Grafana k6
Grafana k6: A scriptable performance testing tool with local, distributed, browser, and hosted execution. Ranked #1 of 37 in Performance Testing Software by our editors (9.3/10); pricing: Free plan · 14-day trial; best for open-source teams building scripted test suites.
At a glance
- Editor score9.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 14-day trial
- Best forOpen-source teams building scripted test suites
- Free planYes
- Paid from$19/mo
- Load testingYes
- Founded2016
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- JavaScript and TypeScript authoring with local execution
- HTTP, API, browser, distributed, and Kubernetes testing
- Integrations with Prometheus, Datadog, Grafana Cloud, and others
Where it doesn't
- Cloud Enterprise requires a minimum $25,000 annual commitment
- Browser testing relies on Chromium automation
- Cloud Pro includes 500 virtual user hours per month
Our verdict on Grafana k6
Grafana k6 is an open-source load and performance testing tool for developers, SREs, and QA teams. Tests are scripted in JavaScript or TypeScript and can run locally, across distributed machines, on Kubernetes, or through Grafana Cloud k6. Its scope covers protocol-level HTTP and API load testing, browser-based testing with Chromium automation, configurable virtual-user and arrival-rate scenarios, checks, performance thresholds, CI/CD automation, and result streaming to observability systems. It supports web, Windows, macOS, Linux, and self-hosted deployments.
The Grafana k6 Open Source plan costs $0 one time and includes open-source load testing, JavaScript and TypeScript test authoring, and local execution. Grafana Cloud Free costs $0 per month and includes 500 virtual user hours per month, 14-day retention, and community support. A 14-day free trial is available. Grafana Cloud Pro adds managed cloud execution with a monthly platform fee, 500 included virtual user hours per month, 8×5 email support, and volume discounts. Grafana Cloud Enterprise adds custom pricing, deployment flexibility, and support for up to 1 million concurrent virtual users, with a minimum $25,000 annual commitment.
Grafana k6 is less suitable for teams seeking a fully managed experience without cloud-plan commitments or teams that prefer non-scripted test authoring. Browser coverage is based on Chromium automation, while the open-source plan focuses on local execution rather than hosted collaboration and result analysis. Cloud usage also has defined virtual-user-hour allowances on the Free and Pro plans. Choose an alternative if your priority is a different browser automation model, a no-code workflow, or a hosted testing service with a simpler pricing structure.
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Grafana k6 pricing
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Grafana k6 fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $19/mo |
| Load testing | Yes |
| Stress testing | Yes |
| Browser-based testing | Yes |
| Distributed load | Yes |
| API testing | Yes |
| Deployment model | Hybrid |
| Max virtual users | Not verified |
| Free trial | 14 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 6 integrations: GitHub Actions, Prometheus, Grafana Mimir, Datadog, New Relic, Timescale |
| Pricing | Free plan · 14-day trial (source) |
| Website | grafana.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Grafana k6 integrations
Grafana k6 lists 6 integrations on its own site.
- GitHub Actions
- Prometheus
- Grafana Mimir
- Datadog
- New Relic
- Timescale
Alternatives to Grafana k6
- OpenText Core Performance EngineeringA broad hybrid performance-testing suite for enterprise web, API, and mobile workloads.9.2
- Apache JMeterA free, established choice for protocol-level load, stress, API, and distributed testing.9.1
- Akamai CloudTestA mature hybrid testing platform for global enterprise performance programs.9.0
See all Grafana k6 alternatives →
Grafana k6 vs the competition
- Grafana k6 vs OpenText Core Performance Engineering
- Grafana k6 vs Apache JMeter
- Grafana k6 vs Akamai CloudTest
- Grafana k6 vs Eggplant Performance
- Grafana k6 vs OpenText Enterprise Performance Engineering
- Grafana k6 vs Locust
Compare Grafana k6 with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Grafana k6 is ranked in 4 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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