Compare software

CRC vs k3d: catalog facts
CRC	k3d
Free Free and open source under the Apache 2.0 licence.	Free Free and open source, supported by sponsorships.
Windows, Command line	Command line
Runs OpenShift or MicroShift locally for testing Graphical control through the Podman Desktop extension	Creates single- and multi-node Kubernetes clusters in seconds Runs entirely inside Docker
Single-developer desktop use only, not for shared or headless clusters Running a full OpenShift cluster locally needs a capable machine	Requires Docker and kubectl Aimed at development rather than production clusters
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: Apache-2.0	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.