Apidog
All-in-one API platform to design, debug, mock, and test with CI/CD
Restfox
Offline-First HTTP & Socket Testing Client for Web & Desktop
Minimalistic API testing client that works offline, supporting HTTP, WebSocket, and GraphQL requests across web browsers and desktop platforms with plugin extensibility.
Overview
Modern API Testing Without the Bloat
Restfox is a lightweight, offline-first API client designed for developers who need reliable HTTP and socket testing without unnecessary complexity. Built with Vue and available as both a web application and native desktop client, it prioritizes speed and simplicity while maintaining powerful testing capabilities.
Cross-Platform Flexibility
Deploy Restfox however you work best: install native apps via Homebrew, Snap, or Scoop; run the progressive web app in any modern browser; or spin up a Docker container for team environments. The offline-first architecture ensures your API collections and test history remain accessible without internet connectivity, making it ideal for local development and air-gapped environments.
Developer-Centric Features
The interface includes environment variable management for multi-stage testing, response history tracking, and a plugin system that extends functionality to match your workflow. Whether you're testing REST APIs, GraphQL endpoints, or WebSocket connections, Restfox provides the essential tools without the learning curve of enterprise platforms. The MIT license and active development community make it a sustainable choice for individual developers and teams alike.
Highlights
Offline-first architecture keeps collections accessible without internet
Multi-protocol support: HTTP, WebSocket, and GraphQL testing
Plugin system for workflow customization and extensibility
Cross-platform deployment: native desktop, web app, and Docker
Pros
- Lightweight and fast with minimal resource footprint
- Works completely offline after initial installation
- Multiple installation options across all major platforms
- MIT licensed with active community development
Considerations
- Fewer enterprise features compared to established tools like Postman
- Plugin ecosystem still developing compared to mature alternatives
- Documentation may be less comprehensive than commercial products
- Smaller community means fewer third-party integrations
Managed products teams compare with
When teams consider Restfox, these hosted platforms usually appear on the same shortlist.
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Fit guide
Great for
- Developers needing offline API testing capabilities
- Teams wanting self-hosted, privacy-focused testing tools
- Projects requiring lightweight alternatives to heavyweight clients
- Environments with restricted or no internet connectivity
Not ideal when
- Teams requiring extensive collaboration features and cloud sync
- Organizations needing enterprise support contracts
- Users dependent on large plugin ecosystems
- Projects requiring advanced API monitoring and analytics
How teams use it
Local Development Testing
Test APIs during development without internet dependency, maintaining full functionality on flights or in offline environments
Self-Hosted Team Environment
Deploy via Docker for team access while keeping sensitive API data within your infrastructure
Multi-Environment API Validation
Use environment variables to switch between dev, staging, and production endpoints without duplicating request collections
WebSocket Connection Testing
Debug real-time socket connections alongside traditional HTTP requests in a unified interface
Tech snapshot
Vue39%
TypeScript29%
CSS19%
JavaScript12%
Python1%
HTML1%
Frequently asked questions
Does Restfox require an internet connection to work?
No. Restfox is offline-first, meaning all core functionality works without internet access after installation. Your collections and history are stored locally.
Can I self-host Restfox for my team?
Yes. Restfox can be deployed via Docker on your own infrastructure, giving you full control over data and access.
What protocols does Restfox support?
Restfox supports HTTP/HTTPS requests, WebSocket connections, and GraphQL queries, covering the most common API testing scenarios.
How does the plugin system work?
Restfox includes a plugin architecture that allows you to extend functionality. Check the video demonstration and documentation for implementation details.
Is Restfox compatible with Postman collections?
The README does not specify Postman import capabilities. Check the official documentation or GitHub issues for current import/export format support.
Project at a glance
Stable- Stars
- 2,613
- Watchers
- 2,613
- Forks
- 127
LicenseMIT
Repo age4 years old
Last commit4 months ago
Self-hostingSupported
Primary languageVue
Last synced yesterday