Kind vs MicroK8s: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Kind and MicroK8s 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:
- • Kind runs Kubernetes clusters in Docker containers for local development and CI
- • It enables fast, lightweight Kubernetes testing without VMs or cloud resources
MicroK8s
Minimal Kubernetes distribution by Canonical
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • MicroK8s is a lightweight Kubernetes distribution from Canonical
- • It installs as a single package for development and edge computing
| At a Glance |  Kind |  MicroK8s |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 80/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Kind | MicroK8s |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentTesting & QA | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD |
How Kind and MicroK8s Compare
Kind
Run local Kubernetes clusters in Docker
Free · 80/100 score
MicroK8s
Minimal Kubernetes distribution by Canonical
Free · 82/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Kind
Want the highest-rated option?
Kind: 80/100. MicroK8s: 82/100.
Go with: MicroK8s
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: MicroK8s
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?
Both are hosting & deployment tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
MicroK8s scores higher: 82/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
MicroK8s
- Higher score: 82/100 vs 80
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Kind
The Bottom Line
MicroK8s (82/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kind or MicroK8s better?
MicroK8s scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Kind and MicroK8s used for?
Kind: Run local Kubernetes clusters in Docker. MicroK8s: Minimal Kubernetes distribution by Canonical.
What does Kind cost vs MicroK8s?
Kind is completely free. MicroK8s is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.