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Caretta

Caretta is a free, self-hosted tool that maps services and their network interactions inside a Kubernetes cluster.

Place
#14 of 29
Score
6.2
Caretta's website

What Caretta is

Caretta is a free, self-hosted tool that maps services and their network interactions inside a Kubernetes cluster. It uses eBPF to collect this information and is described as having a minimal system footprint without requiring cluster modifications. It runs on Linux and requires kernel version 4.16 or later with CO-RE support. Installation uses a Helm chart, and the project recommends deploying it in a new, unique namespace. The chart includes Grafana with a predefined Caretta metrics dashboard and VictoriaMetrics to collect and publish metrics for Prometheus-compatible dashboards. Grafana and VictoriaMetrics are enabled by default, as is a five-second metrics polling interval; Helm values can disable either service. Persistent storage for VictoriaMetrics is disabled by default but can be enabled. The included Grafana has anonymous mode enabled by default, and the README provides administrator credentials for dashboard editing. The repository lists an Apache-2.0 license and directs users to Slack or repository issues for help.

Good

  • Free and self-hosted.
  • Maps Kubernetes service interactions using eBPF.
  • Includes Grafana dashboard and VictoriaMetrics.
  • Can disable bundled services through Helm values.

Watch out

  • Requires Linux kernel 4.16 or later with CO-RE.
  • Grafana anonymous mode is enabled by default.
  • Persistent storage is disabled by default.

Who it suits

It suits operators who need a visual view of service network interactions in a Kubernetes cluster and can run the required Linux kernel and CO-RE setup. Its self-hosted deployment and Helm configuration are aimed at cluster operators.

Verdict

Caretta provides a free Kubernetes network map with bundled metrics and visualization components. Review its runtime requirements and default Grafana settings as part of deployment planning.

Plans and prices

From Caretta's own pricing page, checked 5 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
CarettaFreeOpen-source Kubernetes tool · install with Helm · requires Linux kernel >= 4.16 and CO-RE support

The facts

Each one read from Caretta's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Collection
Caretta uses eBPF to map service network interactions in a Kubernetes cluster.checked 5 Oct 2026
Configuration
Built-in VictoriaMetrics and Grafana can each be disabled through Helm values; both are enabled by default.checked 4 Oct 2026
Defaults
The bundled VictoriaMetrics and Grafana instances are enabled by default, and the default metrics polling interval is five seconds.checked 5 Oct 2026
Footprint
The project describes Caretta as lightweight, with a minimal system footprint, and says it does not require cluster modifications.checked 5 Oct 2026
Grafana
The Helm chart includes a Grafana instance with a predefined dashboard for Caretta metrics.checked 4 Oct 2026
Grafana access
The README says anonymous mode is enabled for the default dashboard and lists the default administrator credentials for editing or creating dashboards.checked 5 Oct 2026
Install
The project documents installation through a Helm chart and recommends using a new, unique namespace.checked 5 Oct 2026
Installation
Caretta is installed with a Helm chart, and the project recommends using a new, unique namespace.checked 4 Oct 2026
License
The repository provides Caretta under the Apache License, Version 2.0.checked 5 Oct 2026
Metrics
Caretta uses VictoriaMetrics to collect and publish metrics, which can be consumed by Prometheus-compatible dashboards.checked 5 Oct 2026
Purpose
Caretta creates a visual network map of services running in a Kubernetes cluster.checked 5 Oct 2026
Requirements
Caretta requires Linux kernel version 4.16 or later and CO-RE support; the README says Docker for Mac uses a distribution that is not supported.checked 5 Oct 2026
Security setting
The included Grafana has anonymous mode enabled by default, and the README provides default administrator credentials for editing dashboards.checked 4 Oct 2026
Storage
Persistent storage for the bundled VictoriaMetrics server is disabled by default and can be enabled through Helm values.checked 5 Oct 2026
Support
The project directs users to its Slack channel or to create a GitHub issue for help.checked 5 Oct 2026
Visualization
The Helm chart includes Grafana with a predefined dashboard for Caretta metrics.checked 5 Oct 2026

The company

Founded
2021checked 28 Sep 2026
Headquarters
Tel Aviv, Israel and California, United Stateschecked 28 Sep 2026
Maker
The Caretta repository identifies groundcover as its maker; groundcover says it is headquartered in Tel Aviv and California.checked 5 Oct 2026

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