Zephyr Project vs K3s: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Zephyr Project 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:
Zephyr Project
Build secure, connected, and future-proof devices with a proven RTOS ecosystem.
Best for you if:
- • Open-source, scalable RTOS for resource-constrained embedded devices.
- • Supports over 900 boards and multiple architectures (32-bit and 64-bit).
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 |  Zephyr Project |  K3s |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | IoT Platforms | IoT Platforms |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Zephyr Project | 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 PlatformsEdge Computing | IoT PlatformsEdge Computing |
How Zephyr Project and K3s Compare
Zephyr Project
Build secure, connected, and future-proof devices with a proven RTOS ecosystem.
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: Zephyr Project
Want the highest-rated option?
K3s scores 86/100. Zephyr Project 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
Zephyr Project
The Bottom Line
K3s (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zephyr Project or K3s better?
K3s scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Zephyr Project and K3s used for?
Zephyr Project: Build secure, connected, and future-proof devices with a proven RTOS ecosystem.. K3s: Lightweight Kubernetes for edge and IoT.
What does Zephyr Project cost vs K3s?
Zephyr Project is completely free. K3s is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.