cURL is a command-line tool and library for transferring data with URLs. It supports various protocols and is widely used for automation,...
Best xh Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026
xh is a fast, user-friendly command-line HTTP client written in Rust and inspired by HTTPie. It targets developers who want readable API requests, structured output, and a lightweight native executable.
Top 6 xh alternatives
Postman is a collaboration platform for API development used by millions of developers.
Free with paid plans available
HTTPie is a command-line HTTP client for developers who need to send requests and inspect APIs from a terminal. It provides readable...
Pros
- More readable request syntax than curl for common API calls
- Automatic JSON formatting and colorized responses
- Built-in sessions simplify authentication and repeated requests
Cons
- Less ubiquitous than curl on minimal or recovery systems
- Fewer low-level protocol controls than curl
- Some advanced features are tied to HTTPie Cloud
Free, open source
4
Insomnia is a powerful API client with advanced features for designing and testing APIs.
Pros
- Intuitive interface
- Supports GraphQL and OAuth
Cons
- Less comprehensive API design features compared to StopLight
Free with paid plans starting at $10 per month
5
wget is a command-line utility for downloading files from the web. It supports HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP protocols.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- Widely available on Unix-like systems
Cons
- Does not support BitTorrent or Metalink
6
Hurl
Orange Open Source
Hurl is a command-line tool that runs HTTP requests defined in plain-text files and validates responses with assertions. It is built for...
Pros
- Readable text files work naturally in code review and version control
- Powerful response assertions support structured API integration tests
- Fast and lightweight for CI and container environments
Cons
- No full graphical API client or collaborative workspace
- Less convenient than Inso CLI for interactive request authoring
- Requires learning Hurl's specialized request syntax
Free, open source
How good are these alternatives?
Your feedback helps us improve the AI rankings.
✅ Thanks for your feedback!
Know a better alternative? 🙌
Suggest a product and our AI will verify it's a real alternative to xh before adding it to the list.