Does Insomnia support importing from Postman?

Absolutely. Insomnia has a robust import tool that supports Postman Collections (v2.0 and v2.1). It generally handles the conversion of folders, requests, and environments very well. However, complex pre-request scripts specific to Postman's sandbox API may require manual adjustment after importing, as the scripting engines have slight differences.

How does Insomnia handle OAuth 2.0 authentication?

Insomnia has built-in support for OAuth 2.0. In the 'Auth' tab of any request, you can select OAuth 2.0 and fill in the Grant Type, Authorization URL, Access Token URL, Client ID, and Scope. Insomnia handles the redirect flow (opening a browser window to login) and manages the token lifecycle, automatically refreshing expired tokens if a Refresh Token URL is provided.

Is Insomnia Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) native?

Yes, Insomnia provides a universal binary or a specific build for Apple Silicon Macs. This ensures that the application runs efficiently on modern Mac architecture without needing Rosetta 2 translation, resulting in faster launch times and smoother UI performance compared to Intel-only builds.

Can I share my request collections with my team?

There are two ways to share. The free/manual method is to 'Export' your collection as a JSON or YAML file and send it to your team (or commit it to Git). The paid/automated method is to use Insomnia Sync (Team Plan), which allows real-time synchronization of workspaces, meaning updates you make are instantly visible to your colleagues.

Does Insomnia support WebSocket and gRPC testing?

Yes, Insomnia is a multi-protocol client. It supports full-duplex WebSocket communication, allowing you to send messages and view the stream of responses in real-time. Similarly, it supports gRPC, allowing you to load `.proto` files, select methods, and send Protobuf messages with the same ease as a standard REST request.

Where are Insomnia plugins stored on a Mac?

Insomnia plugins are node modules. On macOS, they are typically stored in the `~/Library/Application Support/Insomnia/plugins` directory. You can manually install plugins by dropping folders here, or use the in-app plugin hub to download them. Since they are standard Node.js packages, you can also develop your own using JavaScript.

Is the 'Inso' CLI free to use?

Yes, the `inso` CLI is included with the core application capabilities. It is open-source and can be installed via npm or Brew. It is designed to run linting and unit tests defined within your Insomnia Designer documents, making it a critical tool for pipeline automation without requiring a paid license.

BUNDL

AI Builder

JavaScript is disabled. Some interactive features require JavaScript. Core content is still available below.

Loading…

Insomnia

Name: Insomnia
Availability: InStock

HTTP and GraphQL Client

Developer ToolsFreeOpen Source

Insomnia screenshot — Insomnia — Official Website

Quick Take: Insomnia

4.6

In 2026, Insomnia remains the premier choice for macOS developers who value a balance between power and usability. It successfully shed the 'bloat' concerns that plague its biggest competitor, Postman, while retaining enterprise-grade features thanks to Kong's backing. Its 'Local-First' pivot has restored community trust, making it a safe harbor for privacy-conscious development. The UI is refined, the protocol support is comprehensive (covering REST, GraphQL, and gRPC), and the `inso` CLI makes it a viable tool for serious DevOps pipelines. While the resource usage of Electron is an unavoidable drawback, the productivity gains from features like Request Chaining and instant environment switching far outweigh the memory cost. For developers who want a tool that just works—and looks good doing it—Insomnia is the top recommendation.

Best For

•Full-Stack Developers needing versatile protocol support
•API Architects utilizing OpenApi design-first workflows
•Teams integrating with Kong Gateway

