Knative vs OpenFaaS: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Knative and OpenFaaS 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:
Knative
Serverless containers on Kubernetes
Best for you if:
- • You need container orchestration features specifically
- • Knative is an open-source platform for running serverless workloads on Kubernetes
- • It provides event-driven autoscaling and simplified container deployment
OpenFaaS
Serverless functions on Kubernetes
Best for you if:
- • You need cloud & infrastructure features specifically
- • OpenFaaS is an open-source serverless framework for Docker and Kubernetes
- • It deploys functions as containers with auto-scaling and metrics
| At a Glance |  Knative |  OpenFaaS |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | Custom/moOpenFaaS Pro |
Best For | Container Orchestration | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Knative or OpenFaaS?
Choose Knative if
Serverless containers on Kubernetes
- Serverless on Kubernetes
- Event-driven
- Good scaling
- Your work is container orchestration-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
Choose OpenFaaS if
Serverless functions on Kubernetes
- Open source serverless
- Kubernetes native
- Self-hostable
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not container orchestration-shaped
| Feature | Knative | OpenFaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 80 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Container OrchestrationServerless | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
Knative
Serverless containers on Kubernetes
Strengths
- +Serverless on Kubernetes
- +Event-driven
- +Good scaling
- +Open source
- +CNCF project
Weaknesses
- -Complex setup
- -Steep learning curve
- -K8s knowledge needed
- -Resource overhead
- -Documentation gaps
Key features
OpenFaaS
Serverless functions on Kubernetes
Strengths
- +Open source serverless
- +Kubernetes native
- +Self-hostable
- +Good community
- +Language agnostic
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Setup complexity
- -Enterprise features paid
- -Documentation gaps
- -Operational overhead
Key features
Pricing: Knative vs OpenFaaS
| Plan | Knative | OpenFaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Community Edition |
| Tier 2 | N/A | Custom OpenFaaS Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Knative pricing and OpenFaaS pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Knative
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Knative
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Knative
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?
Knative is a container orchestration tool. OpenFaaS is in cloud & infrastructure. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Knative
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
OpenFaaS
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
Knative is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knative or OpenFaaS better?
Knative is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Knative and OpenFaaS used for?
Knative: Serverless containers on Kubernetes. OpenFaaS: Serverless functions on Kubernetes.
What does Knative cost vs OpenFaaS?
Knative is completely free. OpenFaaS is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.