Cluster API
6.4#7 in kubernetes management platformsFree planFree planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
VisitCluster API vs KubeSphere
KubeSphere
8.1#1 in container orchestration softwareFrom $65 a monthFree planWebAPILinuxSelf-hosted
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | Cluster API | KubeSphere |
|---|---|---|
| Integrations | The quick start lists infrastructure providers including AWS, Azure, GCP, OpenStack, vSphere, and KubeVirt, among others. | Official materials identify integrations or ecosystem collaboration with Jenkins, Grafana, Loki, Higress, KubeKey, OpenELB, KubeEye, Fluent Operator, and OpenFunction. |
| Intended users | The project describes its automation as intended for platform operators managing Kubernetes cluster lifecycles. | The product site describes benefits for infrastructure teams, developers, operations teams and end users deploying applications on Kubernetes. |
| Purpose | Cluster API provides declarative APIs and tooling to provision, upgrade, and operate multiple Kubernetes clusters. | KubeSphere is a Kubernetes-based distributed operating system for cloud-native application management with a plug-and-play architecture for third-party applications. |
Cluster API plans
- Cluster APIFree
KubeSphere plans
- KubeSphere Backup FreeFree
- KubeSphere Community EditionFree
- KubeSphere Backup Basic$65 a month
- KubeSphere Backup Standard$200 a month
- KubeSphere Backup Enterprise$340 a month
- KubeSphere Backup ExclusivePriced on request
Pick Cluster API if…
Cluster API is for platform operators who need declarative tools to manage the lifecycle of multiple Kubernetes clusters. It suits teams prepared to operate a management cluster and work with the provider ecosystem.
Pick KubeSphere if…
KubeSphere suits infrastructure, development, and operations teams deploying applications on Kubernetes. Enterprise options may suit organizations that need multi-tenant permissions and professional technical support.