OpenShift vs MicroK8s: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between OpenShift 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:
OpenShift
Enterprise Kubernetes platform by Red Hat
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • OpenShift is Red Hat's enterprise Kubernetes platform
- • It provides container orchestration with developer tools and security features
MicroK8s
Minimal Kubernetes distribution by Canonical
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • MicroK8s is a lightweight Kubernetes distribution from Canonical
- • It installs as a single package for development and edge computing
| At a Glance |  OpenShift |  MicroK8s |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 84/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | OpenShift | MicroK8s |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentContainer Orchestration | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD |
How OpenShift and MicroK8s Compare
OpenShift
Enterprise Kubernetes platform by Red Hat
Paid · 84/100 score
MicroK8s
Minimal Kubernetes distribution by Canonical
Free · 82/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
MicroK8s is free. OpenShift is paid.
Go with: MicroK8s
Want the highest-rated option?
OpenShift: 84/100. MicroK8s: 82/100.
Go with: OpenShift
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenShift
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
OpenShift is paid. MicroK8s is free. Go with MicroK8s if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are hosting & deployment tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
OpenShift scores higher: 84/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
OpenShift
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 82
- Our pick for this comparison
MicroK8s
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
OpenShift (84/100) is our pick. That said, MicroK8s is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OpenShift or MicroK8s better?
OpenShift scores 84/100 in our evaluation. OpenShift is paid and MicroK8s is free.
What are OpenShift and MicroK8s used for?
OpenShift: Enterprise Kubernetes platform by Red Hat. MicroK8s: Minimal Kubernetes distribution by Canonical.
What does OpenShift cost vs MicroK8s?
OpenShift is a paid tool. MicroK8s is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.