Side by side
Azure CNI vs Kubernetes
Both stand on auto scaling software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxWindows
Azure CNI provides free container networking with policy, egress, and transit-encryption features. Its value depends on whether your Kubernetes design matches the listed Azure CNI environments and operating systems.
Visit Azure CNI
Free plan APILinuxMac+2
Kubernetes provides a broad system for coordinating container deployment, scaling, networking, and storage. Teams should account for application-level services outside its built-in scope.
Visit KubernetesThe facts
| Azure CNI | Kubernetes | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | learn.microsoft.com | kubernetes.io |
| On auto scaling software | #8 of 24 | #4 of 24 |
Azure CNI: what it does well
- Free plan is listed
- Supports Linux and Windows
- Provides network policies
- Includes egress control
- Offers encryption in transit
What to know first
- Use is centered on listed Azure environments
- No paid-plan details are provided
- Configuration choice is required among supported CNI options
Kubernetes: what it does well
- Supports stateless, stateful, and data-processing workloads
- Rollouts monitor health and can be rolled back
- Scaling can be manual or based on CPU use
- Works with local, cloud, and network storage
What to know first
- Does not include built-in databases or message buses
- Does not include built-in caches or cluster storage systems
Alternatives to Azure CNI Alternatives to Kubernetes The whole list