Knative vs OpenFaaS: Which Should You Choose 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 want the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • 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:
- • 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 |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Container Orchestration | Container Orchestration |
Rating | 82/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | Knative | OpenFaaS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Container OrchestrationServerless | Container OrchestrationServerless |
Understanding the Differences
Both Knative and OpenFaaS solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Knative positions itself as "serverless containers on kubernetes" while OpenFaaSfocuses on "serverless functions on kubernetes". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Knative
Knative makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 82/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose OpenFaaS
OpenFaaS is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Knative lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Knative
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Knative handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Knative
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: Knative
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Knative 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 Knative higher (82/100). But the community has upvoted OpenFaaS more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Knative Does Better
- Higher overall score (82/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider OpenFaaS 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 Knative (82/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Knative scores higher in our analysis, but OpenFaaS 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 Knative or OpenFaaS better?
Based on our analysis, Knative scores higher with 82/100. Knative isfree while OpenFaaS 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 Knative to OpenFaaS 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 Knative and OpenFaaS offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Knative is completely free.OpenFaaS is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.