What is New Relic Synthetics?
New Relic Synthetics is the synthetic-monitoring module of the New Relic observability platform, scheduled HTTP/API checks, browser-based scripted flows, and global monitoring nodes, all wired into New Relic's APM + RUM + logging stack. Where it falls short for teams that just need synthetic monitoring: you have to buy into the broader New Relic platform with per-host metered pricing (called Compute units), the UI is built for SRE/observability teams, no native JMeter/k6 cloud load testing, and pricing scales hard as your data volume grows.
When New Relic Synthetics is the right pick
- You already run New Relic APM and want consolidated billing + a single observability pane.
- You need synthetic monitoring tightly correlated with New Relic traces, infrastructure metrics, and logs.
- You have a dedicated SRE/observability team that manages the platform daily.
Where New Relic Synthetics leaves gaps
- Platform purchase required. Synthetics is one component of New Relic; full value requires the broader platform investment.
- Compute-unit pricing is unpredictable. Costs scale with ingested data volume, monitored entities, and user seats. Easy to overrun budget.
- No native JMeter/k6 cloud load testing. Synthetics monitors uptime/checks but doesn't pre-stress with JMeter scripts.
- Limited Core Web Vitals depth. Browser-monitor data exists but isn't presented with the SEO-grade Lighthouse depth dedicated tools offer.
- Heavy UI. Setting up a simple HTTPS check requires navigating the New Relic console, overwhelming for a team that just wants endpoint health alerts.
LoadFocus vs. New Relic Synthetics: comparison
| Feature | LoadFocus | New Relic Synthetics |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone synthetic monitoring | Yes, focused product | No, platform bundle |
| Multi-step API flows | Yes. JSON path + assertions | Yes (scripted) |
| JMeter cloud load testing | Yes, .jmx unchanged | No (separate New Relic load product, deprecated) |
| k6 cloud load testing | Yes, .js scripts | No |
| Core Web Vitals depth | Full Lighthouse | Basic browser-monitor |
| APM tracing | No | Yes (New Relic's strong suit) |
| Pricing model | SaaS subscription, self-serve | Compute-unit metered |
| Entry price | ~$19/mo | Free tier limited; paid scales fast |
| Setup time | Minutes | Hours (New Relic onboarding) |
When LoadFocus is the right pick
- You want standalone synthetic monitoring without buying a full observability platform.
- You need synthetic monitoring + load testing in the same tool, not two separate vendors.
- Your team is API/web developers, not SRE/observability, you want focused tooling.
- You want predictable SaaS pricing, not Compute-unit metering.
- You need real Core Web Vitals depth for SEO/page-perf work.
Migrating from New Relic Synthetics
- Export existing Synthetics monitor configurations via the New Relic API or NerdGraph queries.
- Recreate HTTP/multi-step checks in LoadFocus, most setting types (URL, headers, body, response assertions) map cleanly.
- For scripted browser monitors (Selenium WebDriver-based), convert to LoadFocus headless-Chrome flows or k6 browser tests.
- Map alerting: LoadFocus supports email, Slack, webhook, PagerDuty (same as New Relic's alert destinations).
- Run in parallel for 1-2 release cycles to validate equivalence before canceling New Relic Synthetics SKU. If you keep New Relic APM for tracing, just drop the Synthetics module.
FAQ: LoadFocus vs New Relic Synthetics
Can LoadFocus replace New Relic entirely?
No. LoadFocus doesn't do APM tracing. It cleanly replaces the Synthetics + load-testing slice. Many teams keep New Relic APM for prod observability and use LoadFocus for synthetic + load.
Is LoadFocus cheaper than New Relic Synthetics?
Yes for most workloads. LoadFocus Pro starts ~$19/mo flat; New Relic Compute-unit pricing varies but typically runs into the hundreds-to-thousands monthly once you exceed the free tier with serious volume.
Does LoadFocus support scripted browser flows?
Yes via headless Chrome + Lighthouse runs. For complex multi-step Selenium scripts, k6 browser testing is supported. Equivalent to most New Relic Synthetics browser-monitor use cases.
What about global monitoring locations?
LoadFocus offers 20+ regions across NA/EU/APAC. New Relic Synthetics offers more locations globally but most teams don't use more than 5-10.
Can I keep New Relic APM and use LoadFocus for synthetics?
Yes, common pattern. Drop the Synthetics SKU, keep APM. The savings on the Synthetics module often pay for LoadFocus entirely.
Does LoadFocus integrate with New Relic for alert routing?
Yes via webhook. LoadFocus alerts can fire New Relic-side events for unified incident response. PagerDuty integration is direct.
Get started with LoadFocus
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