SUSE Rancher

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to SUSE Rancher

A curated collection of the 6 best self hosted alternatives to SUSE Rancher.

Kubernetes management platform for provisioning, operating and securing multiple Kubernetes clusters across on‑premises and cloud environments. Offers centralized cluster lifecycle management, RBAC, policy enforcement and integrations for networking, storage and observability.

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.

36.2kstars
2.8kforks
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#2
Uncloud

Uncloud

Deploy and scale Docker Compose apps across multiple servers with automatic WireGuard networking, service discovery, load balancing, and HTTPS—without Kubernetes overhead.

Uncloud screenshot

Uncloud is a lightweight tool for deploying and managing containerised applications across a network of Docker hosts. It forms a secure peer-to-peer cluster without a central control plane, aiming to provide a simple, PaaS-like workflow for running Docker Compose apps on your own infrastructure.

Key Features

  • Deploy and scale services across multiple machines using Docker-like CLI commands
  • Docker Compose support for defining multi-service applications and volumes
  • Decentralised architecture with peer-to-peer state synchronisation (no central control plane/quorum)
  • Automatic WireGuard mesh networking with peer discovery and NAT traversal
  • Built-in service discovery via an internal DNS server
  • Built-in ingress and load balancing across replicas on different machines
  • Automatic HTTPS with certificate provisioning and renewal via Caddy and Let’s Encrypt
  • Persistent storage support using Docker volumes managed across machines

Use Cases

  • Run a small-to-mid-size production app stack on VPSs and bare metal without Kubernetes
  • Build a multi-provider, highly available deployment by spreading replicas across regions
  • Homelab or SMB platform for repeatable Docker Compose deployments with HTTPS and discovery

Limitations and Considerations

  • Project maturity may vary by release; some features mentioned as planned (for example, automatic rollback) may not be fully available

Uncloud fits teams and individuals who want a pragmatic middle ground between single-host Docker and full Kubernetes. It emphasizes low operational overhead while still providing the core primitives needed for reliable multi-host deployments.

4.5kstars
116forks
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#3
Kite

Kite

Kite is a modern Kubernetes dashboard for multi-cluster management, resource operations, and Prometheus-powered monitoring with logs, terminal access, and live YAML editing.

Kite screenshot

Kite is a modern, lightweight Kubernetes dashboard for managing and monitoring one or more clusters through a web UI. It focuses on fast navigation, comprehensive resource coverage, and integrated observability features.

Key Features

  • Multi-cluster management with kubeconfig discovery and fast cluster switching
  • Comprehensive resource management (workloads, services, config, storage, nodes, and CRDs)
  • Live YAML editing with Monaco-based editor features
  • Built-in monitoring dashboards powered by Prometheus (CPU, memory, network)
  • Real-time pod log streaming with filtering and search
  • In-browser terminal access for pods and nodes
  • Resource relationship views (for example, deployments and their pods)
  • UI-based access control features including RBAC, user management, and OAuth integration
  • Kube proxy functionality to access pods/services without manual port-forwarding

Use Cases

  • Day-to-day cluster administration without relying solely on kubectl
  • Multi-cluster operations for teams managing several Kubernetes environments
  • Troubleshooting workloads using metrics, logs, and terminal access in one place

Limitations and Considerations

  • The project is under rapid development; APIs and behavior may change

Kite is a strong option for teams wanting a clean Kubernetes dashboard with multi-cluster support and Prometheus-backed observability. It combines resource operations, live configuration editing, and troubleshooting tools into a single interface.

2.1kstars
159forks
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#4
Nixopus

Nixopus

Open-source, self-hosted deployment platform that turns any VPS into a hosting machine with a browser-based terminal, file manager, and one-click deployments.

Nixopus screenshot

Nixopus is an open-source, self-hosted deployment platform that turns any VPS into a hosting machine with a browser-based terminal and file manager. It supports one-click deployments, auto TLS, Docker builds, and GitHub-driven workflows, all while keeping data on your own infrastructure.

Key Features

  • One-click deployments with automatic builds and routing to live apps
  • Browser-based terminal and file manager for in-browser administration
  • Built-in reverse proxy with automatic TLS certificates
  • Real-time deployment logs and monitoring for quick debugging
  • Docker-based deployments and container management
  • GitHub integration for auto deploys on push
  • Monorepo support for multi-service apps
  • Extensible via plugins/extensions to add databases, caches, and more
  • Self-hosted with no vendor lock-in

Use Cases

  • Indie hackers launching MVPs on affordable VPS setups with instant deployments
  • Agencies hosting multiple client projects on a single server with per-project domains
  • Open-source projects hosting demos/documentation with self-hosted deployments

Limitations and Considerations

  • Status: Project appears in alpha/pre-release in community-maintained sources and may not be production-ready
  • Self-hosted deployments require you to manage infrastructure, security, and updates
  • Ecosystem/extension maturity is evolving; some integrations may be experimental

Conclusion Nixopus offers an open-source, self-hosted deployment platform that gives developers control over hosting, deployment, and monitoring from a single interface. It emphasizes ownership, real-time operations, and a low-friction path to shipping on your own VPS.

