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

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