Gatus vs Kener: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Gatus and Kener 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Gatus
Monitor your services and applications with a powerful, customizable status page.
Best for you if:
- • Monitors service health and availability.
- • Provides a customizable status page.
Kener
Self-hosted, open-source, Docker-ready status pages for your services and APIs.
Best for you if:
- • Provides self-hosted, open-source status pages.
- • Communicates system availability, incidents, and maintenance updates.
| At a Glance |  Kener | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Status Pages | Status Pages |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Gatus | Kener |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Status PagesMonitoring | Status Pages |
Understanding the Differences
Both Gatus and Kener solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Gatus positions itself as "monitor your services and applications with a powerful, customizable status page." while Kenerfocuses on "self-hosted, open-source, docker-ready status pages for your services and apis.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Gatus
Gatus makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose Kener
Kener is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Gatus lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Gatus
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Kener is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Kener
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Gatus
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Gatus is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Gatus higher (/100). But the community has upvoted Kener more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Gatus Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Kener If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Gatus. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Gatus scores higher in our analysis, but Kener might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gatus or Kener better?
Based on our analysis, Gatus scores higher with high/100. Gatus isfree while Kener is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Gatus to Kener easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Gatus and Kener offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Gatus is completely free.Kener is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.