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Software · head to head

Insomnia vs KeystoneJS

Insomnia logo

Insomnia

Software

REST and GraphQL API client for development and testing

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
KeystoneJS logo

KeystoneJS

Software

Powerful Node.js headless CMS framework and API platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Insomnia git Sync on the free tier covers up to 3 users only; KeystoneJS database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite
  • They diverge on capability: Insomnia covers REST API Client, KeystoneJS covers REST API.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Insomnia and KeystoneJS actually diverge.

Attributes where Insomnia and KeystoneJS differ
AttributeInsomniaKeystoneJS
Pricing modelfreemiumopen-source
PlatformsWindows, MacOS, Linux, WebNode.js, Self-hosted
Founded20102016

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 Insomnia

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

Only in KeystoneJS

  • REST API
  • GraphQL API
  • Admin interface
  • Node.js
  • Next.js
  • React
  • Databases
  • Node.js support

What people use each for

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

Insomnia

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

KeystoneJS

  • Building a headless CMS with a GraphQL API from a TypeScript schemanot Insomnia
  • Generating a configurable Admin UI for editorsnot Insomnia
  • Adding structured rich text content with the document fieldnot Insomnia

Where each one falls short

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

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

KeystoneJS

  • Database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite
  • Keystone 5 is a separate legacy product documented on a different site and is not covered by the Keystone 6 docs
  • Upgrading requires following a dedicated Migrate to 8.0.0 guide, so major versions are not drop-in
  • Free support is a community Slack; enterprise-grade consulting and support is a separate paid engagement with Thinkmill and no published price

Pricing, plan by plan

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

KeystoneJS

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full KeystoneJS
    • Community support

Which should you pick?

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

Choose KeystoneJS if

  • You need rest api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Node.js, Self-hosted.
  • You also want graphql api.
KeystoneJS review

Questions people ask

Is Insomnia or KeystoneJS better?
Neither clearly leads. Insomnia starts at Free and KeystoneJS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Insomnia or KeystoneJS?
Insomnia starts at Free and KeystoneJS at Free.
Does Insomnia or KeystoneJS run on more platforms?
Insomnia runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Web. KeystoneJS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted.
Can I use Insomnia for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Insomnia best used for?
Insomnia is most often used for sending and debugging http, graphql and grpc requests, storing collections in git rather than a vendor cloud, mocking an api endpoint before it exists, running collections in ci with the inso cli. Of those, sending and debugging http, graphql and grpc requests and storing collections in git rather than a vendor cloud are not what KeystoneJS is typically brought in for.
What can Insomnia do that KeystoneJS cannot?
Insomnia covers REST API Client, GraphQL Support, gRPC Support, GitHub. KeystoneJS covers REST API, GraphQL API, Admin interface, Node.js.
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