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xUnit.net

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What xUnit.net is

xUnit.net is a free, open-source unit testing framework for C#, F#, and Visual Basic. Its templates support those languages, and its tests can express conditions that should always hold or run against specified data. Tests can execute in parallel; v3 4.0 adds a mode that runs all tests in parallel. Class fixtures share an object across tests in a class, while v3 also supports fixtures shared across test classes within an assembly. The framework works with the .NET SDK command line, Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, JetBrains Rider, NCrunch, Microsoft.Testing.Platform, and VSTest-compatible environments. Version 3 test projects are executable on their own and can run directly. Documentation describes Native AOT support for native xUnit.net runners, Microsoft Testing Platform v2 runners, and VSTest. Analyzers offer code analysis and fixes for common authoring issues. Version 3 supports .NET 8.0 or later and .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later. Version 2 is in maintenance mode, receiving critical bug fixes but no new feature work; new features are developed for v3. The project uses the Apache 2 license and is part of the .NET Foundation.

Who it suits

xUnit.net suits developers writing C#, F#, or Visual Basic tests who want a free framework with parallel execution and multiple runner options. Teams using v2 should account for its maintenance-only status when planning around new features.

What it does well

  • Free and open source under Apache 2
  • Supports C#, F#, and Visual Basic
  • Parallel test execution is supported
  • Works with several IDEs and test runners

What to know first

  • Version 3 requires .NET 8.0 or later, or .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later
  • Version 2 receives critical fixes but no new features
  • The project does not accept contributions made using LLMs

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
xUnit.netFree, open-source unit testing tool · No paid plans statedFree

As xunit.net lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

  1. Visit the xUnit.net website
  2. Choose a project template for C#, F#, or Visual Basic
  3. Use a supported .NET runtime for the version you plan to use
  4. Run tests with the .NET SDK command-line tools or a supported runner

Verdict

xUnit.net offers language coverage, parallel testing, fixtures, and a broad set of runner environments without a paid plan. Choose version 3 for new features, and consider its runtime requirements alongside any version 2 maintenance needs.

Questions

How much does xUnit.net cost?

The listed plan is free. It is free and open source, with no paid plans stated.

Which languages does it support?

Its project templates support C#, F#, and Visual Basic.

Can tests run in parallel?

Yes. v3 4.0 adds a mode for running all tests in parallel.

Which runtimes does version 3 support?

Version 3 supports .NET 8.0 or later and .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.

What license does xUnit.net use?

It is licensed under Apache 2 and is part of the .NET Foundation.

Which tools can run its tests?

Supported environments include the .NET SDK command line, Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, JetBrains Rider, NCrunch, Microsoft.Testing.Platform, and VSTest-compatible environments.

Facts from xUnit.net's own pages

Analyzers
xUnit.net analyzers provide code analysis and code fixes for common issues encountered by test authors and extensibility authors. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
Community policy
The project’s Code of Conduct states that it does not accept contributions made using LLMs. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
Founded
2006 · xunit.net, 28 Sept 2026
Languages
The project templates support C#, F#, and Visual Basic. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
License and governance
xUnit.net is licensed under Apache 2, is part of the .NET Foundation, and is governed by a Project Lead. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
Native AOT
The documentation describes Native AOT support for native xUnit.net runners, Microsoft Testing Platform v2 runners, and VSTest. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
Parallel tests
xUnit.net supports running tests in parallel, with v3 4.0 adding an all-tests parallel mode. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
Purpose
xUnit.net is a free, open-source, community-focused unit testing tool for C#, F#, and Visual Basic. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
Runtime support
xUnit.net v3 supports .NET 8.0 or later and .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
Shared test context
Class fixtures share one object across tests in a class, and v3 adds assembly fixtures shared across test classes. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
Standalone projects
xUnit.net v3 test projects are standalone executables that can run directly. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
Telemetry
Starting with v3 build 3.2.0, NuGet packages include Microsoft.Testing.Extensions.Telemetry, and metrics collection can be disabled with TESTINGPLATFORM_TELEMETRY_OPTOUT=1. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
Test runners
xUnit.net works with the .NET SDK command-line tools, Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, JetBrains Rider, NCrunch, Microsoft.Testing.Platform, and VSTest-compatible environments. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
Test styles
The framework supports facts for invariant conditions and theories that run against specified data. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026
v2 status
Core Framework v2 is in maintenance mode, with critical bug fixes but no new feature work; new features are developed for v3. · xunit.net, 4 Oct 2026

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