Linux · Programming
Insomnia
Insomnia is an open‑source API client for GraphQL, REST, WebSockets, SSE, gRPC and other HTTP protocols.
- License
- MIT
- Latest version
- 13.3.0 (September 23, 2026)
- Developer
- Kong
- Installs
- 2,200 (Flathub, 30 days)
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia was started by Kong in 2016 as a lightweight alternative to commercial API tools. Over the years it has added a native OpenAPI editor, test suites, and a CLI for CI/CD. The latest release 13.3.0 (2026‑09‑23) keeps it up‑to‑date with modern API standards.
It targets developers, QA engineers, and teams that need a single place to design, test, and debug APIs. It supports a wide range of protocols and integrates with Git, cloud sync, and local vaults.
Compared with Windows‑only tools like Postman, Insomnia feels more native on Linux: it uses the system’s GTK theme, respects Linux shortcuts, and runs as a single executable without a heavy runtime.
Best for: Teams that need a free, open‑source API client with strong protocol support and CI/CD integration.
Key features of Insomnia
- Cross‑platform support for GraphQL, REST, WebSockets, SSE, gRPC
- Native OpenAPI editor with visual preview
- Built‑in test suites and CLI for linting and testing
- Local Vault, Cloud Sync, and Git Sync storage options
- Encrypted cloud collaboration
- Future mock server support (coming 2023)
Pros
- Free and MIT licensed
- Rich protocol support
- Strong CI/CD integration
- Good Git and cloud sync integration
Cons
- Mock server still pending
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Limited offline collaboration features
Windows programs Insomnia replaces
How to install Insomnia on Linux
flatpak install flathub rest.insomnia.InsomniaTips for Windows users
When moving from Postman, export your collections as JSON and import them into Insomnia. Keyboard shortcuts differ: Ctrl+Shift+N opens a new request, Ctrl+R re‑runs, and Ctrl+S saves. The workflow is similar, but Insomnia’s request panels are split into tabs for headers, body, and tests, making navigation more explicit.
Recent releases
- 13.3.0 —
- 13.2.0 —
- 13.1.0 —
- 12.6.0 —
Insomnia: frequently asked questions
How do I import a Postman collection into Insomnia?
Use File → Import → Postman collection and select the JSON file. Insomnia will convert the collection into its native format.
Can I sync my projects across machines?
Yes, enable Cloud Sync in Settings. It encrypts data and offers a free tier for small teams.
Does Insomnia support gRPC?
Yes, gRPC is supported natively; you can create .proto files and call services directly.
Is there a mock server feature?
Mocking is scheduled for a future release; currently you can use external tools or the CLI to stub responses.
Updated