Wait, I can't create collections anymore without paying?

Nope. Collections (the main feature everyone used) got paywalled on November 20th, 2024. Free users get individual requests only. It's like having a text editor that only lets you open one file at a time.

Can I still use this at work or is it really "non-commercial only"?

The free version explicitly forbids commercial use. So if you're getting paid to write code and test APIs, technically you're violating the license. $4/month to avoid legal hassles with your employer.

Does the local storage thing still work?

Yeah, your data still stays on your machine at `~/.config/Code/User/globalStorage/rangav.vscode-thunder-client` (Linux) or equivalent. At least they didn't break that part when they added the paywall.

Does Git sync still work or is that paywalled too?

Git sync is now a paid feature. You know, the thing that made Thunder Client useful for teams? Yeah, that costs money now. Use the free REST Client extension instead - it's just files, so Git sync is built-in.

How's Thunder Client different from Postman these days?

Both are trying to squeeze money out of you, but in different ways. Postman at least gives you collections for free. Thunder Client took away collections and environments unless you pay. Pick your poison.

Can I import my Postman collections?

Yeah, but only if you pay for Thunder Client. The import feature needs collections to work, and collections are paywalled. Catch-22.

What about GraphQL support?

Basic GraphQL works but it's nowhere near as good as Insomnia's native GraphQL support. If you're doing serious GraphQL work, just use Insomnia - it's free and actually good at GraphQL.

Does the CLI still work?

Nope, CLI is paywalled now too. Want to run API tests in CI/CD? That'll be $4/month. Or use curl in your pipeline like we did before these fancy tools existed.

What happens if I go over the "collection run" limits?

They artificially limit how many times you can run your collections per month. It's like having a speed limit on your own car in your own driveway. Just switch to a tool that doesn't have made-up limits.

Can I still use it offline?

Local storage still works, so yes. But without collections and environments, "offline" just means "single request testing without any organization." So... technically yes, practically useless.

Is there any reason to still use Thunder Client?

If you absolutely need VS Code integration and don't mind paying $4/month, maybe. Otherwise, REST Client extension gives you file-based collections for free, or Insomnia gives you a better UI for free. Thunder Client painted itself into a corner with the paywall.

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Thunder Client: API Testing Tool Technical Reference

Critical Timeline & Business Context

Launch: March 2021 as free Postman alternative for VS Code
Paywall Implementation: November 20, 2024
Impact: Core features (collections, environments, Git sync) moved behind $4/month paywall

Technical Specifications

System Requirements

VS Code: 1.85.0+
Platforms: Windows/Mac/Linux
Node.js: 18.0+ (for CLI features)
Memory Usage: ~20MB (vs Postman's 150MB+)

Storage Locations

Windows: %APPDATA%\Code\User\globalStorage\rangav.vscode-thunder-client
Linux: ~/.config/Code/User/globalStorage/rangav.vscode-thunder-client/
macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Code/User/globalStorage/rangav.vscode-thunder-client/

Feature Matrix & Paywall Impact

Free Version (Post-November 2024)

Collections: 0 (previously unlimited)
Environments: 0 (previously unlimited)
Individual Requests: Unlimited
Commercial Use: Prohibited
Git Sync: Disabled
CLI Access: Disabled

Paid Plans

Plan	Monthly Cost	Collections	Environments	CLI	Collection Runs/Month
Starter	$4	Unlimited	Unlimited	✅	250
Business	$8	Unlimited	Unlimited	✅	500
Enterprise	$16	Unlimited	Unlimited	✅	Unlimited
Individual	$49 (one-time)	Unlimited	Unlimited	✅	100

Critical Failure Modes & Warnings

Paywall Implementation Issues

Breaking Change: Core organizing features removed without migration path
License Violation Risk: Free version prohibits commercial use
Artificial Limits: Collection runs capped even on paid plans (except Enterprise)
Device Restrictions: Individual license limited to single device

Competitive Disadvantage

Postman Free: Still provides 3 team members and collections
Insomnia: Full features remain free
REST Client: File-based collections with native Git sync

Implementation Reality

What Actually Works (Free)

Basic HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
Headers and authentication
Request bodies with JSON syntax highlighting
Local storage (data stays on machine)

What's Paywalled (Core Functionality)

Collections: Request organization and grouping
Environments: Variable management ({{baseUrl}} syntax)
Git Sync: Team collaboration through version control
CLI Integration: CI/CD pipeline support
WebSocket/SSE Support: Advanced protocols

Alternative Solutions & Migration Paths

Direct Replacements

REST Client Extension
- File-based collections (native Git sync)
- Zero cost, open source
- Same VS Code integration
Insomnia
- Full features free
- Superior GraphQL support
- Separate application requirement
Bruno
- Open source (cannot be paywalled)
- Local file storage
- Import functionality available

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Thunder Client Paid: $48/year for basic functionality
Time Investment: 2-4 hours to migrate to alternatives
Learning Curve: Minimal for REST Client, moderate for Insomnia/Bruno

Installation & Setup

Basic Installation

VS Code Extensions (Ctrl+Shift+X)
Search "Thunder Client"
Install from marketplace
Immediate upgrade prompts appear

CLI Setup (Paid Only)

npm install -g @thunderclient/cli

Performance Characteristics

Startup Time: Instant (VS Code extension)
Memory Footprint: 20MB vs Postman's 200MB+
Request Latency: Minimal overhead
Storage: Local filesystem only

Decision Criteria

When to Use Thunder Client

Already paying for VS Code workflow integration
Team size under 10 users
Willing to accept artificial usage limits

When to Avoid

Cost sensitivity ($48/year vs free alternatives)
Need for unlimited collection runs
Open source requirement
Multi-device usage patterns

Critical Success Factors

Pre-paywall versions: No longer available or supported
Data export: Possible before further restrictions
Team adoption: Requires budget approval for previously free tool
CI/CD integration: Requires paid plan for automation

Risk Assessment

Vendor Lock-in: Medium (data export available)
Price Increases: High probability based on paywall implementation
Feature Removal: Demonstrated willingness to restrict functionality
Support Quality: Priority support only for paid users

Migration Considerations

Export collections before potential export restrictions
Evaluate team workflow disruption (2-3 days typical)
Consider long-term tool strategy vs immediate convenience
Budget approval process for previously free functionality

Useful Links for Further Investigation

Links That Actually Matter

Link	Description
Thunder Client Pricing	This link provides details on Thunder Client's new pricing model, which now charges $4 per month for features that were previously available for free.
GitHub Issues	This GitHub Issues page is where users are actively discussing and complaining about the new paywall implemented by Thunder Client.
Bruno	Visit the official website for Bruno, an open-source API client that provides a reliable and free alternative, ensuring it cannot be paywalled in the future.
Insomnia	Explore Insomnia, an API client that is currently free to use, though it carries the potential risk of eventually implementing a paywall, similar to other tools.
REST Client docs	Access the official documentation for the REST Client extension, which provides comprehensive guidance on effectively using .http files for API requests in a standard and efficient manner.
Bruno import guide	If you can export your data before they paywall that too