Kubernetes

An open-source system for automating deployment, scaling and management of containerized applications across machines.

FreeOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hostedCommand line
Official websitekubernetes.io

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About Kubernetes

Kubernetes, also known as K8s, orchestrates containers across a cluster of machines. It groups the containers that make up an application into logical units so they can be managed and discovered together, and it handles deployment, scaling and restarts.

It can run on your own hardware, in hybrid setups or in public clouds, and small local clusters are common for testing. It grew out of Google's experience running production workloads and is now developed by a large community. It suits teams running many services, but has a steep learning curve for single applications.

Strengths

  • Automates deployment, scaling and recovery of containers
  • Runs on premises, in hybrid setups or in public clouds
  • Very large ecosystem and community

Limitations

  • Complex to set up and operate
  • Overkill for small single-server applications

Details

Pricing
FreeFree and open source.
License
Open source, license not stated
Developer
The Kubernetes contributors
Platforms
Linux, Self-hosted, Command line
How it runs
Downloadable app, Self-hosted
Account
Not required
Best suited for
Teams running many containerized services across several machines
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.

Alternatives to Kubernetes

Compare all

Software that can replace Kubernetes for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • Nomad

    A scheduler and orchestrator that deploys containers, binaries and batch jobs across on-prem and cloud machines.

    FreeProprietarySelf-hostedCommand line

    Nomad schedules containers and plain binaries together across on-prem and cloud machines, but it uses a source-available license and relies on other HashiCorp tools for full service networking.

  • K3s

    Certified lightweight Kubernetes distribution packaged as a single binary.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hostedCommand line

    K3s packages a certified lightweight Kubernetes into a single binary that installs in under a minute and runs on small ARM boards and low-memory hosts.

  • OKD

    An opinionated community Kubernetes distribution that bundles operators for a complete self-managed container platform.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hosted

    OKD packages Kubernetes as an opinionated OpenShift-style platform with over 100 preinstalled operators and hardened defaults, needing significant infrastructure.

  • RKE2

    A security-focused Kubernetes distribution from Rancher, also known as RKE Government.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hosted

    RKE2 is a Rancher Kubernetes distribution with CIS benchmark defaults and FIPS 140-2 support that stays close to upstream.

  • k0s

    Zero-dependency Kubernetes distribution shipped as one self-contained binary.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hostedCommand line

    k0s ships Kubernetes as one self-contained binary with no host dependencies beyond the kernel, though with fewer third-party guides than other distributions.

  • MicroK8s

    Canonical's low-footprint Kubernetes for workstations, edge sites and CI.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxSelf-hosted

    MicroK8s is Canonical's low-footprint Kubernetes with one-command add-ons and automatic high availability at three nodes, installed through snap.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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