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k3d vs ctlptl: catalog facts
k3dctlptl
Free

Free and open source, supported by sponsorships.

Free

Free and open source under the Apache 2.0 licence.

Command line macOS, Linux, Command line
  • Creates single- and multi-node Kubernetes clusters in seconds
  • Runs entirely inside Docker
  • Declarative cluster definitions instead of manual setup steps
  • Lets developers try Kubernetes locally without extra hardware
  • Requires Docker and kubectl
  • Aimed at development rather than production clusters
  • Aimed at local development clusters, not production
  • Assumes familiarity with Kubernetes concepts
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License not stated License: Apache-2.0
No account needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 24, 2026

Checked October 1, 2026

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