SkyPilot vs Helm: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between SkyPilot and Helm 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:
SkyPilot
Run AI workloads seamlessly across any cloud infrastructure.
Best for you if:
- • Orchestrates AI workloads across multiple cloud providers.
- • Automates resource provisioning and data management for AI.
Helm
Package manager for Kubernetes applications
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Helm is the package manager for Kubernetes that simplifies application deployment
- • It uses charts to define, install, and upgrade Kubernetes applications
| At a Glance |  SkyPilot |  Helm |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | —/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | SkyPilot | Helm |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentInfrastructure as Code | Hosting & DeploymentCI/CD |
How SkyPilot and Helm Compare
SkyPilot
Run AI workloads seamlessly across any cloud infrastructure.
Free
Helm
Package manager for Kubernetes applications
Free · 90/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: SkyPilot
Want the highest-rated option?
Helm scores 90/100. SkyPilot is unrated.
Go with: Helm
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Helm
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?
Both are hosting & deployment tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Helm
- Higher score: 90/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
SkyPilot
The Bottom Line
Helm (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SkyPilot or Helm better?
Helm scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are SkyPilot and Helm used for?
SkyPilot: Run AI workloads seamlessly across any cloud infrastructure.. Helm: Package manager for Kubernetes applications.
What does SkyPilot cost vs Helm?
SkyPilot is completely free. Helm is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.