Best container orchestration platforms
Platforms that schedule, scale and heal containers and other workloads across a cluster of servers, from Kubernetes and its distributions to simpler schedulers.
6 apps, ordered by visits from AppBreakup and how often our research lists each one as an alternative. Open any app to see its alternatives.
All container orchestration platforms
- Alternatives to Kubernetes
Open-source system for deploying, scaling and running containerised applications across a cluster.
Open sourceSelf-hostableLinux, Self-hosted - Alternatives to K3s
Lightweight, certified Kubernetes distribution packaged as a single small binary for edge, IoT and small servers.
Open sourceSelf-hostableLinux, Self-hosted - Alternatives to Red Hat OpenShift
Red Hat's enterprise application platform built on Kubernetes, offered self-managed or as a managed cloud service.
PaidSelf-hostableWeb, Linux, Self-hosted - Alternatives to HashiCorp Nomad
Workload scheduler from HashiCorp that runs containers, VMs and standalone binaries across a cluster.
Free plan + paidSelf-hostableLinux, Windows, macOS, Self-hosted - Alternatives to MicroK8s
Canonical's small, single-package Kubernetes distribution for workstations, edge devices and clusters.
Open sourceSelf-hostableLinux, Windows, macOS, Self-hosted - Alternatives to Docker Swarm
Container orchestration mode built into Docker Engine for running services across a cluster of hosts.
Open sourceSelf-hostableLinux, Windows, Self-hosted
Our picks by need
Best for most people
KubernetesBest for a free option
K3sBest for open source
MicroK8sBest for self-hosting
Red Hat OpenShiftBest for Mac
HashiCorp NomadBest for Windows
Docker SwarmBest for Linux
KubernetesCommon questions
What are the best container orchestration platforms?
Based on how often our research lists them as alternatives and visits from AppBreakup, the leading container orchestration platforms right now are Kubernetes, K3s, Red Hat OpenShift, HashiCorp Nomad and MicroK8s.
Are there free container orchestration platforms?
Yes. Kubernetes (open source), K3s (open source), HashiCorp Nomad (free plan + paid), MicroK8s (open source) and Docker Swarm (open source) have a free option, out of 5 free or freemium apps we track.
Which container orchestration platforms are open source?
Kubernetes, K3s, MicroK8s and Docker Swarm.