Bruno
Offline-only API client that stores collections as plain-text files
In our rankings
Scores on the open-source api clients criteria
Evaluated Nov 5, 2026- Local storage without an account ×3 5
5/5 means: Every feature works without an account, data stays on your device, and the project documents that there is no cloud sync or cloud component.
Collections are files on your own disk, no account is needed, and the project says it will never add cloud sync.
3 quotes - Collections as files in Git ×2 5
5/5 means: Collections are plain-text files in a folder by default, and any Git tool can version them at no cost.
Collections are plain-text files in a folder by default, so any Git tool works; only the advanced Git buttons inside the app need a paid plan.
3 quotes - Protocols supported ×3 5
5/5 means: All five (REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket and SSE).
Documents GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket and Server-Sent Events alongside REST.
4 quotes - Tests and command-line runs ×2 5
5/5 means: Test scripts plus a command-line runner with documented report formats such as JUnit, not labelled alpha or beta.
JavaScript test scripts in the app, plus a command-line runner for CI that writes JSON, JUnit and HTML reports.
3 quotes
Evidence (16 quotes)
- 1
“Bruno stores your collections directly in a folder on your filesystem. We use a plain text markup language, Bru, to save information about API requests.”
github.com/usebruno/bruno · checked - 2
“Bruno is offline-only. There are no plans to add cloud-sync to Bruno, ever. We value your data privacy and believe it should stay on your device.”
github.com/usebruno/bruno · checked - 3
“Bruno does not require an account to use.”
- 4
“You can use Git or any version control of your choice to collaborate over your API collections.”
github.com/usebruno/bruno · checked - 5
“Core Git UI features (init, view diffs, check for updates, pull, clone) are now available in the free version. Advanced features like commit, push, branching, and merge conflict resolution require Pro or Ultimate”
- 6
“Bruno can send requests using GraphQL, an open-source query language and runtime for APIs.”
- 7
“GRPC support is available from Bruno 2.10.0.”
- 8
“Bruno now supports WebSocket connections, enabling you to test real-time communication protocols and bidirectional data exchange.”
- 9
“Bruno supports Server-Sent Events (SSE) for REST requests.”
docs.usebruno.com/send-requests/REST/sse · checked - 10
“Write JavaScript test scripts to validate API responses, handle complex logic, and automate testing workflows.”
- 11
“The Bruno CLI lets you run your API collections from the command line, which is ideal for automated testing and CI/CD pipelines.”
github.com/usebruno/bruno · checked - 12
“Easily create reports in multiple formats, including JSON, JUnit, and HTML, to analyze and share test results.”
docs.usebruno.com/bru-cli/overview · checked - 13
“Bruno stores secrets on your local machine. The location depends on the OS. The secrets are encrypted using OS level encryption when available or falls back to AES256 encryption.”
- 14
“Bruno is available as binary download on our website for Mac, Windows and Linux.”
github.com/usebruno/bruno · checked - 15
“Majority of our features are free and open source.”
github.com/usebruno/bruno · checked - 16
“tag_name: v4.3.0, published_at: 2026-10-22T12:11:41Z”