TOOL SIGNAL / ACTIVE

Grafana k6 browser

Grafana Labs

Browser/RUM Open Source Hybrid
Official site ↗ Source repo ↗
Pricing model
Free open-source module; cloud execution via Grafana Cloud k6 plans.
First released
2021
Latest release
v2.1.0
Last verified
Answer

Grafana k6 browser is a module within the k6 load testing tool that enables browser automation and end-to-end web testing. It provides browser-level APIs to interact with web browsers via the Chrome DevTools Protocol (CDP), allowing developers to perform browser-level performance testing and collect frontend metrics.

About

Grafana k6 browser is a module within the k6 load testing tool that enables browser automation and end-to-end web testing. It provides browser-level APIs to interact with web browsers via the Chrome DevTools Protocol (CDP), allowing developers to perform browser-level performance testing and collect frontend metrics.

Best for

  • Browser/RUM scenarios across typical web and service stacks
  • Teams that prefer open-source licensing and self-hosting options
  • Groups comfortable scripting in JavaScript, TypeScript

Not the best fit when

  • Workloads outside the listed protocols or languages without a proof-of-concept

Architecture and concurrency

Grafana k6 browser is commonly operated as hybrid software with scenario authoring in JavaScript, TypeScript. Concurrency and distribution depend on how you size workers or injectors.

Features

  • Browser-level performance testing and automation
  • Integration with core k6 features, including thresholds and performance monitoring
  • Collection of Web Vital metrics (LCP, CLS, INP, FCP, TTFB)
  • Device emulation for mobile environments
  • Headless browser support for automated testing environments
  • Playwright-inspired API design for interactions (clicking, typing, navigation)

Latest release

v2.1.0 · 2026-06-30

Release v2.1.0 introduced an opt-in feature-flag system (the --features flag), a context-level proxy option for browser contexts, and subcommand discovery in k6 x.

Pricing

The k6 tool itself is open-source. Browser-level testing is available in Grafana Cloud under performance testing subscriptions, which are billed based on usage (Virtual User Hours) and concurrency limits.

Specs

Scripting
JavaScriptTypeScript
Protocols
HTTPHTTPS
Operating systems
WindowsmacOSLinuxBrowser
Tags
k6browserfrontendjavascript
Repo health
★ 31362 · last push 2026-08-31

Sources

SHOW SOURCES

LAST VERIFIED · 2026-08-15 · GROUNDED VIA EXA · CURATED BY NAVEENKUMAR NAMACHIVAYAM

Frequently asked

ANSWER-SHAPED
Who is Grafana k6 browser for?

Grafana k6 browser is best for teams validating real-browser or end-user experience under load. It is open source, so teams can self-host and extend it. Vendor: Grafana Labs. Deployment model: hybrid. Free open-source module; cloud execution via Grafana Cloud k6 plans.

How does Grafana k6 browser differ from Flood Element?

Compared with Flood Element, deployment is hybrid versus cloud for Flood Element. Grafana k6 browser lists protocols HTTP, HTTPS; Flood Element lists HTTP, HTTPS, WebSocket. Status is active versus active. Use the Test Rig to compare full specs side by side before a proof-of-concept.

What scripting language and concurrency model does Grafana k6 browser use?

Grafana k6 browser uses JavaScript, TypeScript for scripting or scenario definition. Runtime model: code-first scenarios where virtual users execute scripted behavior under load. OS support: Windows, macOS, Linux, Browser. Protocols: HTTP, HTTPS. Match these to how your team already authors tests and which systems you must drive under load.

What is the cloud or enterprise path for Grafana k6 browser?

Grafana k6 browser supports a hybrid path that can combine self-hosted controllers or agents with cloud or distributed load as the product allows. Teams often keep sensitive assets private while bursting generators into the cloud. As open source, commercial support or hosted siblings may exist separately. Check the official site. Pricing note: Free open-source module; cloud execution via Grafana Cloud k6 plans.

What are known limitations of Grafana k6 browser?

Grafana k6 browser limitations to weigh: fit depends on team skills, protocol needs, CI integration, and total cost of ownership rather than feature checklists alone. Status: active. Always validate against your target protocols and scale with a proof-of-concept. Confirm details against the official site and a short proof-of-concept in your environment.