Stresix vs k6 Cloud
k6 is an excellent load testing engine and k6 Cloud is a solid hosted runner. Stresix builds on the same engine with a different bet: per-run pricing, private-network traffic, and a setup recommendation at the end.
Where the two products differ
| Aspect | Stresix | k6 Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Per run with a free tier | Per VU-hour subscription tiers |
| Traffic path | Private network | Public cloud runners by default |
| Infrastructure | Provisioned and torn down per run | Shared runner fleet |
| Result format | Percentiles plus a setup recommendation | Dashboards and export |
| Setup | Paste an image, repo, or URL | Add the CLI and upload scripts |
When Stresix is the better fit
You want a concrete answer for the next deploy: run the test, get p95, p99, and errors, then take the recommended setup with you. You want the load to stay on a private network. You want predictable per-run pricing without per-seat or per-VU commitments.
When k6 Cloud is the better fit
You already live in the Grafana stack and want metrics exported into the same dashboards. You need team workspaces, SSO, and long-lived organizational reporting. k6 Cloud is established there, and Stresix does not try to replace your metrics platform.
The honest middle
Both products use k6 under the hood, so script knowledge carries over. The difference is the operating model: Stresix gives you a disposable, private test environment per run and a recommendation; k6 Cloud gives you a managed platform with your existing observability. Pick the one that matches how your team deploys.
undefinedFrequently asked questions
Is Stresix a fork of k6?
No. Stresix runs the k6 engine on its own shooter servers. Your k6 scripts and experience transfer directly.
Can I use my own k6 scripts?
Yes. The runner accepts standard k6 scripts, so existing checks, stages, and custom metrics keep working.
How is the load traffic routed?
Both the target and the shooter live on the same private network. Load traffic never crosses the public internet.
Do you offer team features?
Not yet. Stresix is built for individual developers and small teams that want a fast, honest answer about capacity.
Related guides
stop guessing your specs. start knowing them.
point stresix at a target and get the number you can deploy on, in one run.
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