Altair GraphQL Client vs Yaak

Altair GraphQL Client is an IDE for running and debugging GraphQL queries, mutations and subscriptions. It formats queries, supports file uploads using the multipart specification, and can export query collections. Users can set environment variables for endpoints, headers and queries, then browse schema types and operations in a documentation explorer. Pre-request and post-request scripts and an extensible plugin system add customization options. Altair GraphQL Cloud provides centralized query management, collections, query versioning and shareable query URLs. Official integration packages include Express middleware, Koa middleware, a static build and a Gatsby plugin. The free Basic plan lists up to two team members and 20 queries; Pro costs $7.99 a month per user and lists unlimited team members, teams and queries. The client is available as a web app and on desktop platforms, including Linux, macOS and Windows, with extension and self-hosted options. The maker says the web app is for quick or one-time use, not full development, because it has limitations. Documentation warns that introspection can expose an API schema and that Content Security Policy support is beta.

Yaak is a local-first desktop API client for sending requests, debugging APIs, and collaborating through Git. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and supports HTTP/REST, GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket, and server-sent events. Users can arrange requests in workspaces and folders, switch environments, and reuse authentication and variables. Directory sync stores requests, folders, and environments as individual YAML files for Git workflows.

Yaak imports work from Postman, Insomnia, Bruno, OpenAPI, and curl. Plugins support authentication, importers, and template functions, with a 1Password plugin for retrieving passwords. The desktop app stores data locally and sends API requests directly to chosen servers; it has no built-in analytics or tracking. Optional workspace secret encryption uses XChaCha20-Poly1305, with the master key protected by the operating system keychain. Free use is for personal purposes; commercial use requires a license. Individual Annual costs $79 a year, and a 30-day trial is available.