# XLT (Xceptance LoadTest) alternatives

> XLT (Xceptance LoadTest) is an open source, self-hosted load testing tool from Xceptance, scripted in Java. Teams look for XLT (Xceptance LoadTest) alternatives when the operating burden, the authoring language, or protocol coverage stops fitting. The closest recorded substitutes are Apache JMeter, Grafana k6, Gatling, Locust, plus 8 more below — ranked here on license, deployment, scripting and protocols rather than on popularity.

- Canonical: https://perf.jmeter.ai/alternatives/xlt/
- Baseline: [XLT (Xceptance LoadTest)](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/xlt/)

## Stay with XLT (Xceptance LoadTest) when
- Load Testing scenarios across typical web and service stacks.
- Teams that prefer open-source licensing and self-hosting options.
- Groups comfortable scripting in Java.

## Switch when
- Teams unwilling to operate generators, results storage, and scaling.
- You need a vendor contract and support path: LoadRunner Professional is sold commercially.
- Your protocol list runs past XLT (Xceptance LoadTest): Apache JMeter also records JDBC, JMS, FTP.
- The team would rather author in JavaScript, TypeScript: that is Grafana k6.

## Alternatives
- [Apache JMeter](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/apache-jmeter/) — Open Source, Self-hosted, Load Testing; Free; Apache License 2.0.
- [Grafana k6](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/grafana-k6/) — Open Source, Self-hosted, Load Testing; Free; AGPL-3.0 license.
- [Gatling](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/gatling/) — Open Source, Self-hosted, Load Testing; Free open-source core; commercial platform available.
- [Locust](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/locust/) — Open Source, Self-hosted, Load Testing; Free; MIT License.
- [Taurus](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/taurus/) — Open Source, Self-hosted, Load Testing; Free; Apache License 2.0.
- [nGrinder](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/ngrinder/) — Open Source, Self-hosted, Load Testing; Free; Apache License 2.0.
- [RedLine13](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/redline13/) — Freemium, Hybrid, Load Testing; Free trial and paid cloud plans.
- [Goose](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/goose/) — Open Source, Self-hosted, Load Testing; Free; GPL-3.0 license.
- [JMeter Java DSL](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/jmeter-java-dsl/) — Open Source, Self-hosted, Load Testing; Free; Apache License 2.0.
- [Yandex.Tank](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/yandex-tank/) — Open Source, Self-hosted, Load Testing; Free; open-source license (see repository).
- [Artillery](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/artillery/) — Open Source, Self-hosted, Protocol/API Load; Free open-source core; commercial cloud features available.
- [LoadRunner Professional](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/loadrunner-professional/) — Commercial, Self-hosted, Enterprise Suite; Commercial license; request a quote.

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Curated by NaveenKumar Namachivayam (QAInsights) · methodology: https://perf.jmeter.ai/about/#methodology · corrections: https://github.com/QAInsights/Performance-Testing-Tools/issues/new?title=Tool%20submission%3A%20&body=Tool%20name%3A%20%0AOfficial%20URL%3A%20%0AWhat%20should%20be%20added%20or%20corrected%3F%20%0A