Performance testing is the best way to establish the speed, scalability & reliability of any app or software solution under extreme conditions. It is typically used to test the performance of any product before it is launched in the market. Software QA companies use several performance testing tools to validate the different aspects of their web and mobile applications, including open-source & licensed tools.
Testing helps meet customer expectations and secure the investor’s fund in case of product breakdown. Plus, with increasing competition in the digital landscape, the need to create a competitive edge makes testing all the more crucial for enterprises. Here are the top 7 performance testing platforms that software QA companies highly prefer, along with their key features:
RedLine13
This brilliant tool was explicitly launched for performing Apache JMeter-based load tests in the cloud. It is designed to scale testing to several sizes. It is compatible with various open-source platforms and plugins apart from JMeter. You can easily add this tool to your continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline with Jenkins & Selenium. It is one of the most popular load testing tools that can efficiently run tests with 500,000 users and indefinite scaling interactions.
Key Capabilities
- Can perform any amount of load testing
- Simulates an indefinite number of users
- Integrates reporting traits for easy breakdown of results
- Can run Gatling tests & Log File Replay tests
- Efficiently retains data
- Allows easy sharing of testing data between teams
Apache JMeter
This is the most widespread & preferred open-source testing tool. This Java app was initially developed for testing web applications, but today it integrates various testing functionalities. It is highly recommended for scrutinizing and assessing the performance of an all-encompassing software, offering services inclusive of servers and networks. JMeter is majorly used for various web apps and supports consequential protocols: HTTP, HTTPS, XAML, FTP, SOAP & Java-based protocols.
Key Capabilities
- Supports multiple load injectors that can be managed using a single controller
- It doesn’t require a sophisticated infrastructure for conducting load tests
- Performs an accurate analysis of resource usage and load-based stats
- Compatible with all Java-based apps
- Less scripting efforts are needed as compared to other API performance testing tools
- Features a user-friendly interface
WebLOAD
This enterprise-grade performance testing platform can produce steadfast and real-life load scenarios, even in complex systems. Backed by robust analytics, it delivers accurate performance & load insights. This versatile platform supports multiple technologies and integrates several testing tools. The top choice of companies handling heavy user load necessities, WebLOAD facilitates easy testing of stress and load of both on-premise and cloud systems.
Key Capabilities
- Supports integration with Selenium, Jenkins, and other DevOps tools to facilitate continuous tests
- Easily accessible as cloud & on-premise deployment
- Creates a flexible testing environment
- Identifies performance bottlenecks
- Readily extendable and compatible with all major web technologies
- Native JavaScript supported by robust scripting with validation engines, parameterization & powerful correlation
IBM Rational Performance Tester
It is perfectly developed for running performance tests and permits you to verify the stability and scalability of web apps before deployment. This robust automated platform is fully equipped to collect all the data and analyze it to boost efficiency. It makes it easy to find and fix glitches in the app or server and is broadly used for developing an error-free and effective cloud service. It is compatible with HTTP, XML, SOA, Citrix, Socket Recording, Weblogic & Websphere.
Key Capabilities
- Ideal for scheduled & event-based testing
- Facilitates script-less tests
- Supports extensive tests that engage multiple users
- Compatible with automated testing data variation
- Generates real-time reports for immediate identification of performance issues
- Automates the detection of dynamic server response
NeoLoad
This industry-leading performance and load testing tool are designed to automate test design, analysis, and maintenance of web and mobile apps. NeoLoad is easy to integrate with CD pipelines and emulates traffic via virtual users. It facilitates the assessment of app performance and transaction response times under specific load. It pinpoints the number of users which the mobile app or internet can support.
Key Capabilities
- Automates test design with 10X faster test creation
- Supports continuous integration servers to automate test runtime
- On-premises and hybrid cloud load generation from 70+ global localizations
- Compatible with Jenkins, Bamboo & TeamCity
- Shares test reports and scripts in real-time at a specific stage and also at the end of the testing through software or on-premise web interface
LoadView
Another extensively popular platform, LoadView, is on-demand stress and load testing tool. But what makes it unique is its ability to conduct tests in real browsers. The outcome is a near-perfect emulation of accurate data and real-time users. This tool is cloud-based and hence can be easily deployed in minutes. LoadView facilitates the creation of multiple-step scripts emulating every interaction in your website or mobile app. You can easily track the performance of your applications under a specific load. It uses actual browser-based load tests for websites, apps and APIs.
Key Capabilities
- Creates multiple-step scripts easily
- Can edit scripts manually using your C# code
- Allows fast and easy formation of test scripts without coding
- Supports advanced load testing features such as global cloud-based infrastructure and point & click scripting
- Identifies bottlenecks and generates performance reports
- Compatible with Java, HTML5, PHMP, Flash, Silverlight & Ruby
- Supported by Google Cloud Platform & AWS
- Can efficiently test series of desktop devices, mobiles and browsers
StormForge
This tool offers fast and reliable performance testing as a service. This is the only testing tool that combines performance testing with machine learning optimization. It enables you to assess the performance of apps and identify ideal configurations for resource utilization. StormForge can be used for load testing apps at scale before release. You can create tests in an instant and scale thousands of requests per second. It can support millions of concurrent users and easily creates automated load tests. Easy to integrate into your CI/CD pipeline efficiently captures real production traffic and reflects actual patterns.
Key Capabilities
- Ensures reliability and performance before release
- Reduces risk and facilitates release with confidence by testing real-world scenarios
- Enhances user experience by providing optimal performance to meet SLAs while minimizing business-impacting issues
- It helps reduce cloud waste and lowers cloud bills by boosting performance
Concluding Words
Investing in performance testing platforms is a sound decision for the success of any software QA company. The tools mentioned above are top-rated and capable of delivering outstanding results in 2021. However, it is essential to know that you can’t rely on a single platform to meet all your testing needs. It is essential to use a wide range of tools to ensure that all your web and mobile apps are thoroughly tested to perform at peak efficiency even with high traffic.
