Karate
Karate: A self-hosted testing framework spanning API, UI, performance, and mock testing. Ranked #3 of 29 in BDD Testing Tools by our editors (8.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for teams testing APIs and web applications.
At a glance
- Editor score8.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forTeams testing APIs and web applications
- Free planYes
- Gherkin supportYes
- Founded2021 · United States
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Tests REST, GraphQL, SOAP, and HTTP APIs with Gherkin feature files
- Combines browser automation, mocks, and Gatling performance testing
- Supports parallel execution and CLI, Maven, Gradle, or Java API runs
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires teams to manage their own environment
- Paid tiers add key capabilities such as async testing and commercial support
- Browser automation depends on Chrome, WebDriver, or cross-browser drivers
Our verdict on Karate
Karate is an open-source test automation framework for teams testing APIs and web applications. Its Gherkin feature files include built-in step definitions, HTTP operations, and assertions, with support for REST, GraphQL, SOAP, and HTTP APIs. Browser automation, mocks, contract testing, performance testing, and reporting extend the framework beyond API checks. It runs locally or in CI/CD, and is self-hosted rather than cloud-hosted, so it suits teams that want to manage test execution in their own environments.
The free plan includes the MIT-licensed Karate Framework, API testing, UI automation, performance testing, built-in mocks and stubs, and CI/CD integration. Paid plans add capabilities in distinct areas: IDE Plus offers syntax highlighting, IDE runs, structure view, and formatting; Xplorer Premium is a premium upgrade for Xplorer; Pro adds IntelliJ and VS Code plugins, debugging and step-through, enhanced autocomplete, code folding, JSON reformatting, Xplorer Premium, and async protocol testing. Karate Enterprise adds the Async Protocol Pack, IDE Enterprise tier, Karate Agent, API Coverage, API Governance, commercial support, and an SLA. The published plans show an annual pricing option, but the available prices do not establish monthly amounts.
Execution options include CLI, standalone, Java API, Maven, and Gradle, with JUnit and HTML reporting available. Integrations also include Gatling, Chrome, WebDriver, VS Code, IntelliJ IDEA, and CI/CD. Parallel execution applies to features, scenarios, and examples. These options make Karate relevant to teams seeking one framework across API and browser tests, with performance checks and mocks alongside them. It is less suited to teams looking for cloud-hosted testing or a managed service; self-hosting is the deployment model. Teams that need async protocol testing, governance, or commercial support should compare the paid tiers with the free framework.
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Karate pricing
All 5 Karate plans and prices →
Karate fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Gherkin support | Yes |
| Supported languages | Not verified |
| Execution mode | Local |
| Parallel execution | Yes |
| Browser testing | Yes |
| API access | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 9 integrations: Maven, Gradle, JUnit, Gatling, Chrome, WebDriver … |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | karatelabs.github.io |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Karate integrations
Karate lists 9 integrations on its own site.
- Maven
- Gradle
- JUnit
- Gatling
- Chrome
- WebDriver
- VS Code
- IntelliJ IDEA
- CI/CD
Alternatives to Karate
- Cucumber OpenA mature, extensible Cucumber workflow for local and CI-based BDD testing.9.1
- CucumberStudioA shared BDD workspace connecting Gherkin, test execution, automation results, and documentation.8.6
- BehatA focused Gherkin workflow for PHP teams building executable specifications.8.3
Karate vs the competition
- Karate vs Cucumber Open
- Karate vs CucumberStudio
- Karate vs Behat
- Karate vs Serenity BDD
- Karate vs Ginkgo
- Karate vs CukeTest
Compare Karate with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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