xh review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

xh is an open-source command-line HTTP client for developers who send and inspect requests from a terminal. Its interface reimplements much of HTTPie’s approach while emphasizing startup performance and a portable, statically linked binary. Prebuilt binaries are available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with additional package-manager installation options; Android is also listed as a supported platform. It is a natural fit for individual developers, scripts, and terminal-first workflows that need direct control over HTTP requests and responses.

The feature set covers the core mechanics of request construction and inspection. xh can send requests with optional methods and request items, serialize JSON, form, multipart, raw, and query-string data, and authenticate with basic, bearer, or digest credentials. Sessions and session files support reusable request state, while redirect handling, streaming, downloading, resuming, and response-body saving address practical transfer needs. Proxies, TLS verification, certificates, and HTTP versions provide additional connection controls. Responses can be formatted with headers, body, metadata, or verbose exchanges, and requests can be translated into curl commands. Integration is centered on curl and HTTPie request-item syntax rather than a broad application ecosystem.

Choose xh when a free, open-source terminal client is the priority and HTTP request control matters more than visual project management. Its narrow command-line focus keeps the product aligned with scripting, debugging, and repeatable request work, but it is less suitable for teams seeking a graphical API workspace or broader collaboration features. Workflows centered on GraphQL, gRPC, WebSocket communication, automated test runs, API documentation, or shared team workspaces should favor a product designed around those needs. For straightforward HTTP transfers and inspection across major desktop platforms, xh offers a focused toolset without a paid-plan structure.

xh pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Free and open source across Linux, macOS, Windows, and Android
  • Supports JSON, form, multipart, raw, and query-string data
  • Includes sessions, streaming, proxies, TLS controls, and curl translation
• Where it doesn't
  • Command-line interface may not suit GUI-oriented API workflows
  • Focused on HTTP rather than broader API development workflows
  • No paid tiers or team-oriented workspace model

xh fact sheet, pricing and score →

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update