In this article, we will go through our favourite features of each of these cloud-based load testing tools (see also our article “Top 11 load testing tools“), while in the end you will find a parameterized comparison of all of them in one table.
1. PFLB
We proudly give PFLB the first place in this list for the ease of use, ability to compare the results of the tests, and handy trend reports that help to localize the bottlenecks really quickly. It allows running complex tests in the cloud to anyone interested in load testing.
To use the PFLB, you don’t have to be a load testing engineer or even hire one. This new-generation website and web application performance testing tool is able to import load profile data from Google Analytics and other sources. All you have to do is log in, and then PFLB retrieves your statistical information and lets you run load tests without any coding or other engineering. The ease of use is matchless.
But it does not mean that PFLB is for non-specialists only. Of course, you may customize the tests if you want to, or run your own JMeter scenarios. Developers and performance engineers will find PFLB handy for conducting performance tests in the cloud, too. They can use a full suite of testing tools, such as HAR/Insomnia import, request definition, parameterization and correlation running in the cloud as SaaS service. You can also manage and reuse tests, centralize the assets, compare the results between them, see trends across time and share results and reports. No need to worry about infrastructure deployment, though.
PFLB’s no-commitment policy is another rare feature: no credit card is required for a free version. Just start testing right away.
Pros
Cons
At this point, PFLB only supports HTTP(-s)-based protocols
Pricing
2. BlazeMeter
BlazeMeter is a platform for fully functional web testing and load testing the capabilities of desktop or mobile applications. Built on the foundation of open-source technology, BlazeMeter offers seamless compatibility with Apache JMeter, ensuring a wide range of testing capabilities.
The platform’s user-friendly interface is equipped with all the essential functionalities for effective load testing. A standout feature is its extensive support for various script formats, eliminating the need for file conversion and simplifying the test creation process. Additionally, BlazeMeter offers a Chrome extension for effortless script recording and direct uploading in formats like JMX, JSON, and YAML, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
BlazeMeter also has many advanced options, including the ability to set up mock services, monitor application performance (APM), generate real-time reports, automate the emailing of reports, conduct distributed testing, and facilitate integration with developer tools for continuous integration (CI). For organizations already familiar with Apache JMeter, BlazeMeter presents a valuable tool, though the cost may increase significantly for testing scenarios involving more than 1000 users.
Pros
Cons
Pricing
3. OctoPerf
OctoPerf is a commercial full-featured SaaS platform for load testing of any HTTP-based website or mobile application. Developed with the reliable foundations of open-source technologies and closely aligned with Apache JMeter, this platform simplifies the test creation process. Users can easily start by importing URLs, REST APIs, HAR/JMX scripts, or Postman collections. Its integrated editor is designed to assist in the correlation and parameterization of scripts, streamlining the setup for new tests.
OctoPerf offers the flexibility to deploy public instances on leading cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Digital Ocean, and Microsoft Azure, catering to a variety of hosting preferences. Among its notable features are the ability to establish Service Level Agreements (SLA), monitor application performance (APM), and produce comprehensive transaction reports. Additionally, it supports integration with developer tools for seamless continuous integration (CI) processes, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to conduct thorough load testing.
Pros
Cons
Expensive for user load volumes exceeding 1,000 users
Pricing
4. Gatling Enterprise Cloud
Gatling Enterprise Cloud, offered by the renowned French firm Gatling, stands out as a premier cloud-based load testing service, particularly for those well-versed in Scala. Its user interface is both straightforward and informative, allowing for the creation of simulations in a step-by-step manner with the convenience of saving changes at any point. Upon completion of testing, it generates an automated, dynamic, and visually appealing report ready for analysis.
The platform is complemented by comprehensive technical support and documentation, providing detailed insights into its functionalities, which facilitates ease of use. Integration with continuous integration workflows is made possible through Jenkins, and for projects with a longer timeline, Gatling supports incorporation with Gradle, Maven, or SBT.
However, it’s worth noting that for individuals without prior experience in Scala, Gatling presents a steeper learning curve compared to other stress testing tools, potentially making full utilization more challenging.
Pros
Cons
Pricing
5. K6 Cloud
K6 Cloud emerges as a standout commercial SaaS offering, perfectly complementing K6 OSS by delivering unparalleled simplicity and efficiency in performance and load testing tasks. Its graphical user interface-equipped test builder enables the rapid and straightforward construction of tests. For those desiring customization, there’s the option to craft scripts in JS or leverage a Chrome extension for HAR format uploads. Tests can be deployed across multiple global locations via Amazon Web Services (AWS), ensuring comprehensive coverage.