Install with Homebrew

brew install --cask insomnia

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a leading, cross-platform API testing and design client that has solidified its position as the preferred tool for developers seeking a streamlined yet powerful alternative to bloated competitors like Postman. Originally created in 2015 by Gregory Schier to address the clunky user interfaces of existing REST clients, Insomnia was acquired by Kong Inc. in 2019 and has since evolved into a comprehensive suite for the entire API lifecycle. As of 2026, Insomnia (currently version 11.2) stands out for its 'design-first' philosophy, native support for modern protocols including GraphQL, gRPC, and WebSockets, and its deep integration with the Kong Gateway ecosystem. For Mac users in 2026, Insomnia represents the sweet spot between a raw CLI tool like cURL and an enterprise-heavy suite. It is built on a modern Electron and React technology stack, optimized for macOS with native-feeling keybindings and Dark Mode support. Its core value proposition lies in its capability to handle complex authentication flows, environment chaining, and automated testing pipelines without the overwhelming UI clutter found in legacy tools. While it faced community turbulence in late 2023 regarding cloud-sync enforcement, the 2026 iteration has robustly re-embraced local-first workflows via the 'Scratch Pad' and 'Local Vault' features, catering to privacy-conscious developers and organizations with strict data compliance needs. Insomnia fits into the modern Developer Tools landscape as a critical bridge between backend services and frontend implementation. It allows teams to debug endpoints, generate code snippets in over 30 languages, and lint OpenAPI specifications in real-time. With the rise of AI-driven development, Insomnia has integrated 'Inso AI' for automated test generation, keeping it relevant in a landscape increasingly dominated by intelligent tooling. It remains a staple in the dock of macOS developers, from indie hackers to enterprise architects.

Deep Dive: The Evolution and Architecture of Insomnia

To truly understand Insomnia's place in the 2026 stack, we must look beyond the UI. This section explores the history, the technical engine driving it, and the ecosystem that extends its capabilities.

History & Background

Founded in 2015 by Gregory Schier as a side project, Insomnia began as a reaction to the slow, clutter-heavy interface of Postman. It quickly gained a cult following for its simplicity. In 2019, API infrastructure giant Kong Inc. acquired Insomnia to bolster its open-source portfolio. A pivotal moment occurred in late 2023 with version 8.0, where a forced-sync update caused community backlash; Kong responded by re-introducing local-only modes in version 8.3. By 2026, the tool has matured into version 11.x, stabilizing its identity as a privacy-respecting, enterprise-ready client.

How It Works

Insomnia is a classic Electron application, wrapping a Node.js backend with a React-based frontend. This allows it to share code between the desktop app and the `inso` CLI. The core request engine uses `libcurl` bindings for maximum protocol compatibility and performance, distinct from browser-based fetch limitations. Data is stored in a local NeDB (embedded JSON database) or encrypted SQLite for the local vault. The plugin architecture exposes the internal Request/Response objects via a JavaScript API, allowing deep modification of flight data.

Ecosystem & Integrations

The Insomnia ecosystem revolves around its Plugin Hub and Kong connectivity. There are over 350 community plugins available via NPM, ranging from 'Insomnia Plugin Faker' for generating random test data to 'AWS Signature v4' for specialized auth. Beyond plugins, the ecosystem is tightly coupled with Kong Konnect, allowing seamless drift detection between local specs and deployed gateway services. This integration makes Insomnia not just a testing tool, but a control plane for API governance.

Future Development

Looking ahead through 2026, the roadmap heavily emphasizes AI and Collaboration. 'Insomnia AI' is expected to move from beta to general availability, offering 'self-healing' tests that adapt when API contracts change slightly. Additionally, we expect deeper integration with Kubernetes, allowing developers to debug intra-cluster traffic directly by tunneling through the Insomnia interface.

Key Features

Multi-Protocol Support (REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket)

Insomnia goes beyond standard HTTP methods by offering first-class citizenship to modern communication protocols. It allows developers to seamlessly switch between debugging a RESTful JSON endpoint, querying a GraphQL schema with full introspection and auto-completion, and streaming bidirectional gRPC or WebSocket messages. Technically, this is achieved through a modular request engine that adapts the UI based on the protocol selected—for instance, showing a Protobuf editor for gRPC. This versatility matters immensely in 2026, where microservices architectures often mix protocols. A user can, for example, test a user authentication REST endpoint and immediately pass that token into a secure WebSocket subscription within the same workspace.

