Restfox
What Restfox is
Restfox is a free, open-source, offline-first client for testing HTTP and socket connections on web and desktop. The web app handles HTTP, GraphQL, and WebSocket requests. Plugins can alter request and response data, set environment variables from responses, and run tests. JavaScript automation scripts can assert API behavior, while plugin methods expose request methods, URLs, headers, query parameters, bodies, and response data for reading or changes. Response history is included in the interface. Collection exports support Restfox, Postman, and Insomnia formats. Desktop installation options cover macOS, Windows, and Linux distributions through tools such as Homebrew, Scoop, Snap, and release binaries. Docker and Docker Compose instructions support self-hosting the web app, using port 4004 by default. GitHub identifies the project as MIT-licensed. The documented plugin method for reading a local file is desktop-only. The Restfox plan costs nothing and includes web, desktop, and Docker deployment.
Who it suits
It suits developers who need a no-cost client for HTTP, GraphQL, WebSocket, or automated API testing across web and desktop environments. Self-hosters can use the documented Docker deployment.
What it does well
- Free and MIT-licensed
- HTTP, GraphQL, and WebSocket requests
- JavaScript automation tests
- Postman and Insomnia collection export
- Docker self-hosting support
What to know first
- Local-file plugin reading is desktop-only
- Offline-first scope may not fit every workflow
Limits
The documented local-file reading plugin method works only on desktop. The free plan provides the listed client, web and desktop access, and Docker deployment.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Restfox | Offline-first HTTP and socket testing client · web and desktop · Docker deployment | Free |
As restfox.dev lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the Restfox web app from its website
- Install a desktop build for Windows, macOS, or Linux if preferred
- Choose an HTTP, GraphQL, or WebSocket request
- Add plugins or JavaScript automation tests as needed
- Deploy with Docker or Docker Compose when self-hosting
Verdict
Restfox provides a broad set of request, scripting, plugin, and collection features without a paid plan. Its desktop-only local-file method is the main documented limitation.
Questions
Is Restfox free?
Yes. The listed Restfox plan costs nothing, and the project is open source under the MIT License.
Which platforms does Restfox support?
It is available as a web app and desktop software for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Self-hosting is also described through Docker and Docker Compose.
What request types are available?
The web app supports HTTP, GraphQL, and WebSocket requests.
Can Restfox run automated tests?
Yes. JavaScript automation scripts can assert API behavior, and plugins can run tests.
Can it import or export collections?
The web app menu offers export options for Restfox, Postman, and Insomnia collections.
Facts from Restfox's own pages
- Automated tests
- Restfox supports JavaScript automation test scripts to assert API behavior. · docs.restfox.dev, 11 Oct 2026
- Collection interoperability
- The web app menu offers export options for Restfox, Postman, and Insomnia collections. · restfox.dev, 11 Oct 2026
- Desktop distribution
- The README describes installation options for macOS, Windows, and Linux distributions, including Homebrew, Scoop, Snap, and release binaries. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Environment variables
- A plugin can parse a response and set an environment variable, such as saving an access token for later requests. · docs.restfox.dev, 11 Oct 2026
- Notable limit
- The documented plugin method for reading a local file is marked desktop-only. · docs.restfox.dev, 11 Oct 2026
- Open source
- GitHub identifies the project as licensed under the MIT License. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Available platforms
- web_and_desktop · restfox.dev, 20 Sept 2026
- Plugins
- Plugins can modify request and response data, set environment variables from responses, and run tests. · docs.restfox.dev, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Restfox describes itself as an offline-first, minimalistic HTTP and socket testing client for web and desktop. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Request and response scripting
- Plugin methods include reading and changing request methods, URLs, headers, query parameters, and bodies, as well as reading and changing response data. · docs.restfox.dev, 11 Oct 2026
- Request types
- The web app offers HTTP, GraphQL, and WebSocket request types. · restfox.dev, 11 Oct 2026
- Response history
- The project README lists response history among the app’s interface features. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting
- The README provides Docker and Docker Compose instructions for running the web app on port 4004 by default. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- WebSocket support
- Yes · restfox.dev, 20 Sept 2026
Where Restfox stands on Freedom251
- API clients#19 of 38