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Hasura vs Insomnia

Hasura logo

Hasura

Software

GraphQL engine that instantly creates production-ready GraphQL API from databases

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Insomnia logo

Insomnia

Software

REST and GraphQL API client for development and testing

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Hasura database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only; Insomnia git Sync on the free tier covers up to 3 users only
  • They diverge on capability: Hasura covers GraphQL API, Insomnia covers REST API Client.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Hasura and Insomnia actually diverge.

Attributes where Hasura and Insomnia differ
AttributeHasuraInsomnia
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsWebWindows, MacOS, Linux, Web
Founded20172010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Hasura

  • GraphQL API
  • Real-time subscriptions
  • Access control
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • Webhooks
  • REST APIs
  • Cloud support

Only in Insomnia

  • REST API Client
  • GraphQL Support
  • gRPC Support
  • GitHub
  • GitLab
  • Slack
  • Windows support
  • MacOS support

What people use each for

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

Hasura

  • Automatic GraphQL API generation from existing databasesnot Insomnia
  • Real-time data subscriptions for modern applicationsnot Insomnia
  • Backend infrastructure for web and mobile applicationsnot Insomnia
  • Event-triggered webhooks for database changesnot Insomnia

Insomnia

  • Sending and debugging HTTP, GraphQL and gRPC requestsnot Hasura
  • Storing collections in Git rather than a vendor cloudnot Hasura
  • Mocking an API endpoint before it existsnot Hasura
  • Running collections in CI with the Inso CLInot Hasura
  • Environment management across staging and productionnot Hasura

Where each one falls short

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

Hasura

  • Database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only

Insomnia

  • Git Sync on the free tier covers up to 3 users only
  • Mock servers are capped at 1,000 requests a month on free, then $10 per 25,000
  • Role-based access control requires Pro at $12 per user per month
  • SSO, SCIM and vault integrations are Enterprise only at $45 per user per month
  • Working without an account is limited to the local-only Scratch Pad

Pricing, plan by plan

Hasura

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Hasura review.

Insomnia

Free
  • FreeFree
    • REST, GraphQL, gRPC support
    • Local data
  • Pro$5/monthly
    • Cloud sync
    • Team collaboration
    • Advanced features
  • Team$30/monthly
    • Team management
    • Advanced analytics
    • Priority support

Which should you pick?

Choose Hasura if

  • You need graphql api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want real-time subscriptions.
Hasura review

Choose Insomnia if

  • You need rest api client.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Web.
  • You also want graphql support.
Insomnia review

Questions people ask

Is Hasura or Insomnia better?
Neither clearly leads. Hasura starts at Free and Insomnia at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Hasura or Insomnia?
Hasura starts at Free and Insomnia at Free.
Does Hasura or Insomnia run on more platforms?
Hasura runs on Web. Insomnia runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Web.
Can I use Hasura for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Hasura best used for?
Hasura is most often used for automatic graphql api generation from existing databases, real-time data subscriptions for modern applications, backend infrastructure for web and mobile applications, event-triggered webhooks for database changes. Of those, automatic graphql api generation from existing databases and real-time data subscriptions for modern applications are not what Insomnia is typically brought in for.
What can Hasura do that Insomnia cannot?
Hasura covers GraphQL API, Real-time subscriptions, Access control, PostgreSQL. Insomnia covers REST API Client, GraphQL Support, gRPC Support, GitHub.
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