Apache JMeter vs Apica LoadTest

Apache JMeter is a free, open-source Java application for testing functional behavior under load and measuring performance. It can simulate heavy workloads on servers, networks and other systems. Supported test types include HTTP and HTTPS, SOAP and REST, FTP, JDBC, LDAP, JMS, email protocols, TCP, Java objects, and native commands or shell scripts. Its test IDE can record plans from browsers or native applications, then help users build and debug them. JMeter provides command-line operation on Java-compatible systems and can generate dynamic HTML reports. It also supports remote testing, pluggable samplers and timers, scripting such as Groovy and BeanShell, and plugins for analysis and visualization. Third-party open-source libraries connect it to Maven, Gradle and Jenkins for continuous integration. JMeter works at the protocol level: it does not execute JavaScript in pages or render them as a browser does. It requires Java 8 or later. The project recommends command-line rather than GUI operation for load testing and advises caution with untrusted JMX files, which may execute code when opened.

Apica LoadTest creates, runs, and analyzes capacity and performance tests for web and cloud applications. Its workflow covers scripting, setup, building, execution, analysis, and reporting. Users can create or upload HTTP/S load-test scripts, select geographic test clusters, and work through a browser portal without local software downloads. The portal provides managed infrastructure, test execution and scheduling, reporting and analysis, and collaboration storage. Apica says its premium load test network supports tests of up to 2,000,000 concurrent users. Documentation also describes device testing for iPhone, Android, iPad, and Windows, including native mobile applications. Example integrations include AWS Code Pipeline, TeamCity, Jenkins, and Azure DevOps. LoadTest integrates with ZebraTester for exchanging scripts and results; ZebraTester can also run standalone on customer infrastructure. Apica offers full-service projects in which its experts design, script, and execute tests and work with customers on performance analysis and improvement. A blog page invites users to start a 30-day full-featured trial. The Self Service Portal is subscription-based by the month, but no price is listed.