Freedom251 › IT & Infrastructure
Free and open first
Best Kubernetes Security Software in 2026
Kubernetes security software covers controls and protections for clusters and workloads. Compared on admission control, identity security, image scanning, posture management and runtime protection, these entries offer several ways to examine security coverage. Deployment model and managed Kubernetes support can help you compare operating fit, while free-plan availability and paid starting prices add cost context. Kubescape, Kyverno and Monokle are among the products shown. Consider which security functions matter for your environment, how you manage Kubernetes, and whether the listed deployment and management options match that approach.
- 27 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
Kubescape
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2Choose Kubescape if you want a free, self-hosted Kubernetes security platform with configuration, image, compliance, and runtime coverage.
- 2
Kyverno
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3Kyverno combines in-cluster policy enforcement with CLI testing and several policy actions.
- 3
Open Policy Agent Gatekeeper
Free plan Open source APILinuxSelf-hostedGatekeeper combines admission policy controls with recurring audits and customizable policy examples. Installation permissions and audit reporting limits are important operational considerations.
- 4
Trivy Operator
Free plan Open source APILinuxSelf-hostedTrivy Operator covers workload, configuration, and several cluster security report types in a Kubernetes-native setup. Its lack of a user interface and incubating status are important considerations.
- 5
AccuKnox
Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedWebAccuKnox combines visibility and enforcement with several deployment models and broad stated compliance coverage.
- 6
Fairwinds Polaris
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2Choose Polaris if your Kubernetes team wants a free, open source way to validate resource configuration across dashboard, admission, and CI/CD workflows.
- 7
ARMO Platform
Free plan Self-hostedWebARMO Platform combines Kubernetes security, cloud posture management, and runtime-informed vulnerability work across several deployment types.
- 8
KubeArmor
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hostedKubeArmor offers workload-level runtime controls across several deployment types, with support depending on the environment and enforcement mode.
- 9
Falco
Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedFalco brings runtime monitoring and flexible event sources to Linux and self-hosted deployments.
- 10
KubeLinter
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hostedKubeLinter offers configurable static checks for Kubernetes manifests, with output that can be used in automated workflows.
- 11
Monokle
Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+1Monokle Desktop combines manifest editing and validation with cluster inspection and troubleshooting.
- 12
KSPM Pro
Free plan Web - 13
Kubewarden
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1Kubewarden provides Kubernetes policy controls alongside components for image vulnerabilities, runtime behavior, and network activity.
- 14
Tetragon
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hostedTetragon provides detailed runtime visibility and kernel-level controls for Linux and Kubernetes workloads.
- 15
Tracee
Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedTracee provides Linux runtime monitoring with multiple deployment options and event context. Confirm kernel compatibility and elevated permission requirements before deploying it.
- 16
bifrost security
Free trial APILinuxSelf-hosted+1Bifrost combines runtime observation, CVE classification, SBOM rescanning, and tailored AppArmor profiles for container workloads.
- 17
Nirmata Control Hub
Free trial APILinuxSelf-hosted+1Nirmata Control Hub combines Kubernetes governance, compliance reporting, exception workflows, and image-risk visibility in one service.
- 18
Calico Enterprise
Paid LinuxSelf-hostedWeb+1Choose Calico Enterprise if your organization needs self-managed Kubernetes networking with security and observability across clusters.
- 19
Red Hat OpenShift Pipelines
Free trial APILinuxSelf-hosted+1OpenShift Pipelines is designed for CI/CD workflows within OpenShift, with Tekton-based definitions and console management.
- 20
kube-hunter
Free plan Web - 21
Sysdig Secure
Paid APILinuxMac+3Sysdig Secure combines runtime detection, vulnerability prioritization, and attack-path mapping for cloud-native environments.
- 22
Aqua Security
Paid LinuxWebChoose Aqua Security if you need security coverage for development, cloud workloads, or Kubernetes, with options for scanning, runtime protection, and risk prioritization.
- 23
JFrog Runtime
Paid WebJFrog Runtime focuses on Kubernetes runtime visibility, incident prioritization, and image integrity.
- 24
kube-bench
Paid Linux - 25
SUSE NeuVector
Paid WebChoose SUSE NeuVector if you need free, open-source Kubernetes security with self-hosted deployment and controls across scanning, runtime, and admission.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
More in IT & Infrastructure
- Mac Management Software24
- Malware Analysis Sandboxes27
- Managed Detection and Response Services32
- Managed Service Provider Software29
- Microsegmentation Software31
- Mobile Device Management Software28
- Multi-Cloud Management Software25
- Network Access Control Software23
- Network Documentation Software27
- Network Firewall Software37
- Network Management Software34
- Network Packet Capture Software22