STATIC COMPARISON / TIER B
Apache JMeter vs Locust
Answer Apache JMeter is an open source, self-hosted load testing tool from Apache Software Foundation, scripted in Java, Groovy. Locust is an open source, self-hosted load testing tool from Locust authors, scripted in Python. The practical split is the authoring language: Java, Groovy for Apache JMeter, Python for Locust.
Curator verdict
Both cover HTTP, HTTPS, and both sit in the load testing tool bracket. On recorded coverage Apache JMeter is the wider of the two (6 protocols against 3), which matters only if your workload actually uses the extra ones. Team language and existing tooling usually settle Apache JMeter against Locust. Run the same scenario on both before you standardize; the rows below only tell you what is true on paper.
Spec matrix
| Field | Apache JMeter | Locust |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Apache Software Foundation | Locust authors |
| Category | Load Testing | Load Testing |
| License | Open Source | Open Source |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Status | Active | Active |
| First released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Pricing | Free; Apache License 2.0. | Free; MIT License. |
| Scripting | Java, Groovy | Python |
| Protocols | HTTP, HTTPS, JDBC, JMS, FTP, TCP | HTTP, HTTPS, WebSocket |
| OS support | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
How to choose
- Only Apache JMeter records support for JDBC, JMS, FTP — one hard requirement there decides the pair on its own.
- Only Locust records support for WebSocket — one hard requirement there decides the pair on its own.
- Match the authoring language to the team: Apache JMeter means Java, Groovy, Locust means Python.
- Open the Test Rig to compare license, deployment, protocol and OS rows side by side.
Need more than two tools or a shareable matrix? Use the live Test Rig from the directory compare tray.
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