Thunderclient

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Introduction

Thunder Client is a lightweight REST API client that runs inside your code editor. Its site describes a fast client for VS Code and JetBrains IDEs to test REST and GraphQL APIs and share collections with Git, and its newer tagline, “the API client built for your agents”, reflects an MCP server for AI coding agents.

Thunder Client began as a VS Code extension (its Marketplace listing calls it a “lightweight Rest API Client for VS Code”) and now also supports VS Code-based editors and JetBrains IDEs. Requests, collections and environments are stored locally, and Git sync lets teams share collections through their repository instead of a vendor cloud. It supports tests on responses and environment variables, and the pricing page lists gRPC and the MCP server among paid-plan features.

The project’s public issue tracker is at thunderclient/thunder-client-support on GitHub, where releases are published; the latest at review was v3.2.2 (6 November 2026). The extension itself is not open source.

In the quality loop Thunder Client fits API and contract testing during development, with collections versioned alongside code in Git.

Features

1. In-editor API client: Send REST and GraphQL requests without leaving the IDE.
2. Collections and environments: Organise requests and variables.
3. Local storage and Git sync: Keep data local and share via Git.
4. Tests and scripting: Assert on responses with scripts.
5. MCP server: Expose API workflows to AI agents.
6. JetBrains support: Works beyond VS Code.

Pros

1. Lightweight: Fast and simple compared with standalone clients.
2. Privacy: Local storage, no cloud required.
3. Free plan: Free for getting started.

Cons

1. Not open source: Proprietary extension.
2. Advanced features paid: Team features, gRPC and the MCP server are listed on paid plans.

Usage and Links (Example)

Install Thunder Client from the VS Code Marketplace (or JetBrains Marketplace), create a request, save it to a collection, and add tests on status codes and response fields. Enable Git sync to store collections in your repository so teammates review API changes alongside code.

Useful links:

• Thunder Client pricing

Pricing

At the time of review Thunder Client listed Free ($0), Starter at $3 per user per month, Business at $7 per user per month and Enterprise at $16 per user per month, billed annually. See site.

Recommended for?

• Developers who want API testing inside their editor
• Teams that prefer Git-based sharing over vendor cloud sync
• Developers wiring API tools into AI coding agents

Conclusion

Thunder Client is a fast, privacy-friendly API client for VS Code and JetBrains, with low-cost paid plans. It suits developers who want quick API testing without a separate application.