# k6 vs Gatling

> k6 and Gatling are both code-first load tools. k6 centers on JavaScript with Grafana ecosystem hooks; Gatling centers on a high-performance engine with scenario DSLs and enterprise options. Pick k6 for JS teams and Grafana; Gatling for JVM-oriented performance groups seeking engine efficiency.

- Canonical: https://perf.jmeter.ai/vs/grafana-k6-vs-gatling/
- Compared: [Grafana k6](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/grafana-k6/) · [Gatling](https://perf.jmeter.ai/tools/gatling/)

## Verdict
This is often a language and ecosystem choice more than a capability cliff. k6 integrates naturally with modern frontend/backend JS shops and Grafana Cloud. Gatling remains popular in enterprises that standardize on JVM performance engineering and Gatling Enterprise packaging.

## Specs
| Field | k6 | Gatling |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vendor | Grafana Labs | Gatling Corp. |
| Category | Load Testing | Load Testing |
| License | Open Source | Open Source |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Status | Active | Active |
| First released | 2017 | 2012 |
| Pricing | Free; AGPL-3.0 license. | Free open-source core; commercial platform available. |
| Scripting | JavaScript, TypeScript | Java, Scala, Kotlin |
| Protocols | HTTP, HTTPS, WebSocket, gRPC | HTTP, HTTPS, WebSocket, SSE, JMS |
| OS support | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |

## How to choose
- Prefer k6 if JavaScript/TypeScript is the team default.
- Prefer Gatling if you already invest in JVM performance tooling.
- Compare cloud paths: Grafana Cloud k6 vs Gatling Enterprise.
- Check protocol needs; both are strong on HTTP-family workloads.
- Run a two-week POC on the same API with thresholds both sides can enforce.

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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