If you use Postman for API testing, you've likely hit the Postman free plan limit: after 25 collection runs per month on the free tier, you see "You have exhausted all the runs. To keep running collections, create an account..." That gets in the way of API testing, especially on larger projects or with a team. As of March 1, 2026, the Postman free plan is also limited to a single user—so teams with 2+ people must pay for the Team plan or use a free Postman alternative like Apidog.
This article explains Postman collection limits, the Postman free plan limitation (1 user, 25 runs), and the best way to get unlimited runs and free team collaboration without paying Postman pricing.
Pro tip: The Postman free plan is now 1 user only. Need free collaboration for 2–4 people and unlimited test runs? Try Apidog—up to 4 users, unlimited test runs, and full API design, mock, and docs at $0. Sign up free (no credit card); import Postman collections and switch in minutes.
What is a Postman Collection?
A Postman Collection is a group of requests you can save and share. It lets you organize, document, and automate API testing in one place. You can add requests, tests, and scripts, and share workflows with teammates. On the Postman free plan, you're capped at 25 collection runs per month (local collection runner)—and from March 2026, only 1 user can use the free tier.
Postman Collection Limitation (2026)
The Postman collection run limit is how many times you can run a collection in a given period. Postman free plan limitations (as of March 1, 2026) include:
- 1 user only on the free tier—no free team collaboration. Teams with 2+ must move to the Team plan (paid).
- 25 collection runs per month (local collection runner) on the free plan.
Users are receiving emails like:
"On March 1, 2026, we're updating our plans. These changes affect how the Free plan works for teams. You're currently using Postman on the Free plan with 3 users. Moving forward, the Free plan will be limited to a single user. If you want to continue using Postman with multiple users, you'll need to move to the Team plan."
So Postman is dead for small teams with more than 1 user on the free tier—you either run alone or pay Postman pricing ($14/user/month for Team). Postman alternatives like Apidog offer unlimited runs and up to 4 users free, so you can fix the collection limit without upgrading.
Postman pricing (2026) for more runs and team use:
- Free: 1 user, 25 runs/month.
- Basic (Team): $14/user/month (annual)—full collaboration, higher run limits.
- Professional: $29/user/month (annual)—250 runs/month (local runner), more features.
- Enterprise: Unlimited runs.
How to Fix Postman Collection Runner Restrictions?
Many users are frustrated by the Postman free plan cap (25 runs, 1 user). Paying for the Basic plan still only gives 25 local runs per month on some tiers, so Postman free plan limitations push teams to look for free Postman alternatives or better Postman alternative tools.
Apidog is one of the best Postman alternatives for fixing collection limits: unlimited test/collection runs, up to 4 users on the free plan, and no run ceiling. You get a full testing framework, automation, real-time feedback, and test reports, plus import from Postman so you can switch without losing work.
Method 1. Importing Postman into Apidog (Free & Best)
Apidog goes beyond Postman free plan limitations: unlimited runs, 4 users free, and test scenarios (similar to Postman collection runners). You can organize requests, create test scenarios, share them, and generate reports. Apidog also supports CI integrations so you can run automated API tests in your build pipeline and catch bugs early.
Here’s how to fix Postman collection limits by moving to Apidog.
Step 1: Export Your Postman Collection
In Postman, select the collection, click Export, and choose Collection v2.1 so all queries, directories, environment details, and request-specific data (e.g. query params, content) are included. Save the file to your computer.
Step 2: Import Collection in Apidog
Log in to Apidog, go to Settings → Import, select Postman, and upload the exported file. Click Confirm. Your APIs will appear in the sidebar; use Test Scenario to run them with unlimited runs (no 25-run cap).
Step 3: Create Test Scenarios
On the Testing page, click + to add a New Test Scenario. Set priority, name, and folder.
Step 4: Import from API Cases
Add test cases with steps, inputs, expected outputs, and pre/postconditions. Validate and cover the behavior you need for each scenario.
Step 5: Run the Test Scenario
Review the scenario and cases, then run them. Track results and document any issues. With Apidog you get unlimited runs—no monthly cap like the Postman free plan.
Apidog lets you collaborate, mock APIs, and debug in one place. If you're hitting the Postman collection limit or the 1-user free limit, importing into Apidog is the most effective free fix.
Method 2. Upgrade to a Postman Paid Plan
If you stay on Postman, Postman pricing for more runs and team use starts at $14/user/month (Basic/Team). That gives full collaboration and higher run limits. Professional is $29/user/month (e.g. 250 local collection runs per month). So you can “fix” the limit by paying—but for a cost-effective option, importing your Postman collection into Apidog is free and gives unlimited runs and up to 4 users.
Method 3. Archive Old Collections
If you have many old collections you don’t use, archiving them can help you focus on active ones. It doesn’t change the 25 runs/month or 1 user Postman free plan limitation, but it can keep your workspace manageable.
Method 4. Use the Postman API
You can run collections via the Postman API. This can be more flexible than the UI but still counts against your plan limits and doesn’t address the 1 user only limit on the free tier.
Method 5. Optimize Your Collections
Keep collections lean: remove unnecessary requests and streamline tests. That can reduce how often you hit the 25-run cap but doesn’t remove the Postman free plan limits. For unlimited runs and free team use, a free Postman alternative like Apidog is the better fix.
Conclusion
Postman collection runner limits (25 runs/month) and the Postman free plan (1 user only from March 2026) are a real constraint for developers and small teams. You can work around them by upgrading to a paid Postman plan, but Postman pricing starts at $14/user/month.
Apidog is a better Postman alternative for fixing collection limits for free: unlimited test/collection runs, up to 4 users on the free plan, and full API design, mock, and docs. Sign up for Apidog free (no credit card), import your Postman collections, and run as many tests as you need without hitting the Postman free plan limitation.