The platform is enriched with sophisticated features that allow users to set specific thresholds for Service Level Objectives (SLO), schedule tests for automatic execution, configure application performance monitoring (APM), and achieve seamless integration with an array of developer tools including Jenkins, GitLab, and Azure Pipelines. Moreover, for those with k6 Open Source installed, there is the flexibility to initiate cloud tests directly from the command line, offering a versatile approach to load testing.
Pros
Cons
Pricing
6. Flood.io
For those in search of a cloud-based, browser-oriented tool for website and web application stress testing, Flood emerges as the prime selection. With Flood Element, users can effortlessly craft scripts using Typescript. The process for test creation is streamlined, allowing for the importation of scripts from a range of tools including JMeter, Gatling, Element, or Selenium. Notably, Flood also features its proprietary editor, simplifying the test development process albeit without support for parameterization and correlation.
The platform’s interface is designed for optimal user experience, enabling the configuration of Service Level Objectives (SLOs), the utilization of personal AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud accounts for generating load, and the integration with various developer tools to facilitate continuous integration (CI). Additionally, Flood offers capabilities for monitoring the performance of applications through DynaTrace, providing a comprehensive solution for stress testing needs.
Pros
Cons
Pricing
7. Loadview
Loadview stands as a cloud-based load testing platform, primarily tailored for conducting stress tests and pinpointing bottlenecks in websites and applications, boasting capabilities for simulating browser-based loads.
This platform is equipped with a suite of tools designed for interfacing with REST, SOAP, and JSON APIs, offering a vast array of AWS and Microsoft Azure cloud load generators. The inclusion of a recorder simplifies the creation of extensive load scenarios, and there’s flexibility to import custom scripts in JMX format. Loadview distinguishes itself with specialized monitoring platforms for each testing type, allowing for the manual customization of dashboards. It facilitates the configuration of Service Level Agreements (SLA) and integrates seamlessly with Jenkins through the LoadView Plugin. Additionally, users benefit from an extensive knowledge base and access to round-the-clock technical support, enhancing the overall testing experience.
Pros
Cons
Registration using corporate email
Pricing
8. Loader.io
Loader.io serves as a robust platform for executing load testing on web applications and APIs, enabling users to apply load to a host either through its user-friendly interface or via API. The platform’s design is geared towards simplicity and ease of use, with manual script compilation being a core aspect, though it lacks the functionality for importing existing tests.
The advanced capabilities of Loader.io include setting thresholds, configuring Application Performance Monitoring (APM), and integrating with developer tools like Jenkins and Circle, enhancing its utility for professional development environments. Subscription to the service unlocks a broader array of features and grants access to more comprehensive reports on test outcomes, offering users deeper insights into their application’s performance under stress.
Pros
Cons
Pricing
9. LoadFocus
LoadFocus emerges as a versatile cloud testing platform, adept at handling both load and functional testing for websites, web applications, and APIs. Users are afforded the flexibility to craft tests either manually or by importing JMX scripts, with all necessary tools readily accessible. The platform offers the unique feature of specifying whether web pages should be loaded in a mobile or desktop context and enables the scheduling of tests for automated execution.
It boasts access to a diverse array of Amazon instances across multiple geolocations, enhancing the scope of testing environments. The platform’s monitoring capabilities are notably comprehensive, providing users with the ability to set alerts, compare multiple test outcomes, and gain deep insights into performance metrics. Additionally, Chrome extensions are available to streamline the testing process and result analysis. Integration with Jenkins is straightforward, requiring only the installation of the Load Testing plugin. LoadFocus also includes features for conducting visual regression tests and emulating mobile devices, broadening its applicability and utility in varied testing scenarios.
Pros
Cons
Pricing
10. Neoload Web SAAS
NeoLoad Web SAAS, developed by Neotys, stands as a comprehensive platform tailored for continuous testing, simplifying the creation of tests through the upload of scripts in either YAML or ZIP formats. The platform provides a broad selection of instances from various providers, each offering different geolocations to suit diverse testing needs. Its interface is designed to facilitate SLA configuration, dashboard creation and management, resource reservation, and offers in-depth statistics for each component of the application under test, along with the possibility of assigning specific roles.
Particularly beneficial for projects committed to maintaining high performance standards, its daily performance regression testing feature generates trends reports, offering valuable insights for result analysis. Testing can be conducted via the NeoLoad Controller, a local tool that communicates with NeoLoad Web during test execution, ensuring seamless data integration. Moreover, the platform supports integration with key developer tools such as Jenkins, Azure DevOps, and Gitlab, enhancing its utility for modern development pipelines.
Cons
Pricing
Pay-as-you-grow. Contact vendor for quotation.
