Krossboard

Overview

Krossboard is Kubernetes software for tracking cluster usage over time to support cost allocation and capacity planning. It is best suited to teams that want reporting across multiple clusters and can manage a Kubernetes-based deployment. Its broad free plan covers core analytics and CSV export, while managed-cluster discovery and maintained-version access are paid options.

Key features

Configure one or more KUBECONFIG files to bring multiple clusters into consolidated views of namespace, node, and cluster usage. Reporting spans minutes through months, so teams can examine both short-term changes and longer-term patterns. Namespace-level allocation and cost forecasting make the reporting relevant to internal charge allocation and capacity planning, though teams looking for a more expansive cost-optimization feature set should compare alternatives.

CSV export lets teams take analytics into their own workflows. Each deployed instance also provides a REST API alongside its UI, and the Kubernetes Operator deploys and manages instances as pods. Normal operation needs read-only access to Kubernetes metrics and core APIs. Enterprise discovery for AKS, EKS, and GKE requires read-only cloud IAM permissions; configuring deployment access requires cloud administration permissions, a meaningful setup consideration for teams with strict access controls.

Pricing

ALWAYS FREE costs nothing and includes unlimited clusters, core analytics, and CSV export. That is a substantial starting point for teams that can configure clusters themselves, but it excludes managed-cluster discovery and support.

ENTERPRISE has custom pricing, billed On-demand. It adds managed-cluster discovery and one year of access to maintained versions for bug and security fixes. It fits teams that want AKS, EKS, or GKE discovery and a defined period of maintenance access.

ENTERPRISE ADVANCED also has custom pricing, billed On-demand. It includes unlimited clusters, managed-cluster discovery, up to three years of support, and specific onboarding support. That is the more suitable option when longer support access and onboarding matter; teams that do not need those services can stay on the free plan.

Platforms

Krossboard is available as API, self-hosted, and web software. The Operator-based deployment runs instances as Kubernetes pods, making it a natural fit for teams already operating Kubernetes, rather than those seeking only a hosted service.

Who it's for

Krossboard suits platform and infrastructure teams that need multi-cluster usage reporting, namespace-level allocation, cost forecasting, or CSV data for further analysis. Its free plan keeps the core reporting useful without a cluster cap. Teams that want automatic discovery of managed clusters, maintenance access, or onboarding help need to consider the Enterprise tiers and their cloud permission requirements.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Unlimited clusters, core analytics, and CSV export are included in the free plan, making it practical to consolidate reporting without a cluster-count charge.
• Pros: Namespace, node, and cluster views across minute-to-month intervals support different levels of usage analysis.
• Pros: A REST API and CSV export provide both programmatic and file-based ways to work with analytics.
• Cons: Managed AKS, EKS, and GKE discovery is reserved for Enterprise plans and requires read-only cloud IAM permissions.
• Cons: The free plan has no support; access to maintained versions and onboarding support are paid-tier benefits.
• Cons: Configuring deployment access requires cloud administration permissions, which may complicate rollout in tightly controlled environments.

Alternatives

For a separate category-wide comparison, see Kubernetes Cost Management Software.

• KubeAdapt is worth considering if its free allowance of the first 100 vCPU across an account, all features, and email support better matches a capped, supported free tier; it also offers a free trial.
• Atmosly Kubernetes Cost Optimization may fit a small setup that can work within its free Personal plan's one cluster, one cloud account, one seat, one project, two environments, and 10 applications.
• PerfectScale is an option for teams whose usage fits its free allowance of up to 200 vCPU per month, with unlimited clusters, nodes, and pods; its Expert plan is priced by quote per vCPU.
• OpenCost may suit teams seeking open-source software under Apache 2.0 that requires Kubernetes and Prometheus.
• KubeLedger is another free, self-hosted choice, with source code available for internal use but not for sale as a managed service.
• Podledger may appeal to a team that wants a forever-free self-hosted Community plan for one cloud, with basic cost dashboards, pod-level visibility, and GitHub community support.
• CloudBolt offers a free CMP plan with core capabilities for up to 100 resources, which may better fit teams focused on that scope.
• Klustercost is a free open-source option under GPL-3.0.

Verdict

Krossboard is a strong fit for Kubernetes teams that want unlimited-cluster usage reporting, namespace-level allocation, forecasting, and export without paying for core analytics. Choose it when self-managed configuration and read-only cluster access are acceptable; look elsewhere if you need free support or want managed-cluster discovery without an Enterprise plan.