Side by side
Backend.AI vs GPUStack
Both stand on gpu cluster management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1
Backend.AI brings GPU sharing, scheduling, and cluster management together across several deployment settings. Organizations should assess its quote-based enterprise options and production network-isolation guidance.
Visit Backend.AI
Free plan APILinuxMac+3
GPUStack brings model serving, GPU instance management, and deployment options together in a free community edition. Plan around the Linux-only worker-node requirement when choosing where to run it.
Visit GPUStackThe facts
| Backend.AI | GPUStack | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | backend.ai | gpustack.ai |
| On gpu cluster management software | #1 of 21 | #5 of 21 |
Backend.AI: what it does well
- Fractional GPU allocation lets users share physical GPUs.
- Scheduler supports multi-node, multi-tenant workloads.
- Supports more than 12 accelerator types.
- Can be deployed on-premises, in cloud, or hybrid.
- Air-gapped installation and updates are supported.
What to know first
- Enterprise plan prices require a quote.
- Free Open-source plan is for home users on own hardware.
- Production guidance calls for network-isolated compute nodes.
GPUStack: what it does well
- Supports OpenAI- and Anthropic-compatible endpoints
- Supports on-premise, Kubernetes, and multi-cloud deployments
- Includes GPU partitioning and persistent storage
- Community Edition is free
What to know first
- Worker nodes support Linux only
- Windows users are directed to consider WSL2
- macOS worker nodes are not supported
Alternatives to Backend.AI Alternatives to GPUStack The whole list