Requestly Chrome Extension

Requestly Chrome Extension Review and Setup Guide

  • Ease of Use
  • Features & Benefits
  • Pricing
  • Permissions
  • Regular Updates
4.7/5Overall Score

Quick Summary:

Requestly Chrome Extension is a developer tool that lets you intercept, modify, and mock HTTP requests directly in the browser. It’s ideal for testing, debugging, and simulating APIs—without backend changes. With a simple no-code interface, Requestly speeds up development and QA workflows. Works on all major browsers and has a desktop app for broader traffic control.

Specs
  • Compatibility: Works on major browsers and OS platforms
  • Features: Modify requests, mock APIs, inject scripts
  • Platforms: Extension + Desktop app (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Pros
  • Easy no-code rule setup
  • Real-time request editing
  • Works across browsers and desktop traffic
Cons
  • Free plan has limited features
  • Slight learning curve for new users
  • Desktop app needed for non-browser traffic

The Requestly Chrome Extension is one such tool—a powerful browser extension designed to intercept, modify, and mock web traffic in real time. Whether you’re a frontend developer, QA engineer, or product tester, Requestly simplifies your job by letting you control network behavior without needing backend changes or proxy configurations.

In this guide, we’ll explore the features, use cases, setup process, and benefits of using Requestly, ensuring you get a complete and accurate understanding of what it offers.

What is Requestly?

Requestly is a versatile developer tool available as a Chrome extension, browser extension for other major browsers, and a full-fledged desktop application. It enables developers to:

  • Modify HTTP requests and responses
  • Redirect URLs
  • Mock API endpoints
  • Inject custom scripts and styles
  • Delay or block network traffic
  • Record sessions for debugging

It’s particularly popular among frontend developers and testers who need quick, flexible control over network conditions or need to simulate incomplete or unstable APIs.

Unlike traditional debugging proxies or heavyweight tools like Charles Proxy or Fiddler, Requestly operates directly in the browser and is accessible even to those with minimal backend experience.

Key Features of the Requestly Chrome Extension

1. Modify HTTP Requests and Responses

One of Requestly’s most powerful features is the ability to intercept and modify HTTP requests or responses on the fly. This allows you to:

  • Change query parameters or headers
  • Rewrite response bodies (e.g., to simulate error codes)
  • Add or remove cookies for testing auth flows

These capabilities are crucial when you need to test features that depend on specific server behavior without having access to the backend.

2. Create Mock APIs in the Browser

Mock API responses directly in the browser without relying on a backend server or external mocking tools. You can create endpoints that return custom JSON, simulate latency, or mimic different HTTP statuses.

This is particularly useful when:

  • The backend is not yet implemented
  • You’re testing error handling
  • You want to demo your product offline

3. Redirect and Rewrite URLs

Redirect JavaScript or CSS files from production to local versions, reroute API calls to staging servers, or swap endpoints during testing. This feature is great for A/B testing, hotfixes, or working in microservices environments.

4. Inject Scripts and Styles

Requestly lets you inject JavaScript and CSS into any webpage. Use this to:

  • Override styling
  • Insert debugging scripts
  • Test layout changes without deploying code

5. Delay or Block Requests

Simulate slow or failed network calls by delaying or blocking requests. This is essential for testing app behavior under poor connectivity, error states, or when an external service is down.

6. Session Recording (Debugger)

The Requestly Session Recorder captures browser sessions with console logs, network traffic, and environment details. It’s a helpful tool for reproducing bugs, collaborating with QA teams, or attaching session data to issue reports.

Supported Platforms

Requestly is available on a wide range of platforms:

  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Safari
  • Brave
  • Vivaldi

There is also a Requestly Desktop App, which allows you to intercept and modify traffic from mobile devices, other browsers, or desktop apps—useful for more advanced testing scenarios.

You can download the desktop version here.

How to Install and Set Up Requestly

Step 1: Add the Extension

Go to the Chrome Web Store Requestly page and click “Add to Chrome”.

Step 2: Launch the Dashboard

Click the Requestly icon in your browser toolbar. You’ll be taken to the Requestly dashboard, where you can start creating rules.

Step 3: Create Your First Rule

To mock an API:

  1. Click “Create Rule” > “Mock API”
  2. Enter the endpoint you want to intercept
  3. Add your custom JSON response
  4. Save and enable the rule

Your app will now receive the mocked response instead of the real one.

Other rule types include:

  • Redirect
  • Modify Headers
  • Script Injection
  • Delay/Throttle
  • Block Request

Each rule is easy to configure with a guided UI, making it accessible even for junior developers.

Real-World Use Cases

Requestly shines in scenarios where traditional backend coordination is either slow or unavailable. Here are some common use cases:

Frontend Development Before APIs Are Ready

Develop UIs independently by mocking backend responses with JSON data. This is ideal for agile teams working in parallel tracks.

Debugging Third-Party Integrations

Use redirect rules to reroute script calls or block problematic third-party SDKs to isolate bugs.

CORS and Authentication Testing

Modify request headers to simulate different authentication tokens or bypass CORS errors during local development.

Network Simulation

Test how your app handles failed or slow API calls by throttling or blocking requests.

QA and Regression Testing

QA engineers can use preconfigured rules to test different API states without needing staging environments.

How Requestly Compares to Alternatives

FeatureRequestlyPostmanMock Service Worker
In-browser rule execution
Real-time network editing✅ (setup required)
Mock APIs
Desktop + Mobile Support✅ (via desktop)
Visual UI for Rules❌ (API-focused)❌ (code-based)

If you need live modification and in-browser simulation, Requestly is the most user-friendly option.

Pricing Overview

Requestly offers a free version with essential features and a premium plan starting at approximately $8/month, which includes:

  • Unlimited rules
  • Team collaboration
  • Cloud sync
  • Advanced session debugging

You can also opt for a team plan if you need shared workspaces and version-controlled rule sets for your development team.

More details available on Requestly Pricing.

Is Requestly Safe and Trustworthy?

Yes. Requestly is:

It does not collect or share your request data, and permissions are clearly listed during installation. With an active developer community and regular updates, Requestly is a trusted choice among professionals.

Final Thoughts: Is Requestly Worth It?

Requestly Chrome Extension is a must-have tool for modern web developers. It reduces dependency on backend teams, enhances testing flexibility, and improves debugging efficiency—all from within your browser.

Whether you’re building features before APIs are ready, reproducing bugs, or preparing for product demos, Requestly streamlines your workflow like no other browser-based tool. Its ease of use, cross-platform availability, and advanced features—especially with the desktop app—make Requestly one of the most robust and reliable API mocking and request modification tools on the market today.

Roshan Mehra
Roshan Mehra

Roshan Mehra is a tech enthusiast with a deep passion for exploring the world of browser extensions. With an eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex tech concepts, Roshan brings valuable insights to Extension Surfer. Whether dissecting the latest tools or uncovering hidden gems, he aims to help users enhance their browsing experience. When he's not testing extensions, you’ll find him delving into emerging tech trends and sharing his knowledge with the community.

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