Molotov is a Python load testing utility built on asyncio and aiohttp. Engineers define scenarios in Python modules and run concurrent workers from the CLI, aiming at simple async API load tests rather than full enterprise suites.
About
Molotov is a Python load testing utility built on asyncio and aiohttp. Engineers define scenarios in Python modules and run concurrent workers from the CLI, aiming at simple async API load tests rather than full enterprise suites.
Best for
API and protocol throughput or latency campaigns
Teams that prefer open-source licensing and self-hosting options
Groups comfortable scripting in Python
Not the best fit when
Teams unwilling to operate generators, results storage, and scaling
Architecture and concurrency
Molotov is commonly operated as self-hosted software with scenario authoring in Python. Concurrency and distribution depend on how you size workers or injectors.
Specs
Scripting
Python
Protocols
HTTPHTTPS
Operating systems
macOSLinux
Tags
pythonasyncioaiohttpcli
CATALOG LAST VERIFIED · 2026-08-12
Frequently asked
ANSWER-SHAPED
Who is Molotov for?
Molotov is best for engineers focused on API and protocol-level throughput and latency. It is open source, so teams can self-host and extend it. Vendor: Tarek Ziadé. Deployment model: self-hosted. Free; open-source license (see repository). Confirm details against the official site and a short proof-of-concept in your environment.
How does Molotov differ from Artillery?
Compared with Artillery, scripting centers on Python rather than JavaScript, TypeScript. Molotov lists protocols HTTP, HTTPS; Artillery lists HTTP, HTTPS, WebSocket, Socket.IO, MQTT. 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 Molotov use?
Molotov uses Python for scripting or scenario definition. Runtime model: code-first scenarios where virtual users execute scripted behavior under load. OS support: macOS, Linux. 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 Molotov?
Molotov is primarily self-hosted; teams typically run generators on their own machines, CI runners, or private cloud. Plan for generator capacity, network access to targets, and result storage yourself. As open source, commercial support or hosted siblings may exist separately. Check the official site. Pricing note: Free; open-source license (see repository).
What are known limitations of Molotov?
Molotov limitations to weigh: self-hosted tools require you to provision, scale, and observe load generators yourself. 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.