OPA Gatekeeper vs OpenShift: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between OPA Gatekeeper and OpenShift 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:
OPA Gatekeeper
Enforce policies and governance for Kubernetes clusters using Open Policy Agent.
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need container orchestration features specifically
- • Enforces policies in Kubernetes clusters.
- • Uses Open Policy Agent (OPA) for policy definition.
OpenShift
Enterprise Kubernetes platform by Red Hat
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • OpenShift is Red Hat's enterprise Kubernetes platform
- • It provides container orchestration with developer tools and security features
| At a Glance |  OpenShift | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Container Orchestration | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | OPA Gatekeeper | OpenShift |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Container OrchestrationCompliance | Hosting & DeploymentContainer Orchestration |
How OPA Gatekeeper and OpenShift Compare
OPA Gatekeeper
Enforce policies and governance for Kubernetes clusters using Open Policy Agent.
Free tier available
OpenShift
Enterprise Kubernetes platform by Red Hat
Paid · 84/100 score
OPA Gatekeeper is a container orchestration tool. OpenShift is in hosting & deployment.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OPA Gatekeeper has a free tier. OpenShift is paid only.
Go with: OPA Gatekeeper
Want the highest-rated option?
OpenShift scores 84/100. OPA Gatekeeper is unrated.
Go with: OpenShift
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenShift
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
OPA Gatekeeper is freemium. OpenShift is paid. OPA Gatekeeper lets you start free.
What's your use case?
OPA Gatekeeper is a container orchestration tool. OpenShift is in hosting & deployment. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
OpenShift
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Our pick for this comparison
OPA Gatekeeper
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for container orchestration
The Bottom Line
OpenShift (84/100) is our pick. OPA Gatekeeper has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OPA Gatekeeper or OpenShift better?
OpenShift scores 84/100 in our evaluation. OPA Gatekeeper is freemium and OpenShift is paid.
What are OPA Gatekeeper and OpenShift used for?
OPA Gatekeeper: Enforce policies and governance for Kubernetes clusters using Open Policy Agent.. OpenShift: Enterprise Kubernetes platform by Red Hat.
What does OPA Gatekeeper cost vs OpenShift?
OPA Gatekeeper is freemium (free tier + paid plans). OpenShift is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.