apache-jmeter-vs-blazemeter-continuous-testing-platform

BlazeMeter and JMeter are both load testing tools designed to provide performance and load testing to businesses.  JMeter is an open source tool that businesses can use for free with complete access to the source code. BlazeMeter is a cloud based load testing tool built on Jmeter, but with some additional enterprise features.  Both tools are most popular with mid-sized businesses and larger enterprises, but BlazeMeter is particularly popular with large enterprises as it specialized in that arena. 

Features and Limitations

BlazeMeter is built using Jmeter’s source code, so their core features are very similar and users of one will easily be able to learn the other.  The primary difference between the two is that BlazeMeter is cloud based.  Both tools do have some standout features and limitations, despite their similarities.

BlazeMeter and JMeter both use the same scripts, so they are both easy to learn, and skills learned with one of the tools can be easily transferred to the other.  BlazeMeter is a cloud based software and doesn’t require any on premise setup, making implementation very easy.  In addition, BlazeMeter provides a variety of options for creating performance tests.  Despite these benefits, BlazeMeter is also not as customizable as JMeter since it is cloud based and proprietary, so users can’t make granular changes to the source code like they could with an open source option.

JMeter offers a highly customizable product due to it’s open source nature. This flexibility along with free access to the source code makes JMeter an accessible option for most IT infrastructures.  Users will appreciate that it is very easy to set up load tests using JMeter, but it requires a lot of configuration to make robust, usable reports.  Additionally, while JMeter is easily extensible for a skilled development team, it is limited to load testing out of the box.  Businesses looking for a cloud solution will also need to consider other options, as JMeter is an on premise tool.

Pricing

BlazeMeter has a free price point that supports up to 5 users and 10 tests.  This price point is ideal for businesses that want to try the software before making a purchasing decision.  The basic BlazeMeter package costs $99.00 per month and supports up to 200 tests each year and 1,000 concurrent users.  The pro package supports up to 5,000 users for $499.00 per year.  Businesses that need support for more tests or users can reach out to the vendor for a quote on an enterprise package.

JMeter is an open source and free to use software.  Support could be purchased from third party vendors as needed, but businesses should expect to spend little to nothing on JMeter.