Side by side
k3d 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 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 k3d
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
| k3d | srelens | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, 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 | k3d.io | srelens.com |
| On local kubernetes tools | #3 of 23 | #1 of 23 |
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
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.