Xceptance LoadTest
Xceptance LoadTest (XLT) is a free, open-source load and performance testing tool for software development, released under the Apache License v2.0.
What Xceptance LoadTest is
Xceptance LoadTest (XLT) is a free, open-source load and performance testing tool for software development, released under the Apache License v2.0. Tests are written in Java and can run as JUnit tests in an IDE. XLT supports user-count and arrival-rate load models, with configurable patterns such as ramps and traffic peaks. It can use real browsers through WebDriver and distribute load across machines and locations. Its reports cover load tests, comparisons, and trends, with totals, averages, percentiles, SLAs, and errors. The tool supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD and requires JDK 21. It integrates with Java, JUnit, WebDriver, HttpClient, Maven, Gradle, command-line tools, and CI/CD pipelines. XLT can deploy to clouds that support Java 21 or later; free Amazon EC2 images are available, though AWS infrastructure usage is charged separately. Controller-agent communication uses authenticated HTTPS. Xceptance also offers training, projects, and support as services.
Good
- Free and open source under Apache License v2.0
- Supports user-count and arrival-rate load models
- Can use real browsers through WebDriver
- Distributes load across machines and locations
- Reports include percentiles, SLAs, and errors
Watch out
- Requires JDK 21
- AWS infrastructure use is charged separately
- No free trial is listed
Who it suits
XLT suits software development teams and testing professionals who need load or performance testing with Java-based scripts. It may also fit teams that need browser-based or distributed load testing.
Verdict
XLT combines Java-based test scripting with configurable load models, browser testing, distributed runs, and detailed reports. It is free under Apache License v2.0, with JDK 21 required and AWS infrastructure billed separately when used.
Plans and prices
From Xceptance LoadTest's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Xceptance LoadTest (XLT) | Free | Requires JDK 21 · software package about 100 MB · Amazon EC2 infrastructure is charged separately · Free; open source under Apache License v2.0 |
The facts
Each one read from Xceptance LoadTest's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- Browser testing
- XLT can use real browsers through WebDriver for load testing.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Platform requirement
- The maker lists Windows, OSX, Linux, and FreeBSD support and requires JDK 21.checked 8 Oct 2026
What it does
- Cloud deployment
- XLT can deploy to clouds supporting Java 21+ and has free Amazon EC2 images; AWS charges for infrastructure use.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Data
- The maker says result data is open and documented, no data is dropped, and results use open formats.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The maker lists Java, JUnit, WebDriver, HttpClient, Maven, Gradle, command-line tools, and CI/CD pipelines.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes XLT as a tool for software development and says it was created by testing specialists for their own testing needs and others in the profession.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- XLT is open source under the Apache License v2.0.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Load profiles
- XLT supports user-count and arrival-rate load models, including configurable scenarios such as ramps and traffic peaks.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- XLT is a load and performance testing tool for software development.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Reporting
- It provides load test, comparison, and trend reports with metrics including totals, averages, percentiles, SLAs, and errors.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Scale
- XLT distributes load across machines and locations, and the maker says tests can scale to any number of machines and users.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- Controller-agent communication is secured through authenticated HTTPS.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- Xceptance says it offers training, projects, and support for XLT and load testing as services.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Test scripts
- Tests are written in Java and can run as JUnit tests in a preferred IDE.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2004checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Jena, Germanychecked 28 Sep 2026
Alternatives to Xceptance LoadTest
- 1
Keysight Eggplant Test
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.9$9,999 one-time - 2
Loadster Synthetic Monitoring
Free planWebAPIExtensionLinux7.8From $29 a month - 3
Avidemux
Free planOpen sourceWebLinuxmacOSWindows7.3Free plan - 4
LoadFocus
Free planWebAPIExtension7.3Free plan - 5
LoadView
Free planWebAPISelf-hosted7.3From $199 a month - 6
Artillery
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS7.1From $199 a month