Kind vs LocalStack: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Kind and LocalStack 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:
Kind
Run local Kubernetes clusters in Docker
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Kind runs Kubernetes clusters in Docker containers for local development and CI
- • It enables fast, lightweight Kubernetes testing without VMs or cloud resources
LocalStack
AWS cloud emulator
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Run AWS services locally for development
- • Emulate S3, Lambda, DynamoDB and more
| At a Glance |  Kind |  LocalStack |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | API Tools |
Rating | 80/100 | 83/100 |
| Feature | Kind | LocalStack |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 83 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 56 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentTesting & QA | API ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How Kind and LocalStack Compare
Kind
Run local Kubernetes clusters in Docker
Free · 80/100 score
LocalStack
AWS cloud emulator
Free tier available · 83/100 score
Kind is a hosting & deployment tool. LocalStack is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Kind is free. LocalStack is freemium.
Go with: Kind
Want the highest-rated option?
Kind: 80/100. LocalStack: 83/100.
Go with: LocalStack
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: LocalStack
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Kind is free. LocalStack is freemium. Go with Kind if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Kind is a hosting & deployment tool. LocalStack is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
LocalStack scores higher: 83/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
LocalStack
- Higher score: 83/100 vs 80
- More community upvotes (56)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Kind
- Completely free
- Better fit for hosting & deployment
The Bottom Line
LocalStack (83/100) is our pick. That said, Kind is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kind or LocalStack better?
LocalStack scores 83/100 in our evaluation. Kind is free and LocalStack is freemium.
What are Kind and LocalStack used for?
Kind: Run local Kubernetes clusters in Docker. LocalStack: AWS cloud emulator.
What does Kind cost vs LocalStack?
Kind is completely free. LocalStack is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.