Kubernetes

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Kubernetes

A curated collection of the 2 best self hosted alternatives to Kubernetes.

Open-source container orchestration platform for deploying, scaling, and managing containerized applications across clusters. Provides scheduling, service discovery, rolling updates, and resource management; commonly offered as managed services by cloud providers.

Alternatives List

#1
Portainer

Portainer

Lightweight web-based platform to manage Docker, Swarm and Kubernetes resources with a GUI and API, including access control and multi-environment operations.

Portainer screenshot

Portainer is a lightweight container management platform that provides a web UI and API for operating containerized environments. It centralizes day-to-day administration for Docker, Docker Swarm and Kubernetes, aiming to make common tasks accessible without deep orchestrator expertise.

Key Features

  • Manage containers, images, volumes, networks and other orchestrator resources from a single interface
  • Support for multiple environments, including remote/edge deployments via agent-based connectivity
  • Role-based access control options and policy-oriented governance capabilities (feature set varies by edition)
  • Built-in GitOps-style deployment automation and reconciliation
  • Troubleshooting and operational visibility across fleets of nodes and clusters
  • Extensive API for integrating container operations into external tooling

Use Cases

  • Homelab or small-team administration of Docker/Swarm hosts with a simple GUI
  • Central operations for multiple Kubernetes clusters and mixed container environments
  • Managing remote or constrained edge/IoT installations with centralized control

Limitations and Considerations

  • Official support targets a limited window of Docker versions (commonly “current minus 2”)
  • Some advanced enterprise capabilities (for example, expanded governance and support features) are edition-dependent

Portainer is a pragmatic choice for teams that want a straightforward UI and API for container operations across diverse infrastructure. It is especially useful when consolidating management of multiple environments and simplifying routine Kubernetes and Docker workflows.

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#2
Canine

Canine

Canine is an open source Kubernetes deployment platform that provides a Heroku-like PaaS experience with Git-driven deploys, web UI management, and built-in SSL and secrets.

Canine screenshot

Canine is an open source Kubernetes deployment platform designed to bring a Heroku-like Platform-as-a-Service experience to your own Kubernetes infrastructure. It lets teams deploy and manage containerized applications through Git-driven workflows and an intuitive web interface, without needing to write Kubernetes YAML for common operations.

Key Features

  • Git-driven deployments with webhook-based continuous delivery from GitHub/GitLab
  • Web UI to deploy, scale, and manage applications on a Kubernetes cluster
  • Built-in container image builds using Dockerfiles or buildpacks
  • Support for multiple workload types, including web services, background workers, and cron jobs
  • Custom domain management with automatic TLS certificate provisioning and renewal
  • Environment variable and secret management backed by Kubernetes
  • Persistent volume management for stateful workloads
  • Multi-tenant accounts with team collaboration and access controls
  • Optional advanced customization via pod templates for deeper Kubernetes control
  • Enterprise SSO options including SAML, OIDC, and LDAP integrations

Use Cases

  • Running a self-managed internal PaaS on an existing Kubernetes cluster for multiple teams
  • Replacing managed PaaS platforms while keeping Git-based deploy and rollback workflows
  • Standardizing application deployment for web apps, workers, and scheduled jobs across environments

Limitations and Considerations

  • Requires a working Kubernetes environment and familiarity with cluster operations for reliable production use
  • Some advanced behavior may still require Kubernetes-specific customization via templates

Canine is a strong fit for teams that want a streamlined deployment experience on Kubernetes while retaining control over infrastructure and avoiding vendor lock-in. It combines PaaS-style workflows with Kubernetes primitives to simplify day-to-day application operations.

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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running