If you're an API developer or an open-source enthusiast looking for a free solution, hoppscotch is your best bet. It offers a solid environment for API testing and development without the need for any financial investment. However, keep in mind that if you require advanced features or extensive third-party integrations, this tool may fall short.
On the other hand, if you're part of a design team that values real-time collaboration and needs a tool that aligns with open standards, Penpot is a great choice. It's particularly suitable for privacy-conscious teams that prefer self-hosting. However, if you're accustomed to the extensive plugin ecosystem of tools like Figma or need a more polished user experience, you might want to look elsewhere.