Hurl Alternatives: Discover the Best Tools for API Testing and Debugging

Hurl is a handy tool that simplifies making HTTP requests. It allows users to enter a URL, set headers, view responses, and even share their findings, making it perfect for demoing and debugging APIs. However, developers and testers often seek a Hurl alternative for various reasons, including specific feature sets, platform compatibility, or open-source preferences. This guide explores some of the top contenders that offer similar, and often enhanced, functionalities for your API testing needs.

Top Hurl Alternatives

Whether you're looking for more advanced features, cross-platform compatibility, or simply a different user experience, these alternatives to Hurl provide robust solutions for making and testing HTTP requests.

soapUI

soapUI, from Eviware, is a leading tool for functional testing, primarily of web services like SOAP-based web services and RESTful web services. As a Free, Open Source solution available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it's a powerful Hurl alternative for comprehensive API testing, boasting intuitive nodes and extensive testing capabilities.

Runscope

Runscope is a Freemium, Web-based Hurl alternative that helps you monitor, log, and measure API usage to quickly resolve API problems. It offers automatic API monitoring without coding and provides complete logging. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, its features include being web-based, API focused, backend support, and a built-in debugger, making it ideal for continuous API health checks.

RESTClient

RESTClient is a Free, Open Source Hurl alternative designed for testing a variety of HTTP communications and RESTful webservices. It features a friendly GUI and rich functionalities, providing a straightforward approach to API testing across Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms.

HttpMaster

HttpMaster is a practical and easy-to-use Freemium software tool for testing HTTP applications and services, making it a viable Hurl alternative. Available on Windows, it supports API testing, request chaining, REST API interactions, and comprehensive website testing.

Graphical HTTP Client

Graphical HTTP Client is a Commercial Hurl alternative specifically for Mac OS X Leopard developers. It's a debugging tool for HTTP services that allows graphically creating and inspecting complex HTTP messages.

Debug The Api

Debug The Api is a simple yet powerful Commercial developer tool for building and analyzing data from HTTP request-based APIs. As a Hurl alternative for Mac, it's particularly useful during application development for quick API debugging.

RESTtest

RESTtest is a simple yet intuitive Commercial Hurl alternative for testing RESTful web services and standard HTTP calls. Available for Mac, it allows users to enter HTTP request bodies and any necessary headers, streamlining the API testing process.

Choosing the best Hurl alternative depends on your specific needs, whether it's comprehensive testing, continuous monitoring, platform preference, or budget. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your API development and debugging workflow.