grpcmd review
A free, cross-platform terminal tool for inspecting and calling gRPC services.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
grpcmd is an open-source command-line tool for developers who need to explore, inspect, call, or serve gRPC endpoints from a terminal. It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux, and supports both server reflection and local Protocol Buffer files. Its scope covers service discovery, method inspection, request execution, response visibility, and local server workflows rather than a broader testing suite.
The published plan is straightforward: grpcmd is free, with a listed price of 0 USD per year. Its capabilities include sending requests, starting a server, supporting reflection, listing methods, describing methods, and scripting in JavaScript. The feature set extends to unary and streaming gRPC calls, response headers, response data, trailers, local .proto files, and import paths. Official binaries are available for the three supported operating systems, and Homebrew installation is supported for macOS workflows.
grpcmd is a strong fit for developers who want a no-cost terminal utility for examining available services, understanding request and response messages, and making unary or streaming calls. Shell completion for Bash, Zsh, fish, and PowerShell can also support command-line workflows, while the local reflection server adds a way to work with locally served gRPC APIs. It is less suitable for teams seeking verified CI support, mocking, or load testing, since those capabilities are not part of the product’s stated scope. Developers needing those testing functions should consider a tool with a broader testing focus instead.
grpcmd pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open source on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Supports reflection, method inspection, unary, and streaming calls
- Runs local servers and supports .proto files and shell completion
- Where it doesn't
- No verified CI capabilities
- No mocking features
- No load-testing features
grpcmd fact sheet, pricing and score →
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