Hoppscotch Desktop

Hoppscotch Desktop is a lightweight, open-source API development and testing client for Windows.

It allows developers, QA engineers, and technical teams to create, send, organize, and automate API requests without relying on a web browser.



The Hoppscotch for PC application supports common REST operations alongside GraphQL, WebSocket, Server-Sent Events, Socket.IO, and MQTT workflows.

Users can configure authentication, headers, query parameters, request bodies, variables, scripts, and response tests from one focused workspace.

Because the desktop edition sends requests through the local computer, it is also more convenient for testing private services, localhost endpoints, development servers, and APIs affected by browser CORS restrictions.

Features

REST API Client: Send GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE, and other HTTP requests.

Multiple Protocols: Work with REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, SSE, Socket.IO, and MQTT services.

Collections and Folders: Organize related requests into reusable project structures.

Environment Variables: Store development, staging, production, and secret values separately.

Authentication Tools: Configure Basic, Bearer, OAuth 2.0, API Key, Digest, AWS Signature, and additional methods.



Pre-Request Scripts: Run JavaScript before sending a request to prepare data or authentication.

Response Tests: Create assertions that automatically validate returned status codes, headers, and content.

Collection Runner: Execute multiple saved requests and tests in a defined sequence.

API Documentation: Generate and share documentation based on organized collections.

Mock Servers: Simulate API responses before the real backend is ready.

Import and Export: Transfer data from supported API formats and competing clients.

Team Workspaces: Share requests, collections, variables, and updates with collaborators.

User Interface

Hoppscotch Desktop uses a clean, developer-focused interface that keeps the request builder and response viewer within the same screen.

The method selector and endpoint field appear prominently at the top, while parameters, headers, authorization, body content, scripts, and tests are separated into logical tabs.



Responses are displayed with status, duration, size, headers, and formatted body data. Dark and light themes are available, and keyboard shortcuts reduce dependence on menus.

Although advanced panels can feel dense at first, the overall design is faster to understand than many enterprise-oriented API suites.

Installation and Setup

1. Download the Windows MSI installer or portable 64-bit package from FileHorse.
2. Open the installer and approve the Windows security prompt when required.
3. Follow the installation wizard and choose the destination folder.
4. Launch Hoppscotch Desktop from the Start menu.
5. Continue without an account for local work or sign in to enable synchronization.
6. Import existing collections or create a new workspace.

How to Use

• Open the application and select the REST workspace.
• Choose an HTTP method such as GET or POST.
• Enter the complete API endpoint address.
• Add query parameters, headers, authorization details, or request body data.
• Select an environment when the request uses variables.
• Add optional pre-request scripts or response tests.
• Click Send to execute the request.
• Review the returned status code, headers, response time, and formatted body.
• Save the request inside a collection for future use.
• Run the collection when you need to test an entire API workflow.

FAQs

Is Hoppscotch Desktop free?
Yes. The Free plan provides unlimited requests, collections, workspaces, and runners for individual use and smaller workflows.

Can it test localhost APIs?
Yes. The desktop client can access services running on the local computer or private network without depending on browser-based request handling.

Does it require an account?
No. Users can work locally without signing in. An account is primarily needed for cloud synchronization and collaboration features.

Is a portable edition available?
Yes. Windows users can download a portable 64-bit version that runs without a traditional installation.

Can Hoppscotch import Postman collections?
It supports importing several commonly used collection and API specification formats, making migration from another client considerably easier.

Alternatives

Postman – A comprehensive API platform with extensive testing, monitoring, documentation, and collaboration tools.

Insomnia – A polished REST, GraphQL, and gRPC client with strong environment management.

Bruno – An offline-first API client that stores collections as text files suitable for Git repositories.

HTTPie Desktop – A straightforward graphical API client based on HTTPie’s developer-friendly workflow.

Pricing

Free: $0 forever, with unlimited workspaces, collections, requests, runners, and community support.

Organization: $6 per user per month when billed annually, adding an administration dashboard, dedicated support, and organization management capabilities.

Enterprise and self-hosted arrangements may use customized pricing depending on deployment, support, authentication, and administrative requirements.

System Requirements

Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Architecture: 64-bit processor and operating system.

Processor: Modern dual-core processor or better.

Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum; 8 GB recommended for larger collections.

Storage: Approximately 150 MB of available space.

Network: Internet connection required for cloud synchronization and remote API testing.

Additional Requirements: Access credentials may be required for protected APIs and private organization instances.

PROS

• Fast and lightweight desktop client.
• Supports several API protocols.
• Generous free plan.
• Clean and modern interface.
• Works with localhost services.
• Portable Windows edition available.
• Open-source and self-hosting friendly.

CONS

• Fewer integrations than larger platforms.
• Complex scripts have a learning curve.
• Large responses can clutter the workspace.
• Account required for cloud synchronization.
• Enterprise deployment requires additional configuration.

Conclusion

Hoppscotch Desktop combines a fast interface, capable request testing, scripting, collections, and multi-protocol support in a relatively lightweight Windows application.

It is particularly attractive for individual developers and smaller teams, while paid organization and self-hosted options provide a practical upgrade path for collaborative or privacy-sensitive environments.