Environment Variables & Chaining

This feature eliminates the manual copy-pasting of data between requests, a notorious pain point in API testing. Insomnia’s template system allows users to define variables (like `base_url` or `api_key`) and nested environments (e.g., Development, Staging, Production). More powerfully, 'Response Chaining' lets you extract values from a previous response—such as a Bearer token from a login request—and automatically inject it into subsequent headers. It works by parsing the JSON or XML response of a dependent request on-the-fly. For users, this means one-click switching between server environments without rewriting payloads, drastically speeding up the debugging workflow.

Design Documents & OpenAPI Linting

Insomnia acts as a central hub for 'Design-First' API development. It includes a dedicated design pane where developers can write OpenAPI (Swagger) specifications. As you type, the tool parses the YAML/JSON and provides real-time linting errors and a live preview of the generated documentation. Technically, this leverages the spectral linter under the hood. This feature is crucial for teams that treat documentation as the source of truth, preventing 'drift' between the code and the spec. A developer can design an endpoint, mock it immediately for the frontend team, and then generate the server-side boilerplate, all within Insomnia.

Inso CLI for CI/CD Pipelines

The `inso` command-line interface bridges the gap between manual testing and automated DevOps pipelines. It allows developers to run Insomnia unit tests and generate configuration files directly from the terminal. Technically, it is a Node.js wrapper that executes the same test suites defined in the GUI, ensuring consistency. This matters for QA engineers and DevOps specialists who need to integrate API checks into GitHub Actions or GitLab CI. For example, a user can configure a pre-commit hook that runs `inso run test "User API"` to prevent breaking changes from being merged into the main branch.

Kong Gateway Integration

As a Kong product, Insomnia offers exclusive integration capabilities for users of the Kong API Gateway. It allows developers to deploy their local OpenAPI specifications and snippets directly to a Kong instance or Kong Konnect cloud. It works by mapping Insomnia workspace data to Kong's declarative configuration format (decK). This is a game-changer for enterprise users, as it streamlines the path from 'local testing' to 'production deployment.' A backend engineer can define a route, add a rate-limiting plugin policy in Insomnia, and push the configuration to the gateway without leaving the application.

End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) Sync

For teams that require cloud synchronization without compromising security, Insomnia offers military-grade End-to-End Encryption. Unlike standard cloud storage where the provider holds the keys, Insomnia generates a specialized passphrase on the client side. Data is encrypted locally before it ever touches Insomnia’s servers, meaning not even Kong employees can access your API keys or payloads. This feature is vital for fintech and healthcare sectors in 2026. A team lead can share a workspace containing sensitive production credentials, knowing that only team members with the specific passphrase can decrypt and use them.

Who Should Use Insomnia?

1Frontend React Developer

A Frontend Developer is building a dashboard that consumes a complex GraphQL API. They are struggling with a specific query that returns a 'Bad Request' error in their React app. Using Insomnia, they import the schema directly from the staging URL. The introspection feature immediately lights up, providing autocomplete for available fields. They construct the query in Insomnia's GraphQL editor, which highlights a deprecated field red. After fixing the query and successfully fetching the data, they use Insomnia's 'Generate Code' feature to instantly copy the exact `fetch` or `Apollo Client` syntax needed for their component. This workflow saves them hours of trial-and-error debugging within the browser console.

2QA Automation Engineer

A QA Engineer needs to ensure that the weekly release of the company's payment microservice doesn't break existing functionality. Instead of writing a new Selenium script, they utilize Insomnia's 'Unit Testing' tab. They create a test suite that chains a login request, a payment initiation, and a transaction verification. They write assertions in JavaScript (Chai syntax) to verify that the status code is 200 and the transaction ID is present. Once the suite passes locally, they export the configuration via the `inso` CLI and add it to the Jenkins pipeline. Now, every pull request automatically runs these Insomnia tests, blocking bugs before they reach production.

