Dry vs k9s: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Dry and k9s 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:
Dry
Manage Docker and Docker Swarm directly from your terminal with a powerful TUI.
Best for you if:
- • You need terminal tools features specifically
- • Terminal-based Docker and Docker Swarm manager.
- • Provides comprehensive views of containers, images, networks, and Swarm components.
k9s
Terminal UI to manage Kubernetes clusters
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need debugging features specifically
- • k9s is a terminal-based UI for managing Kubernetes clusters interactively
- • It provides a vim-style interface for navigating pods, logs, and cluster resources
| At a Glance |  Dry |  k9s |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Debugging |
Rating | —/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Dry | k9s |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsContainer Orchestration | DebuggingTerminal Tools |
How Dry and k9s Compare
Dry
Manage Docker and Docker Swarm directly from your terminal with a powerful TUI.
Free
k9s
Terminal UI to manage Kubernetes clusters
Free · 88/100 score
Dry is a terminal tools tool. k9s is in debugging.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Dry
Want the highest-rated option?
k9s scores 88/100. Dry is unrated.
Go with: k9s
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: k9s
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Dry is a terminal tools tool. k9s is in debugging. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
k9s
- Higher score: 88/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Dry
- Better fit for terminal tools
The Bottom Line
k9s (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dry or k9s better?
k9s scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Dry and k9s used for?
Dry: Manage Docker and Docker Swarm directly from your terminal with a powerful TUI.. k9s: Terminal UI to manage Kubernetes clusters.
What does Dry cost vs k9s?
Dry is completely free. k9s is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.