Kamal vs Spinnaker: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Kamal and Spinnaker 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:
Kamal
Deploy web applications anywhere with zero-downtime using Docker.
Best for you if:
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Deploys web apps with Docker, offering zero-downtime and rolling restarts.
- • Enables deployment on any server, from low-cost cloud to bare metal, avoiding vendor lock-in.
Spinnaker
Continuous delivery platform for cloud
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need ci/cd features specifically
- • Spinnaker is an open-source continuous delivery platform for cloud
- • It manages deployments across multiple cloud providers with canary releases
| At a Glance |  Kamal | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | CI/CD |
Rating | —/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Kamal | Spinnaker |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD | CI/CDContainer Orchestration |
Understanding the Differences
Both Kamal and Spinnaker solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Kamal positions itself as "deploy web applications anywhere with zero-downtime using docker." while Spinnakerfocuses on "continuous delivery platform for cloud". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Kamal
Kamal makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose Spinnaker
Spinnaker is worth considering if you need a free tool. Scoring 80/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Kamal lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Kamal
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Spinnaker is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Spinnaker
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: Spinnaker
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Kamal 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 Spinnaker higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Spinnaker more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Spinnaker Does Better
- Higher overall score (80/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Kamal 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 Spinnaker (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Spinnaker scores higher in our analysis, but Kamal 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 Kamal or Spinnaker better?
Based on our analysis, Spinnaker scores higher with 80/100. Kamal isfree while Spinnaker 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 Kamal to Spinnaker 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 Kamal and Spinnaker offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Kamal is completely free.Spinnaker is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.