ghz review
A focused, free open-source toolkit for gRPC load testing and performance regression checks.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ghz is an open-source command-line utility and Go package for load testing and benchmarking gRPC services. It suits developers and engineering teams that need to measure service performance, run local tests, or automate performance regression checks in continuous integration. The self-hosted deployment model keeps the tool focused on running tests within existing development and delivery environments.
Its strongest area is gRPC test depth. ghz accepts Protocol Buffer files, compiled protosets, or server reflection, then supports unary, streaming, and duplex calls. Teams can apply constant, step, or line load schedules, configure concurrency and worker schedules, and provide JSON or binary request data. TLS, client certificates, compression, and load balancing options add coverage for service configurations that need more than a basic request loop. A Go package also supports programmatic performance tests alongside the CLI.
Output and workflow flexibility make ghz useful for both interactive runs and automated analysis. Results can be produced as CLI, CSV, JSON, HTML, or InfluxDB line protocol, which supports different reporting and monitoring setups. The trade-off is focus: ghz is built around gRPC performance testing rather than the broader request-building and exploration features associated with general-purpose clients. Choose it for free, specialized gRPC benchmarking, CI performance checks, and programmable tests. Choose an alternative when you need a wider API client experience beyond load testing and benchmarking.
ghz pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Tests unary, streaming, and duplex gRPC calls
- Supports reflection, proto files, and compiled protosets
- Offers concurrency controls and CLI, CSV, JSON, HTML, and InfluxDB output
- Where it doesn't
- Its scope is narrower than general-purpose API clients
- Primarily operates as a CLI and Go package
- The complementary web application is in beta
ghz fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update