Performance Testing (Part 2): JMeter and k6 Overview

Performance tests need a tool to generate load and collect metrics. Two widely used options are Apache JMeter (GUI and XML-based plans) and k6 (script-based, by Grafana Labs). This post gives a detailed comparison: what each tool does, how to create and run a basic scenario, how to interpret results, and when to choose which—including running in CI.

Apache JMeter in depth

What it is

JMeter is an open-source load testing tool. You build a test plan (thread group, samplers, listeners, timers, assertions) in the GUI or by editing XML. It supports HTTP, JDBC, FTP, JMS, and more via plugins.