Okteto Dev vs k9s: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Okteto Dev and k9s 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:
Okteto Dev
Flexible, automated cloud development environments for faster shipping and increased developer productivity.
Best for you if:
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Automates Kubernetes development environments for microservices and AI workflows.
- • Reduces build times to seconds and frees developers from environment configuration.
k9s
Terminal UI to manage Kubernetes clusters
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need debugging features specifically
- • k9s is a terminal-based UI for managing Kubernetes clusters interactively
- • It provides a vim-style interface for navigating pods, logs, and cluster resources
| At a Glance |  Okteto Dev |  k9s |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Debugging |
Rating | —/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Okteto Dev | k9s |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD | DebuggingTerminal Tools |
How Okteto Dev and k9s Compare
Okteto Dev
Flexible, automated cloud development environments for faster shipping and increased developer productivity.
Free tier available
k9s
Terminal UI to manage Kubernetes clusters
Free · 88/100 score
Okteto Dev is a hosting & deployment tool. k9s is in debugging.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
k9s is free. Okteto Dev is freemium.
Go with: k9s
Want the highest-rated option?
k9s scores 88/100. Okteto Dev is unrated.
Go with: k9s
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: k9s
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Okteto Dev is freemium. k9s is free. Go with k9s if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Okteto Dev is a hosting & deployment tool. k9s is in debugging. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
k9s
- Higher score: 88/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Okteto Dev
- Better fit for hosting & deployment
The Bottom Line
k9s (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Okteto Dev or k9s better?
k9s scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Okteto Dev is freemium and k9s is free.
What are Okteto Dev and k9s used for?
Okteto Dev: Flexible, automated cloud development environments for faster shipping and increased developer productivity.. k9s: Terminal UI to manage Kubernetes clusters.
What does Okteto Dev cost vs k9s?
Okteto Dev is freemium (free tier + paid plans). k9s is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.