# Composal vs Apache JMeter

JMeter generates protocol-level workload and performance evidence. Composal uses a browser to check web journeys and exploratory behavior at the user interface.

## Composal

Composal sends AI browser agents to use your running web app and check the outcomes you care about. Define journeys as plain-English Scenarios, map existing flows with Discovery, or explore for bugs with Deep Scan. Runs keep recordings and reproduction steps so your team or coding agent can investigate a Finding.

[Verify documentation](https://composal.com/docs/verify)

## Apache JMeter

Protocol-based load and performance testing

Apache JMeter is an open-source Java application for load testing functional behavior and measuring performance across web applications and many other protocols. Its supported areas include HTTP, REST and SOAP services, databases, messaging, FTP, and TCP.

## What each tool does

| Workflow | Composal | Apache JMeter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Run browser journeys](https://composal.com/product/scenarios) | ✓ Yes: Run saved browser Scenarios and return recordings and reproducible Findings. | – Not confirmed: Check whether this product includes this workflow in your intended plan and setup. |
| [Map application workflows](https://composal.com/product/discovery) | ✓ Yes: Discovery maps key application areas and user journeys. | – Not confirmed: Check whether this product includes this workflow in your intended plan and setup. |
| [Explore for unexpected issues](https://composal.com/product/deep-scan) | ✓ Yes: Deep Scan explores the running application and reports reproducible issues. | – Not confirmed: Check whether this product includes this workflow in your intended plan and setup. |
| [Describe checks in plain English](https://composal.com/product/scenarios) | ✓ Yes: Author Scenarios around the intended user outcome, then review the steps and expected results. | – Not confirmed: Check whether this product includes this workflow in your intended plan and setup. |
| [Run or inspect from a terminal](https://composal.com/product/cli) | ✓ Yes: Use the CLI to start and inspect verification runs and their Findings. | – With setup: Connect its specialist checks to your development workflow using supported integrations. |
| Performance measurement and load testing | × No: Use a dedicated tool for this specialist workflow alongside Composal’s browser verification. | ✓ Yes: Apache JMeter is an open-source Java application for load testing functional behavior and measuring performance across web applications and many other protocols. Its supported areas include HTTP, REST and SOAP services, databases, messaging, FTP, and TCP. |

With setup means you supply code or configuration. Not confirmed means support for this workflow needs checking with the vendor.

## Where each fits

Choose JMeter when you need a mature, open-source tool for load testing across HTTP and other protocols, with control over test plans and infrastructure.

## Try this evaluation

Choose a service endpoint behind an important user journey.

### Coverage

Which user outcomes must this release prove, and which specialist checks must stay in your existing stack?

### Setup

Who prepares accounts, test data, permissions and access to the deployment being tested?

### Evidence

Can the engineer reproduce a reported failure from the recording and steps, without asking the tester to investigate again?

### Ownership

Who updates the checks when the product changes, and can the team review what a passing result actually proves?

## Related comparisons

- [Composal vs Gatling](https://composal.com/compare/composal-vs-gatling.md)
- [Composal vs Lighthouse](https://composal.com/compare/composal-vs-lighthouse.md)
- [Composal vs Postman](https://composal.com/compare/composal-vs-postman.md)

[All comparisons](https://composal.com/compare.md)