xh

Overview

xh is a command-line client for sending HTTP requests, built around HTTPie-style request syntax and a focus on speed. It suits developers who want a free tool for constructing requests, inspecting responses and controlling TLS from the terminal. Its breadth covers common workflows, but HTTPie users may miss features, plugins and fuller documentation.

Key features

Request items let users specify headers, bodies and query strings in HTTPie’s syntax. xh handles JSON and form data, multipart and raw requests, and bodies supplied through standard input or a file. That range makes it useful for both quick API calls and requests assembled from existing files or command-line pipelines.

Responses can be pretty-printed, limited to headers or body, and saved or downloaded to a file. Basic, bearer and digest authentication cover several common access patterns. TLS options include version selection, certificate-verification configuration and client-side certificates, giving users meaningful control when working with secured endpoints.

The README lists HTTP/2 support, and the current Cargo manifest includes an optional HTTP/3 feature. The --curl flag translates a request into a curl command, a practical bridge for sharing or adapting a request. Compatibility mode is available when xh is invoked as http or https, or when XH_HTTPIE_COMPAT_MODE is set.

Those features do not make xh a complete substitute for HTTPie: the project says some HTTPie features are missing, there is no plugin system, and its documentation is less extensive than HTTPie’s. That matters most to users who rely on extensions or need detailed guidance.

Pricing

xh is free and open source under the MIT License. Its xh plan costs nothing and provides the command-line HTTP client without a paid tier or stated seat or usage caps. The trade-off is not a cheaper feature tier but the implementation gaps: users needing HTTPie plugins or all of its features should consider another client.

Platforms

xh supports Linux, macOS, Windows and Android. Prebuilt binaries are provided for Linux, macOS and Windows, with package-manager installation instructions for those platforms and Android. The combination of operating-system coverage and multiple installation routes suits developers who want to use the same request tool across different environments.

Who it's for

Choose xh if you want a free terminal client for everyday HTTP requests, with flexible body input, readable response output, several authentication methods and TLS controls. It is a weaker fit if your workflow depends on HTTPie’s full feature set, plugins or more comprehensive documentation.

Pros and cons

• Pros: HTTPie-style request items and support for JSON, forms, multipart, raw data and file or standard-input bodies make it adaptable to common request workflows.
• Pros: Selectable response output, file saving and the curl conversion flag help move between inspection, storage and command sharing.
• Pros: Basic, bearer and digest authentication plus TLS and client-certificate controls cover important security-related request options.
• Cons: Some HTTPie features remain unimplemented, so compatibility mode does not guarantee a complete replacement.
• Cons: There is no plugin system, ruling out extension-based workflows.
• Cons: Documentation is weaker than HTTPie’s, which may make less familiar options harder to learn.

Alternatives

For other software in the broader category, see API clients. The event lead-capture listings—Event Lead Capture Software, Learning Record Store Software and Exhibitor Management Software—cover different directory categories rather than HTTP request clients.

LeadSuccess is a freemium lead-capture option with a free Basic plan that includes five app licenses, ticket QR-code capture and Excel export; choose it for event lead capture rather than terminal HTTP requests. BoothIQ offers a free Individual plan with unlimited leads, AI summaries and follow-up drafts, enrichment, offline mode and CSV export, making it the relevant alternative for capturing and following up leads at events.

ExpoPlatform has a free plan for up to 30 participants and paid options including an Enterprise plan with unlimited admin users; choose it when managing event participation is the need. LeadLens has a free tier capped at 25 lifetime scans, one show workspace and basic enrichment, with a paid Starter plan at $29 a month; it suits readers seeking event lead scanning rather than a command-line HTTP client.

Meetopio offers a free seat with one active event, monthly voice-capture, scan and AI follow-up-draft limits, plus CSV export; choose it for event lead capture with those explicit free-seat caps. Cvent is a paid event platform whose registration product can be tried for free; it is an alternative for readers seeking event registration solutions.

Grip Onsite is a paid onsite event option for Android, iOS and web. Webex Events Onsite is available as part of select Webex Suite Enterprise Agreements and covers in-person event needs; it is the relevant choice for organizations already seeking that suite-based offering.

Verdict

xh is a sound choice for developers who want a free, capable command-line HTTP client with flexible request bodies, useful response controls and TLS options. Its curl conversion and compatibility mode add practical flexibility, but users dependent on HTTPie’s complete feature set, plugins or stronger documentation should look elsewhere.