Softwr

Software · head to head

HTTPie vs curl

HTTPie logo

HTTPie

Software

Command-line HTTP client with intuitive interface and syntax

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
curl logo

curl

Software

Command-line tool for transferring data using URLs with wide protocol support

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: HTTPie the desktop application is in public beta rather than a finished release; curl free and open source under an MIT/X derivate license, with no commercial pricing tier; funded only by voluntary sponsorship
  • They diverge on capability: HTTPie covers REST Client, curl covers HTTP/HTTPS.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which HTTPie and curl actually diverge.

Attributes where HTTPie and curl differ
AttributeHTTPiecurl
PlatformsLinux, MacOS, Windows, WebLinux, MacOS, Windows, Unix, Mobile
Founded20121997

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), 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 HTTPie

  • REST Client
  • JSON support
  • Colored output
  • CI/CD
  • Shell scripting
  • Automation
  • Web support

Only in curl

  • HTTP/HTTPS
  • FTP
  • Multiple protocols
  • Universal compatibility
  • Scripting tools
  • Unix support
  • Mobile support

Both cover

  • Linux support
  • MacOS support
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

HTTPie

  • Sending and inspecting HTTP requests from the terminalnot curl
  • A readable alternative to curl for API debuggingnot curl
  • Testing APIs through a graphical clientnot curl
  • Installing through apt, brew or pip in a development environmentnot curl

curl

  • API Developmentnot HTTPie
  • API Gatewaynot HTTPie
  • API Testingnot HTTPie
  • API Documentationnot HTTPie
  • Microservicesnot HTTPie

Where each one falls short

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

HTTPie

  • The desktop application is in public beta rather than a finished release
  • Pricing for the desktop and web products is not published, while the terminal client is free and open source
  • The graphical versions are newer than the CLI, so parity between them is not guaranteed

curl

  • Free and open source under an MIT/X derivate license, with no commercial pricing tier; funded only by voluntary sponsorship

Pricing, plan by plan

HTTPie

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full HTTPie CLI
    • Community support
  • HTTPie for Web$10/monthly
    • Web interface
    • Cloud storage
    • Team collaboration

curl

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full curl functionality
    • Community support

Which should you pick?

Choose HTTPie if

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

Choose curl if

  • You need http/https.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, MacOS, Windows, Unix, Mobile.
  • You also want ftp.
curl review

Questions people ask

Is HTTPie or curl better?
Neither clearly leads. HTTPie starts at Free and curl at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, HTTPie or curl?
HTTPie starts at Free and curl at Free.
Does HTTPie or curl run on more platforms?
HTTPie runs on Linux, MacOS, Windows, Web. curl runs on Linux, MacOS, Windows, Unix, Mobile.
Can I use HTTPie for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is HTTPie best used for?
HTTPie is most often used for sending and inspecting http requests from the terminal, a readable alternative to curl for api debugging, testing apis through a graphical client, installing through apt, brew or pip in a development environment. Of those, sending and inspecting http requests from the terminal and a readable alternative to curl for api debugging are not what curl is typically brought in for.
What can HTTPie do that curl cannot?
HTTPie covers REST Client, JSON support, Colored output, CI/CD. curl covers HTTP/HTTPS, FTP, Multiple protocols, Universal compatibility. Both handle Linux support, MacOS support, Windows support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on HTTPie

More on curl

Keep looking

Other head to heads