JMeter vs LoadRunner: Which one is better for performance testing?

Software testing

Which is better for testing, JMeter or LoadRunner?

Software testing is a must for enterprises to offer efficient and error-free software, eventually increasing ROI.
82% of companies use exploratory testing as a software testing methodology, while 61% use conventional script-based inspection.(PractiTest)
These days, more programmers are choosing JMeter and LoadRunner as their software testing tools because of the shift from the Center of Excellence to open-source load testing. But it can be challenging to choose one over another. So comparing the suitable alternatives is an excellent strategy for selecting the best testing tool for your company. An overview of both software testing tools before we compare JMeter and LoadRunner.
Apache Jmeter

To deploy functional test behavior and assess how well your application performs in reaction to created stimuli; you can use the open-source Apache JMeter software, which is built entirely on Java. Initially intended to analyze web apps, this software has now been expanded to include other test features.

Now, let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of the JMeter testing tool in more detail.

Advantages of JMeter

    • On every Windows, Mac, or Linux computer, JMeter is simple to install and free.
    • It can efficiently operate via a command-line interface and offers the most user-friendly UI.
    • All data formats, including HTML, JSON, XML, and text-based formats, can be ingested into a JMeter server.
    • JMeter includes fully prepared plugins for data analysis.
    • For native software and browsers, it permits test recordings.
    • Plug-ins or other third-party toolkits can quickly be incorporated with JMeter.
    • It’s incredibly portable and extendable.
    • JMeter provides you with a top-notch support network and a limitless capability for load production.

Disadvantages of JMeter

    • Because of the tool’s difficulty, competent testing analysts are needed to complete the task.
    • It does not come With support and hence does not automatically allow AJAX queries, making it challenging to run Java code via the system.
    • Testing complex software such as CSRF or JS to change requests using JMeter is challenging.
    • JMeter displays numerous problems to many users because it uses excessive memory in GUI mode.
    • It performs less effectively than alternative testing tools on the market.

Overview of HP LoadRunner

HP loadrunner
Loadrunner is a toolkit Micro Focus provides that evaluates software effectiveness and behavior amid load. This can simulate many users utilizing the software at once, recording their activity, and analyzing it afterward.

Now let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of the HP LoadRunner testing tool in more detail.

Advantages of LoadRunner

    • System-level, & code-based constraints included in the code and intended triggers can all be precisely identified by LoadRunner.
    • Locating the source of the software’s unsatisfactory performance aids in lowering the cost of software interruption.
    • Allows the testing of old software using new technology.
    • Enables simple testing of mobile applications
    • By informing clients of the precise capability and flexibility of technology, LoadRunner contributes to a decrease in the price of both software and hardware.
    • It helps organizations create smart service contracts ahead of their product launch.
    • It provides its customers with quick test cycles that enhance applications’ delivery using global testing resources.
    • It allows for the best possible use of load sources & improves load results.
Disadvantages of  LoadRunner   
    • Comparatively speaking to other testing solutions on the market, it is significantly more costly.
    • To achieve superior performance, its debugging features require only small enhancements.
    • When the machine can’t keep up with compute demands, LoadRunner frequently crashes.
    • It has serious difficulty working with other systems and consumes a lot of RAM.
    • Its capacity to generate loads of electricity is constrained.
After weighing the benefits and drawbacks of HP LoadRunner and Apache JMeter separately, it’s time to concentrate on the critical comparison factors.

Key Differences Between JMeter and LoadRunner

When comparing JMeter with LoadRunner, testing tool industry statistics show that JMeter is far more well-liked. To double-check, we researched Google Trends for the phrases LoadRunner and Apache JMeter. The findings are shown below:

Availability You may quickly download Apache JMeter for free to run any test. The software testing tool LoadRunner is pricey. Free trial versions have just been made available. However, they cannot just be downloaded and used.
Ability to Generate Loads The capability for load creation in JMeter is infinite. The capacity of the LoadRunner to generate loads is constrained.
Execution In JMeter, execution is more straightforward. Simply install Java install JMeter, and submit the JMeter script file to get started. In LoadRunner, execution is more complicated. To every user, a thread is created.
Analysis Report Results from JMeter can be analyzed in-depth by testers with more excellent knowledge while also being simple to understand for developers with much less expertise. HP Analysis parses the data from LoadRunner’s raw format to produce a variety of graphs.
Assistance from the Community & Open-Source Users that the active community of JMeter assists encounter difficulties. Because a big corporation owns LoadRunner, there aren’t as many users as there may be.
Scripting Without learning a little code, you can use JMeter to execute a full load test. But LoadRunner needs you to know how to write scripts.
Creating test scenario designs Adding the starting or final transaction components is unnecessary when using JMeter. Because it demands for controlling various agents, LoadRunner is more complicated.
Elements Contrary to LoadRunner, adding items is simple in JMeter. In LoadRunner, setting up each component requires more effort.

Wrapping Up

Most top performance testing companies employ JMeter and LoadRunner as efficient performance testing solutions. Although JMeter is more well-known than LoadRunner due to its open-source nature, HP LoadRunner offers more functionality overall. JMeter is preferable if the project is on a tight budget. However, suppose your business can afford to spend some money. In that case, LoadRunner will produce better throughput results, in-depth constraint diagnosis, analysis, and several other complex tests which JMeter does not offer. However, you can streamline the testing process and cut costs by outsourcing testing from experienced firms like Netsmartz.

Our Offering

  • Regression Testing Our combination of automation and manual testing with different tools ensures product quality. Netsmartz’s experts closely monitor all changes and their corresponding impacts.
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  • Functional Testing Choose to test software and embedded software applications from a comprehensive range of real-world devices and platforms. We ensure an efficient methodology to take care of tests with frequent changes.
  • Automation Testing Netsmartz can help you with the best practice processes and necessary technology to enhance the quality of the product. We ensure a great user experience with bug-free products.
  • Performance Testing We have certified professionals for comprehensive analysis and recommendations for performance improvements. We enable our clients to launch applications with high responsiveness and availability. Sounds exciting? We’d love to have you for a session over coffee.

Summary

Name
JMeter vs LoadRunner: Which one is better for performance testing?
Author
Parth Gargish
Published on
October 7, 2022

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