JaCoCo
JaCoCo: A focused, open-source choice for build-integrated Java and JVM coverage. Ranked #5 of 27 in Test Coverage Tools by our editors (7.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for java builds using Maven or Ant.
At a glance
- Editor score7.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forJava builds using Maven or Ant
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Coverage typesinstruction, branch, complexity, line, method, class
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports instruction, branch, complexity, line, method, and class counters
- Generates HTML, XML, and CSV reports
- Coverage thresholds can halt builds when requirements are missed
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted rather than a hosted coverage dashboard
- Coverage collection requires instrumentation through an agent or offline mode
- Build integration is centered on Maven, Ant, and command-line workflows
Our verdict on JaCoCo
JaCoCo is a free, open-source code coverage library for Java and JVM projects. It is designed for developers who want coverage collection and reporting inside local or continuous-integration build processes, particularly teams working with Maven or Ant. JaCoCo instruments Java class files, collects runtime execution data through a Java agent or offline instrumentation, analyzes results, and supports Java, Kotlin, Groovy, and Scala-generated bytecode.
Coverage depth is a central strength. JaCoCo provides instruction, branch, complexity, line, method, and class coverage counters, giving teams several ways to evaluate test completeness. It can generate HTML, XML, and CSV reports for different reporting workflows. Coverage rules can also enforce configured thresholds during builds, allowing a project to stop when coverage requirements are missed. These capabilities make JaCoCo a practical fit when coverage needs to be part of the build rather than treated as a separate reporting step.
The main trade-off is its focused delivery model. JaCoCo is a library and build-integrated tool, not a hosted coverage dashboard, so teams should choose it when they are comfortable managing coverage within self-hosted Java build environments. Maven, Ant, the Java agent, and the command-line interface provide documented integration paths, but the workflow remains oriented around build configuration and generated reports. Pick JaCoCo for open-source, threshold-enforced coverage in Java and JVM projects; consider another option if the priority is a hosted dashboard or broader platform workflow.
JaCoCo pricing
JaCoCo fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Coverage types | instruction, branch, complexity, line, method, class |
| Supported languages | Java, Kotlin, Groovy, Scala |
| Report formats | HTML, XML, CSV |
| Pull-request annotations | Not verified |
| Self-hosted option | Not verified |
| Historical trends | Not verified |
| Coverage gates | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Maven, Ant, Java agent, Command-line interface |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | jacoco.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
JaCoCo integrations
JaCoCo lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Maven
- Ant
- Java agent
- Command-line interface
Alternatives to JaCoCo
- CodecovA broad CI coverage platform with strong pull-request checks, analytics, and integrations.10.0
- CoverallsA mature coverage service for multi-language teams needing CI and pull-request visibility.9.2
- ReportGeneratorA flexible command-line coverage reporter with strong aggregation and history features.7.7
JaCoCo vs the competition
- JaCoCo vs Codecov
- JaCoCo vs Coveralls
- JaCoCo vs ReportGenerator
- JaCoCo vs OpenClover
- JaCoCo vs Coverage.py
- JaCoCo vs SimpleCov
Compare JaCoCo with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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