Side by side
k0s vs k3d
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 LinuxSelf-hostedWindows
k0s provides a self-hosted Kubernetes base with varied architectures, installation methods, networking, and datastore options. Its deliberately limited bundled add-ons and stated minimum requirements are worth considering when planning a deployment.
Visit k0s Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
k3d provides a free, community-driven way to run k3s clusters in Docker, with local development and CI uses listed. Check its Docker and runc requirements before choosing it.
Visit k3dThe facts
| k0s | k3d | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | k0sproject.io | k3d.io |
| On local kubernetes tools | #7 of 23 | #3 of 23 |
k0s: what it does well
- Single-binary packaging requires only the kernel beyond it.
- Supports x86-64, ARM64, ARMv7, and RISC-V.
- Offers multiple installation and datastore options.
- k0sctl supports upgrades and backup and restore.
- Free for personal or commercial use.
What to know first
- Minimum requirements include 1 vCPU and 1 GB RAM.
- FIPS 140-2 requires request and commercial agreement.
- Bundled add-ons such as ingress and storage are minimized.
k3d: what it does well
- Creates single-node and multi-node clusters
- Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Documents Ingress and NodePort service exposure
- Free plan is listed as free
What to know first
- Requires Docker to use
- k3d v5.x.x specifies minimum Docker and runc versions
- It is not an official Rancher (SUSE) product