How does the new open source load testing platform differ from previous tools like k6?

The new platform is built specifically for WordPress and WooCommerce workloads, enabling tests that simulate real user interactions, database queries, and e-commerce transactions. Unlike generic tools, it provides tailored scenarios that reflect WordPress operational complexity, improving the accuracy of performance measurement.

Why did Review Signal pause benchmarks for three years?

The pause was partly due to the acquisition of k6 by Grafana Labs, which impacted the availability and licensing of the load testing tool previously used. This gap allowed Ohashi to develop a custom, open source solution better suited for WordPress-specific testing needs.

Should agencies switch hosting providers based on the new benchmarks?

Not automatically. Agencies should use the benchmarks as one data point alongside their own experience, client requirements, and cost considerations. However, if benchmarks reveal significant performance or reliability issues with a current host, it warrants re-evaluation.

Can I use the open source testing platform myself?

Yes. The platform is publicly available and designed to be extensible. WordPress professionals with technical expertise can customize tests to match their environments, providing deeper insights into hosting performance under specific conditions.

How often should hosting benchmarks be updated?

Ideally, benchmarks should be updated annually or biannually to capture changes in hosting infrastructure, software updates, and traffic patterns. The three-year gap was unusual, underscoring the value of continuous, transparent benchmarking for the WordPress ecosystem.

Benchmarking

Industry

Review Signal Publishes 2026 Hosting Benchmarks After Three-Year Gap, Powered by Its Own Open Source Load Testing Platform

Review Signal returns with its 2026 WordPress and WooCommerce hosting benchmarks after a three-year hiatus, now powered by a new open source load testing platform built specifically for WordPress workloads. This relaunch offers fresh, transparent insights critical for agencies, developers, and site operators reassessing hosting decisions in a rapidly evolving infrastructure landscape.

Jul 8, 2026 · 7 min read