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Katalon Studio vs k6 Open Source comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive Summary

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

k6 Open Source
Ranking in Regression Testing Tools
10th
Average Rating
7.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.9
Number of Reviews
2
Ranking in other categories
Load Testing Tools (9th)
Katalon Studio
Ranking in Regression Testing Tools
2nd
Average Rating
7.8
Reviews Sentiment
6.6
Number of Reviews
46
Ranking in other categories
API Testing Tools (4th), Test Automation Tools (3rd)
 

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Regression Testing Tools category, the mindshare of k6 Open Source is 0.4%, up from 0.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Katalon Studio is 16.7%, up from 16.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Regression Testing Tools
 

Featured Reviews

NalinGoonawardana - PeerSpot reviewer
Offers good scalability and has the ability to integrate with various systems and services
One area where k6 could improve is by introducing a GUI similar to JMeter. While k6 is a powerful tool for performance testing, it leans heavily towards coding. Having a GUI, even if it is a low-code approach, could make it more accessible to a broader audience. It would be beneficial to strike a balance where basic tasks can be performed graphically through a user-friendly interface, while still allowing the flexibility for more complex operations through code, similar to how JMeter operates. This could enhance the user experience and make k6 more approachable for those who may not be as comfortable with scripting.
Anuradha.Kapoor Kapoor - PeerSpot reviewer
Functional automation features and the recording functionality saves time but the performance and script execution is slow
I would like to see improvements in how Katalon Studio works with iOS applications, especially with React Native applications. The speed is very slow. It takes time. Katalon Studio also takes my laptop memory, and execution becomes slow for the script. There are parallel execution options. I'm sure their online cloud version must be very fast, but as a service-based company, we are under NDA with our clients and can't run their code on our servers. I would like to see iOS improve and see a more capable recording feature. Katalon Studio has released an AI version, and I have a demo scheduled to see the new features.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The standout feature of k6 is its strong focus on API performance testing."
"The tool's big advantage is that it is more performance-test oriented for experienced testers who know what they are doing. In a normal working setup, performance engineers frequently work with DevOps and development teams. For these teams, k6 Open Source's syntax is much simpler and easier to understand and apply in the working process."
"The most valuable feature of Katalon Studio is visual testing. It compares the look and feel of an application which is useful."
"It is good with iOS and Android."
"It provides us daily feedback on the status (failing/working) of the core features of our websites."
"We are now performing automated testing in 15 minutes, which were previously taking a long time when doing it manually."
"The best feature is the split up between test cases and the test object. This allows us to easily change an error."
"I like the feature where you can define a model that represents your website and then reuse the components from the model. It makes creating more test cases easy."
"Katalon Studio is easier to use compared to SmartBear TestComplete."
"I rate Katalon Studio's scalability a four out of five."
 

Cons

"One area where k6 could improve is by introducing a GUI similar to JMeter."
"It would be helpful to have an automatic save feature."
"My recently-updated Katalon studio version hangs a lot and is not a stable version."
"The free version of the solution is not user friendly at all."
"I would like to see improvements in how Katalon Studio works with iOS applications, especially with React Native applications."
"Katalon lacks integration with other software, including integrating other languages like .NET and PHP."
"It seems to lack a few requirements that a typical customer would want. Compared to other solutions, this product is lacking."
"It should be faster while executing, and there are some defects, like choosing the new device with the test case."
"There could potentially be more reporting within the solution. We need more issue reports, for example."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

Information not available
"I am using the free version."
"Katalon Studio is a free tool."
"Katalon Studio is less expensive than other solutions, such as Micro Focus UFT."
"In terms of pricing, Katalon, Selenium, and Cypress all represent a similar level of investment. The software for these tools are either true open source or almost open source (because they charge a small fee), so pricing is a neutral point for me."
"The product’s pricing is very, very low."
"The tool's pricing is cheap compared to other alternatives. I would rate the tool's pricing a three out of ten."
"The pricing is good. It is the market average."
"The tool is affordable."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
21%
Financial Services Firm
11%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Media Company
8%
Educational Organization
30%
Computer Software Company
15%
Financial Services Firm
11%
Manufacturing Company
6%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
No data available
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about k6 Open Source?
The standout feature of k6 is its strong focus on API performance testing.
What needs improvement with k6 Open Source?
One area where k6 could improve is by introducing a GUI similar to JMeter. While k6 is a powerful tool for performance testing, it leans heavily towards coding. Having a GUI, even if it is a low-co...
What is your primary use case for k6 Open Source?
k6 Open Source is a powerful tool, especially for API-level performance testing. Its integration capabilities and ease of use make it promising for a wider audience.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Katalon Studio?
I used the trial version of Katalon Studio, which I got for free. For TestComplete, I used an internal license as my organization was partnered with them.
What needs improvement with Katalon Studio?
Extending the certification validity, especially after the trial period, would be beneficial. Providing clearer guidance during the trial period for certification and training modules would also he...
 

Also Known As

Load Impact
No data available
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

rackspace, salesforce.com, IBM, servicenow, Nasdaq, JWT
Coca-Cola Tesla Black Board TaTa Consultancy Services Sony
Find out what your peers are saying about Katalon Studio vs. k6 Open Source and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
850,028 professionals have used our research since 2012.