k9s vs Lens: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between k9s and Lens 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:
k9s
Terminal UI to manage Kubernetes clusters
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • 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
Lens
Kubernetes IDE
Best for you if:
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • Lens is a Kubernetes IDE for managing clusters through a visual interface
- • It provides dashboards, logs, and cluster management for K8s environments
| At a Glance |  k9s |  Lens |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Debugging | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 88/100 | 85/100 |
| Feature | k9s | Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 85 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DebuggingTerminal Tools | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools |
How k9s and Lens Compare
k9s
Terminal UI to manage Kubernetes clusters
Free · 88/100 score
Lens
Kubernetes IDE
Free tier available · 85/100 score
k9s is a debugging tool. Lens is in ide & code editors.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
k9s is free. Lens is freemium.
Go with: k9s
Want the highest-rated option?
k9s: 88/100. Lens: 85/100.
Go with: k9s
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: k9s
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
k9s is free. Lens is freemium. Go with k9s if free matters most.
What's your use case?
k9s is a debugging tool. Lens is in ide & code editors. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
k9s scores higher: 88/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
k9s
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 85
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Lens
- Better fit for ide & code editors
The Bottom Line
k9s (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is k9s or Lens better?
k9s scores 88/100 in our evaluation. k9s is free and Lens is freemium.
What are k9s and Lens used for?
k9s: Terminal UI to manage Kubernetes clusters. Lens: Kubernetes IDE.
What does k9s cost vs Lens?
k9s is completely free. Lens is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.