Headlamp

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Score7.2

Rank#4 of 24

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onBrowser extension, Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, Web, Windows

Summary

Headlamp is a graphical interface for managing Kubernetes clusters, available as a browser-based app and a desktop application. It adapts its controls to Kubernetes RBAC permissions, so users see actions permitted by their role. Users can monitor multiple clusters and switch between them in the interface. A plugin system extends the core functionality for specific workflows, and listed integrations include Backstage, Flux, Inspektor Gadget, Kompose, Kubescape, KubeVirt, OpenCost, Prometheus, and Trivy. Headlamp can be deployed in a Kubernetes cluster using Helm or a YAML configuration. Documented login methods include client certificates and bearer tokens; the installation guide also documents OIDC. A user token may be kept in browser local storage, but Headlamp says it does not store that token in its backend or server. The plugin guide cautions that plugins run in the same JavaScript context as the main application and advises installing trusted plugins only. Headlamp is free under Apache 2.0. The desktop app is tested on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and the project directs users to documentation, community Slack, GitHub issues, and monthly community meetings for help.

Who it is for

Headlamp suits Kubernetes users who want a graphical way to manage multiple clusters while seeing actions allowed by their RBAC role. Its deployment and plugin options may also fit teams with specific workflows.

What is good

Free and open source under Apache 2.0
Monitors and switches between multiple clusters
Controls adapt to Kubernetes RBAC permissions
Available as web and desktop applications

What to know first

Plugins share the main application's JavaScript context
Browser local storage may hold a user token

Verdict

Headlamp combines cluster navigation, role-aware controls, and extensibility in a free graphical interface. Consider its plugin caution and token handling when deciding how to configure it.

Headlamp plans and pricing

All plans

Headlamp Free 100% open source · Apache 2.0 · available at no charge headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026

Compared on container management software

Free plan: Yesheadlamp.dev
Deployment model: hybridheadlamp.dev
Kubernetes support: Yesheadlamp.dev
Multi-cluster management: Yesheadlamp.dev
Role-based access: Yesheadlamp.dev

Facts

Purpose: Headlamp is a graphical user interface tailored to simplify Kubernetes cluster management.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026
Web and desktop: Headlamp is available as a browser based web application and as a desktop application.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026
Permissions: Headlamp adapts its controls to Kubernetes RBAC permissions, so users only see actions their role allows.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026
Multi-cluster: Users can monitor multiple clusters and switch between them in the interface.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026
Customization: Headlamp’s plugin system extends core functionality for specific use cases and workflows.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026
Integrations: The project lists integrations including Backstage, Flux, Inspektor Gadget, Kompose, Kubescape, KubeVirt, OpenCost, Prometheus, and Trivy.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026
Deployment: Headlamp can be deployed in a Kubernetes cluster using Helm or a YAML configuration.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026
Desktop platforms: The project says it tests its desktop app on Windows, macOS, and Linux.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026
Authentication: Documented login methods include client certificates and bearer tokens, and the installation guide also documents OIDC.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026
Token handling: Headlamp may store a user token in browser local storage, but says it never stores the token in its backend or server.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026
Plugin caution: The plugin guide warns that plugins run in the same JavaScript context as the main application and advises installing only trusted plugins.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026
Support: The project directs users to its documentation, community Slack, GitHub issues, and monthly community meeting for help.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026
Release cadence: Headlamp aims to release a new feature version each month, with bug fix versions between feature releases as needed.headlamp.dev · 28 Sept 2026