VMware Tanzu

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to VMware Tanzu

A curated collection of the 6 best self hosted alternatives to VMware Tanzu.

VMware Tanzu is a cloud-native application platform for building, running, and managing Kubernetes-based applications. It offers Kubernetes lifecycle management, application runtimes, developer tooling, and operational services for deploying and operating containers across clouds and on-premises.

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
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.

2.7kstars
106forks
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#4
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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#5
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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#6
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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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