Testing and debugging APIs should be simple, but many tools are slow, heavy, or cloud-only. NativeRest by NativeSoft changes that. It’s a lightweight, cross-platform REST API client built for speed, offline use, and modern workflows.
Key Features
1. Native and Fast Performance
Unlike Electron-based tools, NativeRest is a true desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It starts quickly, uses less memory, and runs smoothly even on older machines.
2. Offline and Local Workspaces
You don’t need an account or internet to use NativeRest. All your requests, collections, and environments can stay local, giving you full control of your data.
3. AI Integration with OpenAI Models
NativeRest supports 14+ AI models, including GPT-5. You can send prompts without writing JSON or managing tokens—NativeRest handles it for you.
4. Simple Testing Tools
The “Tests” tab makes API testing easy. You can write one-line tests for status, body, headers, or cookies, with ready-made code snippets to save time.
5. Powerful Variables and Functions
Set variables at system, global, or environment levels. Use built-in functions like hashing, Base64 encoding, random generators, and date-time helpers.
6. Easy Import/Export
Migrate smoothly from Postman, Insomnia, or OpenAPI. You can also export your work in formats compatible with other REST clients.
7. Extra Features for Teams
With cloud and team workspaces, proxy servers, and collaborative sharing, NativeRest scales from solo developers to larger teams.
Use Cases
- Developers: Perfect for coding, testing, and debugging APIs without wasting system resources.
- Freelancers: Manage multiple client projects locally and sync across devices when needed.
- QA Testers: Run automated one-line tests and validate API responses faster.
- AI Enthusiasts: Experiment with ChatGPT and other AI models without needing separate accounts or tokens.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and fast (no Electron) | Limited integrations compared to bigger tools |
| Works offline without an account | New product, smaller community |
| Built-in AI model support | Some features locked behind higher tiers |
| Easy import/export from Postman, Insomnia |
Hands-on Experience / My Honest Opinion
I tested NativeRest on both Windows and Linux, and it felt noticeably faster than Postman. The startup time was almost instant, and I loved that it didn’t eat up RAM. Importing my Postman collections worked flawlessly.
The offline mode gave me peace of mind since I didn’t need to sync data to the cloud. I also tried the AI integration, and it was smooth—I could send prompts to GPT-4 without worrying about tokens.
Of course, it’s still growing, so the community and plugins are smaller compared to Postman. But for speed, privacy, and simplicity, NativeRest is a solid pick, especially with its lifetime deal.
