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APIs · head to head

Bruno vs Paw

Bruno logo

Bruno

APIs

Open-source IDE for API exploration with git-friendly collections

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Paw logo

Paw

APIs

Full-featured REST client for macOS with powerful scripting and testing

From
$99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Bruno has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Bruno native Git integration, the feature that distinguishes it from cloud API clients, is Pro only at $6 per user per month; Paw no specific pricing amounts published for subscription tiers
  • They diverge on capability: Bruno covers API Testing, Paw covers REST Client.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bruno and Paw actually diverge.

Attributes where Bruno and Paw differ
AttributeBrunoPaw
Starting priceFree$99/one-time
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, MacOS, LinuxMacOS
Founded20222013

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (APIs).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Bruno

  • API Testing
  • Environment management
  • Git-friendly storage
  • Git repositories
  • Local file system
  • Windows support
  • Linux support

Only in Paw

  • REST Client
  • Scripting
  • Dynamic Values
  • Slack
  • Custom extensions

Both cover

  • GitHub
  • MacOS support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Bruno

  • Sending and testing HTTP requests from a local clientnot Paw
  • Keeping API collections in Git rather than a vendor cloudnot Paw
  • Offline API development without an accountnot Paw
  • Importing and syncing OpenAPI specificationsnot Paw

Paw

  • API Developmentnot Bruno
  • API Gatewaynot Bruno
  • API Testingnot Bruno
  • API Documentationnot Bruno
  • Microservicesnot Bruno

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Bruno

  • Native Git integration, the feature that distinguishes it from cloud API clients, is Pro only at $6 per user per month
  • OpenAPI syncs are capped at 5 a month on the free tier
  • SSO, SCIM and user management require Ultimate at $11 per user per month
  • Private workspaces are a paid feature
  • Advertised prices are annual rates

Paw

  • No specific pricing amounts published for subscription tiers
  • Individual and volume licensing requires direct contact
  • Limited details on team subscription pricing

Pricing, plan by plan

Bruno

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Core API Client
    • Limited Git integration
    • 2 Workspaces
  • Pro$6/month
    • Core API Client
    • Native Git integration
    • Unlimited Workspaces
  • Ultimate$11/month
    • Core API Client
    • Full Git integration
    • Unlimited Workspaces

Paw

$99/one-time
  • Standard$99/one-time
    • Full REST client
    • Advanced scripting
    • Extensions
  • Annual License$49/yearly
    • All features
    • Updates
    • Priority support

Which should you pick?

Choose Bruno if

  • You need api testing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want environment management.
Bruno review

Choose Paw if

  • You need rest client.
  • You work on MacOS.
  • You also want scripting.
Paw review

Questions people ask

Is Bruno or Paw better?
Neither clearly leads. Bruno starts at Free and Paw at $99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bruno or Paw?
Bruno has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Bruno and $99/one-time for Paw.
Does Bruno or Paw run on more platforms?
Bruno runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux. Paw runs on MacOS.
Can I use Bruno for free?
Yes. Bruno has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Paw starts at $99/one-time.
What is Bruno best used for?
Bruno is most often used for sending and testing http requests from a local client, keeping api collections in git rather than a vendor cloud, offline api development without an account, importing and syncing openapi specifications. Of those, sending and testing http requests from a local client and keeping api collections in git rather than a vendor cloud are not what Paw is typically brought in for.
What can Bruno do that Paw cannot?
Bruno covers API Testing, Environment management, Git-friendly storage, Git repositories. Paw covers REST Client, Scripting, Dynamic Values, Slack. Both handle GitHub, MacOS support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Bruno: What is included in Bruno's free tier?

The Open Source plan includes the core API client, limited Git integration, and up to 2 workspaces at no cost. A 14-day free trial of the Ultimate plan is also available without requiring a credit card.

Source
Paw: How much does RapidAPI for Mac (Paw) cost?

Paw offers a free tier for personal and professional use. Paid subscription plans are available on monthly and yearly billing, but specific pricing amounts are not disclosed and require direct contact with RapidAPI.

Source
Bruno: What is the difference between Bruno Pro and Ultimate plans?

Pro ($6/month) includes native Git integration and unlimited workspaces. Ultimate ($11/month) adds SSO/SCIM support, audit logs, 24-hour support (vs. 48-hour), and an account manager. Ultimate supports unlimited OpenAPI syncs while Pro is limited to 5 per month.

Source
Paw: Is there a free version of Paw?

Yes, RapidAPI for Mac (Paw) is free for both personal and professional use.

Source
Bruno: How much does Bruno Pro save compared to other API tools?

The vendor claims Ultimate saves teams more than 70% versus Postman, though this comparison is promotional rather than a specific cost metric.

Source
Paw: What features are included in the free version of Paw?

The free tier includes HTTP client capabilities for API testing, API documentation, personal sync across devices, and support for Swagger, RAML, and API Blueprint formats.

Source
Paw: What additional features do Paw team subscriptions include?

Team subscription plans include all personal features plus collaborative tools, team project access, synchronized workflows with safe data merges, and real-time notifications and updates.

Source
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