should be free. While they market themselves as a 'lightweight' alternative, their pricing model tells a different story.
Important Licensing Difference
Thunder Client's "free" version is only for non-commercial use. If you use Thunder Client at work, you're required to pay for it or you're violating their licensing agreement. Bruno is truly free for everyone - solo developers, startups, and enterprise teams alike.
"API testing shouldn't be held hostage by subscription tiers. Essential features like scripting, environments, and protocol support should be free for every developer."
Developer Productivity
Basic API Testing Features
Thunder Client
Charges $3-16/month per user for basic features like custom scripting, global environments, request chaining, and file uploads. Essential API testing functionality is locked behind subscription paywalls.
Bruno
Provides all essential API testing features completely free - HTTP/REST/GraphQL/gRPC support, unlimited scripting, environments, request chaining, file uploads, and more. No paywalls for basic functionality that every developer needs.
Collection Runs & Testing
Thunder Client
Severely limits collection runs even on paid plans - only 30 runs per user on Starter ($3/month), 250 on Business ($7/month). Free users get 0 collection runs. Want unlimited? Pay $16/month per user for Enterprise.
Bruno
Offers unlimited collection runs completely free. Run your test suites as many times as you need without artificial limits or per-run charges. Testing shouldn't be rationed.
Scripting & Automation
Thunder Client
Paywalls scripting functionality behind paid plans. API Clients are designed for testing APIs, if you can't write scripts - the utility is almost non-existent. CLI & CI/CD integration requires a subscription as well. Basic automation features that should be standard are treated as premium add-ons.
Bruno
Provides full scripting capabilities for free - pre-request scripts, post-response scripts, test assertions, npm module support, and CLI integration. No artificial restrictions on automation features.
Collaboration & Workflow
Team Collaboration
Thunder Client
Requires paid subscriptions for any team features. Even basic collaboration starts at $3/month per user, with no option for teams to collaborate using existing tools.
Bruno
Enables seamless team collaboration through Git - the same version control system your team already uses for code. Collections live alongside your codebase, making collaboration natural and free.
Version Control & Git Integration
Thunder Client
Offers 'Git-Sync' only on paid plans starting at $3/month. Collections are stored in their proprietary format, making version control an add-on feature rather than a core capability.
Bruno
Built from the ground up with Git integration. Collections are stored as plain text files in your repository, enabling native Git workflows, branching, merging, and collaboration without additional costs.
Technical Capabilities
Protocol Support
Thunder Client
Paywalls WebSocket, SSE, and gRPC support behind paid subscriptions starting at $3/month per user. Want full protocol support? You'll need to pay for it.
Bruno
Supports HTTP, REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket, and more protocols completely free. No artificial restrictions based on payment tiers - if it's an API protocol, Bruno supports it.
Environment Management
Thunder Client
Charges for 'Global Environments' on all paid plans. Free users get 0 environments. Even basic environment management requires a paid subscription.
Bruno
Provides unlimited environments completely free. Create as many environments as you need for development, staging, production, and testing without restrictions.
Enterprise & Philosophy
Offline & Privacy
Thunder Client
Requires online connectivity and account management for most features. 'Offline Activation' is an Enterprise-only feature at $16/month per user.
Bruno
Works completely offline by design. No accounts, no cloud sync, no online requirements. Your API data stays on your machine where it belongs.
Pricing Philosophy
Thunder Client
Follows a 'freemium' model that paywalls essential features. Basic API testing capabilities like scripting, environments, and protocol support are treated as premium features requiring monthly subscriptions.
Bruno
Believes API testing tools should be accessible to all developers. Core functionality is completely free, with optional paid features for enterprise needs like dedicated support and advanced integrations.
Ready to Test APIs Without Limits?
No Paywalls, Just Support
Bruno provides all essential API testing features for free. If you need enterprise support or have questions, we're here to help without forcing you into subscription tiers. Email us at support@usebruno.com or contact our sales team.