Digi International vs K3s: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Digi International and K3s comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Digi International
End-to-end IIoT solutions for connecting and managing devices across various industries.
Best for you if:
- • Provides end-to-end IIoT solutions including embedded systems, cellular routers, and gateways.
- • Offers a comprehensive ecosystem for wireless connectivity with the Digi XBee family and management tools.
K3s
Lightweight Kubernetes for edge and IoT
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • K3s is a lightweight Kubernetes distribution for edge, IoT, and resource-constrained environments
- • It provides full Kubernetes functionality in a single binary under 100MB
| At a Glance |  Digi International |  K3s |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | IoT Platforms | IoT Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Digi International | K3s |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IoT PlatformsEdge Computing | IoT PlatformsEdge Computing |
How Digi International and K3s Compare
Digi International
End-to-end IIoT solutions for connecting and managing devices across various industries.
Paid
K3s
Lightweight Kubernetes for edge and IoT
Free · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
K3s is free. Digi International is paid.
Go with: K3s
Want the highest-rated option?
K3s scores 86/100. Digi International is unrated.
Go with: K3s
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: K3s
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Digi International is paid. K3s is free. Go with K3s if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are iot platforms tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
K3s
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Digi International
The Bottom Line
K3s (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Digi International or K3s better?
K3s scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Digi International is paid and K3s is free.
What are Digi International and K3s used for?
Digi International: End-to-end IIoT solutions for connecting and managing devices across various industries.. K3s: Lightweight Kubernetes for edge and IoT.
What does Digi International cost vs K3s?
Digi International is a paid tool. K3s is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.