Side by side
ctlptl vs srelens
Both stand on local kubernetes tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
ctlptl covers common local cluster setup tasks across several Kubernetes tools and operating systems. Its stated scope excludes remote clusters and development sandboxes, and the project describes itself as a work in progress.
Visit ctlptl
Free plan Open source APIExtensionLinux+4
srelens brings cluster inspection and operations into a free desktop workspace, with local credentials and confirmation for destructive actions. Check your RBAC permissions and the extra security requirements if deploying its optional web server.
Visit srelensThe facts
| ctlptl | srelens | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | API, Extension, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | srelens.com |
| On local kubernetes tools | #4 of 23 | #1 of 23 |
ctlptl: what it does well
- Free under Apache License 2.0.
- Works with Docker Desktop, KIND, Minikube, and K3D.
- Supports local registry configuration.
- Offers several installation methods.
- Anonymized analytics can be opted out of.
What to know first
- Command-line tool; no graphical interface.
- Not intended for remote clusters or development sandboxes.
- Project is described as a work in progress.
- Repository has no security policy or published advisories.
srelens: what it does well
- Free, open source under the MIT license.
- Covers more than 40 Kubernetes resource kinds.
- Includes live watches, log streaming and in-pod terminals.
- Connects directly using local kubeconfig credentials.
- Masks Kubernetes Secret values by default.
What to know first
- Operations are limited by the selected context's RBAC permissions.
- Windows code signing is on the roadmap.
- Production web deployments require authentication and TLS termination.
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