Load testing tools: how to choose a load testing tool which best fits your needs
What is a load testing tool?
Load testing is a way of ensuring that software works well under real-world scenarios.
A load testing tool is used to recreate the behavior of real users on a variety of software applications using virtual users (VUs). It can simulate anywhere between one and several million VUs, depending on the nature and requirements of the load test. This ability to reproduce so many users makes it an indispensable tool – as it is not possible for humans to conduct this kind of testing on such a large scale.
The tool can be used on-premise or in the Cloud. For extreme tests, where a large quantity of VUs is needed, many servers are required. In this case, testing in the Cloud is the better option as it is more easily scalable than an on-premise solution. A load testing tool is used to:
- Create load testing scripts: simulating the activity of each VU during testing
- Configure test parameters:
- What duration of testing is required, and for how many VUs?
- How many different types of users will be included in the test?
- How many desktop users versus mobile users?
- Where will the load come from on-premise or cloud infrastructure?
- Perform the Test:
- Execute test with the script and configured parameters in place
- Define when it should be conducted
- Consider running it from a Continuous Integration server (e.g., Jenkins)
- Analyze the Results:
- While the test is running and the application is on, the performance engineer must analyze software behavior
- Such monitoring during operation can be done with the load testing tool or with other specific monitoring means (e.g., APM or Application Monitoring)
Here are considerations to take into account to understand how to choose the right load testing tool:
Why use a load testing tool?
Using a load testing tool can identify and solve bottlenecks the system might experience in different scenarios. This helps prevent problems from occurring in a live production environment – which might negatively impact the business.
By conducting testing in realistic scenarios, the load testing tool helps protect against poor software performance – including unsavory response time. It can also be adapted to help manage and monitor performance levels in a live production environment.
Who uses load testing tools?
A load testing tool is used by a number of different professionals:
- Performance engineers who work in performance test centers: These engineers need the most advanced tools to create the proper scripts and scenarios for effective testing.
- Developers working in Agile/DevOps teams: Developers are becoming more involved in performance testing. When working within continuous monitoring processes, they start testing the first lines of code as soon as the first APIs are developed – even before a graphical user interface is available. These developers need a simple tool that doesn’t require a performance testing expert and one that can be used for API testing. As developers, they usually like to work in code – so the tool should ideally allow them to create tests using coding.
Try NeoLoad, the most automated performance testing platform for enterprise organizations continuously testing from APIs to applications.
How to choose the perfect tool for your needs?
Settings organizations should consider when making your decision.
Characteristics |
Functional Description |
Features and Benefits |
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Test Script Design |
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Technical Support |
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Mobile Testing |
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On-premise/Cloud Load Infrastructure |
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Load Infrastructure Management |
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Tool Scalability |
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Load Testing Analysis |
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Integration with CI Pipeline |
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Integration with Other Testing Tools |
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Collaboration |
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Security |
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Technical Support |
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Automate API and end-to-end application performance testing with NeoLoad, the continuous performance testing platform.
Are there different types of load testing tools?
There are several types of load testing tools, with varying yet complementary approaches:
- Protocol-based tools: Generate protocol transactions at the application level. For example, requests on the HTTP protocol for web and mobile applications
- Browser-based tools: Simulate the activity of real browsers, but for many different hundreds and even thousands of VUs
Load testing tools also come in different categories:
- Tools-based on Open Source technology (JMeter): Simple use cases that do not require advanced testing capabilities
- Advanced tools capable of providing a solution to suit even the most sophisticated needs: NeoLoad is one of the leaders and the main alternative to long-standing solutions like LoadRunner and Performance Center which have existed for decades
What are the main tools for load testing?
Tool |
Description |
What need(s) are satisfied? |
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NeoLoad |
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LoadRunner / Performance Center |
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JMeter |
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Blazemeter |
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Start testing with NeoLoad, the fastest, the most realistic, and the most automated continuous performance testing platform.