3Backend API Architect

An Architect is designing a new User Service and wants to adhere to the OpenAPI 3.1 standard. They start in Insomnia's 'Design' tab, writing the YAML specification from scratch. As they define the `GET /users/{id}` endpoint, Insomnia's real-time linter warns them that they forgot to define a default error response. They correct this immediately. To get feedback from the mobile team, they don't need to deploy a server yet; they simply start the 'Mock Server' built into Insomnia based on the spec. The mobile developers can now hit the mock endpoint to start their work, while the architect proceeds to implement the actual Go backend.

How to Install Insomnia on Mac

Installing Insomnia on macOS in 2026 is straightforward. You can choose the flexibility of a manual download or the convenience of the Homebrew package manager, which makes updates easier to manage.

Install via Homebrew (Recommended)

For the fastest installation and easy updates, open your Terminal and run: `brew install --cask insomnia`

Manual DMG Installation

Alternatively, visit the official download page at `insomnia.rest/download`, select 'Download for macOS', and drag the Insomnia.app file into your Applications folder.

Initial Launch & Permissions

Open Insomnia from Spotlight. On the first run, macOS Gatekeeper may verify the developer signature. Click 'Open' and grant network permissions if prompted.

Pro Tips

• Pin Insomnia to your Dock for quick access during development sprints.
• Immediately check for updates (Insomnia > Check for Updates) to ensure you have the latest protocol support.
• If you plan to use the CLI, verify installation by running `inso --version` in your terminal.

Configuration Tips

Optimize for Dark Mode & Font Legibility

Go to `Preferences > General`. In 2026, the 'Hyper' and 'Material' themes are popular. Ensure 'Follow OS Theme' is checked. Crucially, change the Editor Font to a nerd-font like 'JetBrains Mono' or 'Fira Code' with ligatures enabled. This makes reading JSON payloads and YAML specs significantly easier on the eyes during long sessions.

Set Up Local Vault for Privacy

If you are working on sensitive projects, navigate to `Preferences > Data`. Ensure that 'Scratch Pad' is your default start screen. Enable 'Local Vault' storage to ensure that your collections and environment variables are stored strictly on your Mac's SSD (`~/Library/Application Support/Insomnia`) and are never accidentally synced to the cloud without explicit consent.

Configure Proxy and Certificates

For corporate environments with strict firewalls, go to `Preferences > Network`. Configure your HTTP/HTTPS proxy settings here. If you are testing local HTTPS endpoints with self-signed certificates, uncheck 'Validate Certificates' to avoid constant SSL errors, or load your company’s CA certificate directly into the 'Client Certificates' section.

Alternatives to Insomnia

While Insomnia is a top-tier choice, the API client landscape in 2026 is competitive. Depending on your need for collaboration versus lightweight speed, you might consider these strong contenders.

Postman

The Goliath of API testing. Postman offers a massive feature set including public API networks, comprehensive mock servers, and heavy team collaboration tools. However, it is significantly more resource-intensive than Insomnia and pushes its paid cloud features aggressively. Postman is better for large enterprise teams needing a full platform, while Insomnia is superior for developers who want a faster, cleaner, and less distracting interface.

Bruno

A rising star in the open-source community. Bruno distinguishes itself by storing collections directly as files in your git repository folder, rather than in a separate database or cloud. This 'Git-native' approach solves version control issues elegantly. Compared to Insomnia, Bruno is more lightweight and completely free, but lacks the polished UI, advanced plugin ecosystem, and deep Kong integration that Insomnia offers.

Paw (RapidAPI)

Now known as RapidAPI for Mac, this tool is the only true native macOS application in the list (not Electron). It offers the best performance and OS integration, feeling like a built-in Apple app. It is excellent for purists who dislike Electron apps. However, it is paid software with a higher barrier to entry and has a smaller community plugin ecosystem compared to Insomnia's JavaScript-based extensions.

