For countless VS Code users, Thunder Client has been the go-to lightweight API testing tool—simple, sleek, and free. It quickly earned a reputation as a solid Postman alternative thanks to its intuitive interface and zero cost. But everything shifted on August 3, 2025, when Thunder Client decided to place its Collections feature—a core part of API testing—behind a paywall.
Developers React: Frustration and Disappointment
The response from the developer community was immediate. Collections are essential for organizing API requests and workflows, making this change a major disruption to everyday work. Locking it behind a subscription felt like a direct hit to users’ budgets.
Developers voiced their discontent loudly:
“It’s time to leave the Thunder Client VS Code extension behind,” one user stated, reflecting the sentiment of many who felt betrayed after years of loyalty.
Key Issues Users Are Facing
- Essential tools are now paid: Features that were once free now require a subscription.
- Concerns over stability: Free users worry more functionality may be restricted as monetization grows.
Community & Support Challenges
- Limited documentation: Compared to Postman, there’s a smaller pool of tutorials and community guides.
- Troubleshooting headaches: Without robust support, solving issues can be frustrating.
- Inconsistent updates: Free users may receive less priority for bug fixes and maintenance.
Monetization Is Understandable—but Users Are Frustrated
While it’s reasonable for Thunder Client to monetize, charging for core features feels like a bait-and-switch. Developers feel their trust and investment were taken for granted.
This shift mirrors broader trends in API testing tools:
- Postman: Costs are steadily increasing, especially for large teams.
- Insomnia: Recent updates have introduced bugs and occasional data loss.
- Other tools: Many are either feature-limited or slowly moving to paid tiers.
EchoAPI: A Free, Full-Featured Alternative
Amid this changing landscape, EchoAPI emerges as a genuinely free API testing solution that offers everything developers need—without unexpected fees.
Truly Free, Always
- All core features remain completely free: Collections, environment variables, test scripts, and more.
- No hidden charges or surprise paywalls.
Packed with Features Developers Actually Use
EchoAPI delivers all the essentials you loved in Thunder Client, plus advanced capabilities:
Familiar features from Thunder Client:
- ✅ Lightweight VS Code extension
- ✅ Intuitive and clean interface
- ✅ Collections & environment handling
- ✅ GraphQL support
- ✅ Test scripting
Extra capabilities Thunder Client doesn’t offer:
- 🚀 Advanced test scripting for complex scenarios
- 🔄 Real-time team collaboration
- 📊 Detailed analytics and response visualizations
- 🔒 Multiple authentication methods supported
- 📱 Cross-platform sync (web & desktop)
- 🎯 Smart API code generation in multiple languages (Desktop now, VS Code soon)
- 📈 Performance monitoring with response tracking
- 🔍 Powerful search to quickly locate APIs and history (Desktop now, VS Code soon)
A Smoother User Experience
- Reliable and stable performance
- Active, engaged community with detailed documentation
- Frequent updates and new features
- Offline mode for local data access
Built for Tomorrow
- Extensible, modular architecture with plugin support
- Secure cloud backups for your data
- Enterprise-grade features like team management and permissions
Migrating from Thunder Client to EchoAPI Is Simple
Worried about your existing projects? EchoAPI makes switching painless:
1. Export from Thunder Client: One-click export in Postman or Thunder Client format
2. Import into EchoAPI: Just click and your projects are ready
3. Switch Seamlessly: Familiar interface means no learning curve
Tools That Respect Developers’ Time and Budgets
Focus on building great products, not worrying about unexpected fees. EchoAPI is committed to:
Empowering developers to create without paying for core features.
We believe the best developer tools are:
- Practical and problem-focused
- Transparent and fair in pricing
- User-centered and continuously improving
Ready to Switch?
Don’t let Thunder Client’s new paywall slow you down. Try EchoAPI today and enjoy a free, robust API testing experience.
Get Started:
- Visit EchoAPI
- Download the VS Code extension, desktop app, or use the web version
- Import your Thunder Client projects in minutes
- Enjoy a faster, smoother API testing workflow
Conclusion
Thunder Client’s paywall move is a reminder of the evolving API testing market. But it also opens the door for solutions like EchoAPI—free, powerful, and developer-focused.
Choosing EchoAPI means choosing simplicity, transparency, and respect for your time and budget.
Say goodbye to hidden fees and hello to a superior API testing experience.
Start your free EchoAPI journey today!
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