Locust
Locust: A flexible Python-based load testing tool for teams that want self-hosted control. Ranked #7 of 37 in Performance Testing Software by our editors (8.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for python teams building flexible open-source tests.
At a glance
- Editor score8.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPython teams building flexible open-source tests
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Load testingYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Define test scenarios in regular Python code
- Run real-time, headless, or distributed tests
- Extend workloads with protocols, clients, and integrations
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment places operations on your team
- Browser testing uses documented Playwright or Selenium extensions
- Core HTTP/HTTPS coverage may require extensions for other protocols
Our verdict on Locust
Locust is an open-source performance and load testing tool for developers and test engineers who want to define simulated behavior in Python. It supports load, stress, browser, distributed-load, and API testing across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, and self-hosted environments. Teams can run workloads through a web interface, the command line, or headless execution, making it suitable for both interactive test development and automated execution.
Python-based scenario definition is Locust’s central strength. Test behavior is written as regular Python code, while the web interface reports throughput, response times, and errors in real time. Command-line execution supports headless operation, and distributed execution can span multiple processes or machines. CSV and HTML result reporting provide additional ways to review outcomes. The core supports HTTP/HTTPS load testing, while extensible protocol and client support broadens the types of systems that can be exercised.
Locust also fits teams working across a wider testing ecosystem. Documented extensions connect it with Playwright and Selenium/WebDriver for browser-oriented workloads, while listed integrations include gRPC, XML-RPC, SocketIO, OpenTelemetry, Docker, and Kubernetes. Its open-source, self-hosted model gives teams control over deployment and execution, but also makes environment management part of the implementation responsibility. Choose Locust when Python flexibility, distributed execution, and extensibility matter more than a fully managed testing service. Teams seeking built-in browser workflows or hosted operations may prefer an alternative with those capabilities as its primary experience.
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Locust pricing
Locust fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Load testing | Yes |
| Stress testing | Yes |
| Browser-based testing | Yes |
| Distributed load | Yes |
| API testing | Yes |
| Deployment model | Hybrid |
| Max virtual users | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | locust.io |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Locust
- Grafana k6A scriptable performance testing tool with local, distributed, browser, and hosted execution.9.3
- 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
Locust vs the competition
- Locust vs Grafana k6
- Locust vs OpenText Core Performance Engineering
- Locust vs Apache JMeter
- Locust vs Akamai CloudTest
- Locust vs Eggplant Performance
- Locust vs OpenText Enterprise Performance Engineering
Compare Locust with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Locust is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
Locust is listed in our Performance Testing Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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