The Things Network vs K3s: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between The Things Network and K3s 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:
The Things Network
Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.
Best for you if:
- • Provides an open, global LoRaWAN network for IoT applications.
- • Offers tools and resources for managing devices, gateways, and data.
K3s
Lightweight Kubernetes for edge and IoT
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • K3s is a lightweight Kubernetes distribution for edge, IoT, and resource-constrained environments
- • It provides full Kubernetes functionality in a single binary under 100MB
| At a Glance |  The Things Network |  K3s |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | IoT Platforms | IoT Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | The Things Network | K3s |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IoT Platforms | IoT PlatformsEdge Computing |
How The Things Network and K3s Compare
The Things Network
Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.
Free
K3s
Lightweight Kubernetes for edge and IoT
Free · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: The Things Network
Want the highest-rated option?
K3s scores 86/100. The Things Network is unrated.
Go with: K3s
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: K3s
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 iot platforms tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
K3s
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
The Things Network
The Bottom Line
K3s (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Things Network or K3s better?
K3s scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are The Things Network and K3s used for?
The Things Network: Build and scale IoT applications with a global, open LoRaWAN network.. K3s: Lightweight Kubernetes for edge and IoT.
What does The Things Network cost vs K3s?
The Things Network is completely free. K3s is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.