Pricing

Freemium

Insomnia operates on a generous Freemium model. **Free:** Includes all core capabilities (REST, GraphQL, gRPC), unlimited local collections, and the Scratch Pad. Perfect for individuals. **Individual ($5/mo):** Adds encrypted cloud sync for a single user and unlimited history. **Team ($12/user/mo):** Adds shared workspaces, role-based access control (RBAC), and project management features. **Enterprise:** Custom pricing for SSO, audit logs, and advanced Kong Gateway integration.

Pros

✓**Clean, Minimalist Interface:** Unlike competitors, Insomnia avoids UI bloat, keeping the focus strictly on the request and response.
✓**Chained Requests:** The ability to dynamically pull data from previous responses (e.g., auth tokens) without writing scripts is a massive productivity booster.
✓**Native GraphQL Support:** Offers one of the best GraphQL debugging experiences with full schema introspection and documentation browsing.
✓**Plugin Ecosystem:** A robust library of community-maintained npm plugins allows for infinite customization (e.g., custom authenticators, random data generators).
✓**Kong Integration:** Unmatched capability for teams using the Kong Gateway to deploy specs directly from the client.
✓**Privacy Focus:** Strong support for local-only storage and E2EE sync satisfies strict security compliance requirements.
✓**Inso CLI:** Excellent companion tool for integrating API tests into CI/CD pipelines.

Cons

✗**Electron Resource Usage:** While lighter than Postman, it is still an Electron app and can consume significant RAM on older Macs.
✗**Sync Complexity:** The distinction between Local Vault, Scratch Pad, and Cloud Projects can be confusing for new users.
✗**Limited Scripting:** The testing capability is robust but less flexible than Postman’s extensive JavaScript sandbox for complex pre-request scripts.
✗**Freemium Restrictions:** Some collaboration features that used to be freer are now locked behind the Team subscription.

Community & Support

Insomnia boasts a vibrant and technical community. As a Kong-backed product, it benefits from the massive Kong Nation forum, but it also maintains its own identity. The GitHub repository is the primary hub for bug reports and feature requests, with a high level of activity and transparency regarding the roadmap. Documentation is excellent, hosted on `docs.insomnia.rest`, featuring clear tutorials and API references. For real-time help, the Insomnia community Slack and Discord channels are active, with developers often sharing custom plugins and debugging tips. The ecosystem of plugins (over 300+) demonstrates the community's engagement.

Video Tutorials

Getting Started with Insomnia

Kong116.8K views

Insomnia REST Client Tutorial

insidewebdev • 35.0K views

Insomnia: The Best API Testing Tool for Developers

CodeSalad • 17.0K views

How to install Insomnia

Navyaprabha Rajappa • 303 views

Frequently Asked Questions about Insomnia

Yes. Following the feedback in late 2023, Insomnia solidified its 'Local-First' commitment. You can use the 'Scratch Pad' or 'Local Vault' features to create, test, and save collections locally on your Mac without ever creating an account or signing in. No data is sent to the cloud unless you explicitly choose to move a collection to a cloud-synced workspace.

Our Verdict

4.6/5

Best for:Full-Stack Developers needing versatile protocol supportAPI Architects utilizing OpenApi design-first workflowsTeams integrating with Kong Gateway

About the Author

Alex Chen

Senior Developer Tools Specialist

Code Editors & IDEsTerminal EmulatorsVersion Control Tools

12+ years in software development · Former senior engineer at tech startups

Related Technologies & Concepts

Kong Inc.Gregory SchierElectronOpenAPIGraphQLPostmangRPC

Sources & References

Fact-Checked

Last verified: Feb 15, 2026

1
Insomnia Official
Accessed Feb 15, 2026

Research queries: Insomnia Mac 2026

Compare Insomnia

Insomnia vs Postman

API tools

Insomnia vs Bruno