1.3kstars
115forks
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#5
Cloudron

Cloudron

Cloudron is a self-hosted platform for deploying and managing web apps with one-click installs, automatic updates, backups, and integrated HTTPS, email, and user management.

Cloudron screenshot

Cloudron is a self-hosted application platform that simplifies running web apps on your own server by providing a curated app catalog, automated operations, and a unified admin interface. It handles the lifecycle of apps (install, update, backup, restore) and centralizes common infrastructure concerns like domains, TLS certificates, and users.

Key Features

  • One-click app installs from a curated Cloudron App Store (packaged apps)
  • Automatic app and platform updates with rollback-oriented lifecycle management
  • Built-in reverse proxy with per-app domain/subdomain routing
  • Automatic HTTPS via Let’s Encrypt and certificate renewal
  • Centralized user management and access control (teams/users) with SSO options
  • Integrated backup/restore to external storage providers (scheduled backups)
  • App configuration via environment/manifest packaging and consistent runtime model
  • Email capabilities for apps via integrated mail settings (SMTP relay support)

Use Cases

  • Host a small-business stack (e.g., chat, wiki, CRM, file sharing) on one server
  • Provide a managed “internal PaaS” for a small team without Kubernetes
  • Quickly deploy and maintain self-hosted alternatives with minimal ops overhead

Limitations and Considerations

  • Not fully open-source: Cloudron is source-available/commercially licensed and requires a subscription for full functionality.
  • App availability depends on Cloudron packaging; apps must be Cloudron-compatible.

Cloudron fits users who want an appliance-like experience for self-hosting many apps with consistent security defaults and automated maintenance. It is especially useful when you want predictable upgrades, backups, and domain/TLS management without building your own platform tooling.

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#6
Nirvati

Nirvati

Open-source self-hosting and server management platform built on Kubernetes (k3s/RKE2) with an app store, strong app isolation, storage controls, and built-in HTTPS.

Nirvati is an open-source server management platform for self-hosting applications and services on your own hardware. It provides a dashboard, an app store of prepackaged services, storage controls, and a permissioned isolation model to reduce third-party dependence and improve privacy.

Key Features

  • Kubernetes-based architecture (uses lightweight distributions such as k3s and can target upstream RKE2 for larger deployments).
  • App Store with a broad catalog of preconfigured self-hosted apps (media servers, analytics, messaging, productivity, AI UIs, etc.).
  • Strong app isolation: each app runs in its own isolated environment with per-app permissions and resource limits.
  • Storage management options: Longhorn-backed storage in standard/enterprise flavours and local-path provisioning in a low-memory "micro" flavour.
  • Built-in HTTPS by default and a focus on security-first defaults and permissions.
  • Web dashboard tooling: app status, logs viewer, restart controls and app cloning from recent releases.
  • Ready-to-use OS images (Armbian-based images for Raspberry Pi and generic x86_64 / aarch64 UEFI) and an installer for rapid setup.
  • Project-run container registry (Harbor-based) and image pinning by SHA for image authenticity.
  • Plugin system and extensibility for third-party integrations and vendor hardware support.

Use Cases

  • Host personal and household services: media servers, file sharing, personal dashboards, and home automation UIs.
  • Small-team or SMB self-hosting: internal tools, analytics, Git hosting, and identity services behind a single management plane.
  • Developer / testing environments: quickly deploy and manage containerized stacks, snapshots, and multi-node configurations.

Limitations and Considerations

  • Feature set and storage capabilities vary by "flavour": the Micro edition omits storage management features present in Standard/Enterprise editions.
  • Some hosted/managed services ("My Nirvati" and managed offerings) are planned and not fully available; certain optional services may be operated by the project organization.
  • The project separates a vendor-neutral core (n5i) from Nirvati’s distribution and service integrations; downstream integrations and hosted services can differ from the core project's behaviour.

Nirvati aims to make self-hosting accessible while prioritizing security and extensibility. It targets hobbyists through to small production deployments and continues to evolve through regular releases and an expanding app catalog.

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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