Side by side
Google Cloud Build vs ko
Both stand on container build tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxWeb
Cloud Build supports automated build, test, and deployment workflows across connected repositories and Google Cloud services. Its free tier covers 2,500 monthly build-minutes for e2-standard-2 in the default pool, with listed charges applying beyond that.
Visit Google Cloud Build Free plan LinuxMacWindows
ko streamlines image builds for Go applications and supports Kubernetes-oriented workflows without requiring Docker. Its Go-only scope and default CGO setting make base-image and application dependencies important considerations.
Visit koThe facts
| Google Cloud Build | ko | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Web | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | cloud.google.com | ko.build |
| On container build tools | #10 of 34 | #14 of 34 |
Google Cloud Build: what it does well
- Supports applications in any programming language
- Build triggers connect to several repository providers
- Private pools can access private network resources
- Local builder supports running and debugging
- SLSA level 3 provenance support
What to know first
- Network egress is charged at standard rates
- In-process build time accrues charges after the free tier
ko: what it does well
- Builds images without requiring Docker
- Supports selected multi-platform builds
- Generates SPDX-format SBOMs by default
- Reuses the Go build cache
- Integrates with Kubernetes YAML workflows
What to know first
- Supports Go applications only
- Defaults to CGO_ENABLED=0
- Windows container image support is experimental
Alternatives to Google Cloud Build Alternatives to ko The whole list