Side by side
Calico Open Source vs CNI Plugins
Both stand on container networking software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedWindows
Calico Open Source combines Kubernetes networking with policy controls, encryption, and flow-log visibility. Its free plan includes unlimited clusters, with community-driven support and in-memory data retention.
Visit Calico Open Source Free plan LinuxWindows
CNI Plugins offers a broad set of container network and IPAM components, plus integration tools for applications. Its stated scope includes cleaning up allocated resources when a container is deleted.
Visit CNI PluginsThe facts
| Calico Open Source | CNI Plugins | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | tigera.io | github.com |
| On container networking software | #3 of 28 | #7 of 28 |
Calico Open Source: what it does well
- Free plan includes unlimited clusters.
- Supports multiple Kubernetes network policy features.
- Staged Policies allow evaluation before enforcement.
- WireGuard tunnels encrypt pod traffic between nodes.
- Whisker displays flow logs and network communication.
What to know first
- Support and maintenance are community-driven.
- Data retention is in-memory.
CNI Plugins: what it does well
- Free under the Apache License, Version 2.0.
- Includes Linux and Windows networking plugins.
- IPAM options include DHCP and static IPv4 or IPv6.
- Provides a Go library and command-line tool.
What to know first
- Latest release downloads listed are Linux archives.
- No free trial is offered.
Alternatives to Calico Open Source Alternatives to CNI Plugins The whole list