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k3d

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hostedWindows

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k3d's own site

What k3d is

k3d is a lightweight wrapper for running k3s, Rancher Lab’s minimal Kubernetes distribution, in Docker. It creates single-node and multi-node clusters, including for local Kubernetes development. The overview also lists development and CI uses such as code hot-reloading, a build-deploy-test cycle using Tilt, and running k3d as a service in Drone CI.

Docker is required, and kubectl is used to interact with the cluster. For k3d v5.x.x, the overview specifies Docker v20.10.5 or later and runc v1.0.0-rc93 or later. k3d is community-driven and is not an official Rancher (SUSE) product; its Free plan costs nothing, with sponsorships supporting development. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, including self-hosted setups. Cluster configuration can include registry authentication and certificates, and the documentation describes local registries managed by k3d. Services can be exposed through Ingress or NodePort by mapping container ports to the host. Installation options include GitHub release binaries, Homebrew, AUR, Chocolatey, Scoop, arkade, asdf, and Go.

Who it suits

k3d suits developers working with local Kubernetes clusters on Linux, macOS, or Windows, including development and CI workflows. Users need Docker and use kubectl to interact with clusters.

What it does well

  • Creates single-node and multi-node clusters
  • Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows
  • Documents Ingress and NodePort service exposure
  • Free plan is listed as free

What to know first

  • Requires Docker to use
  • k3d v5.x.x specifies minimum Docker and runc versions
  • It is not an official Rancher (SUSE) product

Limits

The free plan costs nothing. For k3d v5.x.x, the overview specifies Docker v20.10.5 or later and runc v1.0.0-rc93 or later for proper operation.

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
FreeCommunity driven project · sponsorships support developmentFree

As k3d.io lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

  1. Choose an installation route such as a GitHub release binary, Homebrew, AUR, Chocolatey, Scoop, arkade, asdf, or Go.
  2. Make sure Docker is available; k3d v5.x.x lists Docker v20.10.5 and runc v1.0.0-rc93 as minimum versions for proper operation.
  3. Create a single-node or multi-node k3s cluster with k3d.
  4. Use kubectl to interact with the cluster.
  5. Configure registries.yaml if the cluster needs registry settings, authentication, or certificates.

Verdict

k3d provides a free, community-driven way to run k3s clusters in Docker, with local development and CI uses listed. Check its Docker and runc requirements before choosing it.

Questions

How much does k3d cost?

Its Free plan costs nothing. The project is community-driven, with sponsorships supporting development.

Is there a free trial?

No. k3d has a free plan and no free trial.

Which platforms does k3d support?

The listed platforms are Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted environments.

What does k3d require?

Docker is required, and kubectl is used to interact with the Kubernetes cluster. For k3d v5.x.x, the overview calls for Docker v20.10.5 or later and runc v1.0.0-rc93 or later for proper operation.

Is k3d an official Rancher product?

No. It is community-driven and is not an official Rancher (SUSE) product.

How can I install k3d?

Options include GitHub release binaries, Homebrew, AUR, Chocolatey, Scoop, arkade, asdf, and Go.

Facts from k3d's own pages

Cluster configuration
A registries.yaml file can configure registries for a cluster, and the configuration can include registry authentication and certificates. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Cluster creation
It creates single-node and multi-node k3s clusters in Docker, including for local Kubernetes development. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Community status
k3d is community-driven and is not an official Rancher (SUSE) product. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Development and CI use
The overview lists demo use cases including code hot-reloading, a build-deploy-test cycle using Tilt, and running k3d as a service in Drone CI. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Docker version
The overview says k3d v5.x.x requires at least Docker v20.10.5 with runc at least v1.0.0-rc93 to work properly. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Ingress
The service guide notes that k3s deploys Traefik as its default ingress controller and demonstrates accessing an Ingress through a mapped host port. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Installation
The maker lists installation options including GitHub release binaries, Homebrew, AUR, Chocolatey, Scoop, arkade, asdf, and Go. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Kubernetes integrations
The k3s features guide covers CoreDNS, local-path-provisioner, Traefik, and the Klipper service load balancer in k3d. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Local registries
The documentation describes creating and using local container image registries, including registries managed by k3d. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Purpose
k3d is a lightweight wrapper for running k3s, Rancher Lab’s minimal Kubernetes distribution, in Docker. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Related tools
The overview links to a VS Code extension for handling k3d clusters and a Linux graphical interface called k3x. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Requirements
Docker is required to use k3d, and kubectl is used to interact with the Kubernetes cluster. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Service exposure
The service guide documents exposing services through Ingress or NodePort by mapping container ports to the host. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026
Support
The overview directs users to the Rancher community Slack and its #k3d channel for discussion. · k3d.io, 7 Oct 2026

Where k3d stands on Freedom251

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