11. LoadNinja
LoadNinja stands out as a cloud-based service tailored for the load testing of websites and APIs. Unique to this platform is its approach to script creation; instead of importing pre-existing scripts, users can record sequences of user actions directly via the platform’s interface. This hands-on method allows for the detailed configuration of Service Level Agreements (SLA) during the script writing phase. Setting up the desired load parameters is straightforward, with an extensive selection of AWS instances available across various locations to suit diverse testing requirements.
A distinguishing feature of LoadNinja is its use of real browsers to generate load, offering a more accurate representation of user interaction. The platform provides the capability to monitor reports in real-time and to conduct post-test comparisons with other reports, enhancing analysis and insights. Integration with Jenkins is seamless, requiring only the installation of the LoadNinja Load Testing Plugin. For any challenges encountered during testing, LoadNinja offers a comprehensive support system, including documentation, video tutorials, and customer support, ensuring users have all the necessary resources at their disposal.
Pros
Cons
Pricing
12. Loadium
Loadium presents itself as an intuitive and efficient platform for performance testing, accommodating both beginners and professionals. Users can swiftly initiate a test by uploading scripts from popular tools such as JMeter, Gatling, or Selenium, or opt for crafting scripts manually via the platform’s test constructor. Recognizing the varied needs of developers, Loadium cleverly incorporates a converter for Postman collections or HAR format scripts into JMX format, streamlining the test preparation process. Additionally, the platform allows for the specification of transaction limits per second, tailoring load intensity to precise testing requirements.
The service offers access to an extensive selection of Amazon instances across numerous geolocations, enhancing testing versatility. Features include the use of dedicated IP addresses, notifications for test commencement and conclusion, and capabilities for comparing test outcomes. Loadium’s advanced functionalities extend to configuring Application Performance Monitoring (APM) for tools like AppDynamics or New Relic, and seamless integration with the Jenkins development tool. The Loadium Record & Play extension further simplifies the process, making the recording, editing, and execution of load tests more efficient and user-friendly.
Pros
Cons
Inconvenient detailing when working with graphs
Pricing
Parameterized comparison
Our parameterized comparison of the tools in this table will let you choose the instrument just right for you without surfing all the websites. Afterall, we’ve used these tools many times. If you want to learn more or are interested in load testing services, do not hesitate to contact us, we will do our best to help.
| Parameter | PFLB Platform | BlazeMeter | OctoPerf | gatling.io | k6.io | flood.io | loadview | loader.io | loadfocus.com | neoload SAAS | Load Ninja | Loadium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configurable own tests |
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but very basic |
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| Cloud | AWS or private cloud | AWS, Azure, G.Cloud | AWS, Digital Ocean, Azure | AWS | AWS | AWS, Azure, G.Cloud | AWS, Azure | AWS | AWS | AWS, Azure, G.Cloud | AWS | AWS |
| Different locations | Coming soon |
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| Google Analytics Yandex.Metrica |
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| HAR import |
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| Built-in converter from har to jmx |
| Rest API collections import (Insomnia, Postman) |
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for Postman,
for Insomnia |
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Postman |
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| Built-in converter from har to jmx |
| Selenium WebDriver scripts support |
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| Run your existing tests |
based |
JMeter, Gatling, Selenium, Taurus |
JMeter- based |
Gatling-based |
HAR |
JMeter, Gatling |
JMeter |
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JMeter-based |
yaml-based |
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JMeter, Gatling |
| SLA |
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, but it`s possible to set RPS limit |
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, Thresholds, | ContentSLO, only transaction- based |
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, Thresholds |
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, but it`s possible to set TPS limit |
| Integration with CI |
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using the plugin |
via outer CI tool |
via outer CI tool |
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using the plugin |
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| Tests comparison |
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| Trend reports |
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| Real Browser testing |
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| JMeter parameters override |
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Simulation System Properties |
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| Detailed traces with errors |
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| Granularity | down to 1 sec | down to 1 sec | down to 5 sec | down to 1 sec |
| down to 1 sec< | down to 1 sec | down to 1 sec | down to 100 ms | down to 1 sec | down to 1 sec | down to 1 sec |
| Free version? no upfront commitment |
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| Credit card needed to start |
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| APM Integrations | Grafana/ Telegraf | DX APM, AppDynamics, AWS Cloudwatch, DynaTrace and New Relic | New Relic, Dynatrace, AppDynamics, Instana | using the plugin | Azure Monitor, DataDog, Grafana Cloud, New Relic | Dynatrace | using a plugin | New Relic |
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| New Relic, AppDynamics |
| Automated breakdown by transactions |
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| Autostop |
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