Stresix vs Grafana k6 Cloud
k6 Cloud runs the load scripts you write. Stresix runs your app for you, loads it, measures the server it ran on, and answers the question most developers actually have: is this server big enough, and do I need to pay for more? Both run the k6 engine. They answer different questions.
Where the two differ
| Aspect | Stresix | Grafana k6 Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| What you test with | Up to 10 requests you list (method, headers, body); a script is generated for you | Your own k6 scripts: any scenario k6 supports |
| Protocols and flows | Plain HTTP requests, each on its own | HTTP, WebSocket, gRPC, browser tests, logins and multi-step flows |
| Pricing | Credit packs ($10 for 5, $40 for 25); 1 or 3 credits per run, no subscription | Usage and plan based (see their pricing) |
| Where the load comes from | A server in the same datacenter as your app | Cloud load zones you choose |
| Your app | Started for you on a dedicated server, from a repository or a Docker image | You host it yourself and point the load at it |
| Server measurement | CPU per core, memory, restarts and out-of-memory kills on the server your app ran on | Load-side metrics; server metrics come from your own monitoring |
| Result | Percentiles, errors and a hardware verdict, including "no change needed" | Full dashboards, thresholds, export and integrations |
| Teams and SSO | None | Yes |
| Setup | Point it at a Docker image or repository; no script, no tool to learn | Write and upload scripts |
When Stresix is the better fit
You have a web app or API and want a straight answer to "will this server hold N users, and do I need to pay for more?" Stresix starts your app on a known server, loads it with up to 10,000 simulated users, measures what the server did, and gives a verdict in 10 to 15 minutes. No script, no infrastructure of your own, a fixed price per run from $1.60, and a report that says your current setup is fine when it is.
When k6 Cloud is the better fit
You need scripted multi-step journeys, WebSockets or gRPC, load from several regions, thresholds in CI, or team features, and you already run the Grafana stack.
Same engine, different job
Stresix generates and runs a k6 script for you, so the load itself is the same proven engine. What Stresix adds is everything around it: building and hosting your app on known hardware, measuring that server, and turning the numbers into a sizing decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is Stresix a fork of k6?
No. It runs the k6 engine on servers it creates for each run.
Can I use my own k6 scripts?
No. Stresix generates its own script from the requests you choose. If you need custom scripts, use k6 or k6 Cloud.
How is the load routed?
The load server and your app are on the same private network in one datacenter. That measures your server's capacity, not the latency your visitors see across the internet.
Who is Stresix built for?
Developers and small teams shipping web apps and APIs who want to know how much server they need before launch, without writing load scripts.
Related guides
Stop guessing your specs. Start knowing them.
Point Stresix at a repo or Docker image and get a number you can deploy on, in one run. Your first run is free, no card.
Start a free load test