Creates lightweight, isolated virtual Kubernetes clusters on shared infrastructure.
Enables multi-tenancy and self-service Kubernetes environments for development and production.
Optimizes GPU utilization and supports bare metal Kubernetes deployments without VMs.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
Pros & Cons
Pros
Reduces operational overhead and costs associated with managing multiple physical clusters.
Increases agility and security through isolated, self-service Kubernetes environments.
Maximizes GPU utilization without sacrificing isolation.
Provides a production-grade free plan with advanced features for evaluation.
Supports bare metal deployments, eliminating the need for expensive VMs.
Cons
Requires an existing Kubernetes host cluster to run virtual clusters.
May introduce a learning curve for teams new to virtualized Kubernetes concepts.
Key Features
Virtual Kubernetes clusters with dedicated API server, etcd, and RBACFlexible tenancy options: shared, dedicated, and private nodesSelf-service platform controls via UI, CLI, and CRDsAdvanced syncing capabilities (CRD Sync, Sync Patches)Embedded etcd backing store for production-grade performanceSupport for various Kubernetes distributions (EKS, GKE, AKS, Rancher, OpenShift, Bare Metal)Virtual Nodes for secure workload isolation at the node level (especially for GPUs)Automated provisioning of clusters via CI/CD, APIs, or self-service portals
Pricing Plans
Open Source
Free
Spin up lightweight dev and ephemeral clusters that launch in seconds
Lightweight multi-tenancy with Shared Nodes or Dedicated Nodes
Certified Kubernetes distribution
Core resource sync to the host cluster
SQLite or self-managed etcd backing store
Community Slack
Free
$0
Run and manage virtual clusters for your team using a production-grade platform
Advanced tenancy models with stricter isolation (Private & Auto Nodes, Standalone)
Self-service platform via UI, CLI, and CRDs
Advanced Syncing (CRD Sync, Patches)
Embedded etcd backing store
Unlimited virtual clusters for up to 64 CPUs or 32 GPUs, and max 1 HA vCluster
Enterprise
Custom
Deploy mission-critical virtual clusters at enterprise scale with maximum confidence
vCluster by Loft Labs provides virtual Kubernetes clusters, enabling organizations to deliver Kubernetes environments rapidly and efficiently without the operational overhead of managing numerous physical clusters. It allows for flexible isolation options, from simple namespaces to fully dedicated clusters, catering to various workload requirements and tenancy models. This solution is particularly beneficial for platform engineering teams, GPU cloud providers, and those looking to run Kubernetes on bare metal.
vCluster addresses the challenges of multi-tenancy and resource utilization in Kubernetes by offering each tenant their own API server, etcd, and RBAC, all running on shared or dedicated infrastructure. This approach reduces costs, increases agility, and enhances security by providing isolated, self-service access to Kubernetes environments. It supports various deployment models, including shared nodes, dedicated nodes, and private nodes, making it adaptable for different use cases like building internal GPU clouds or managed Kubernetes services.
Loft Labs offers vCluster, a solution for creating virtual Kubernetes clusters. It allows users to run multiple isolated Kubernetes clusters on shared or dedicated infrastructure, providing a faster, more efficient, and secure way to manage Kubernetes environments for various use cases like platform engineering, GPU clouds, and bare metal deployments.
How much does Loft Labs cost?
Loft Labs offers a freemium model. There is a Free plan that allows users to run unlimited virtual clusters for up to 64 CPUs or 32 GPUs, including support for up to 1 HA vCluster, with advanced features beyond the open-source version. For enterprise-level features and support, users can request an Enterprise demo.
Is Loft Labs free?
Yes, Loft Labs offers a Free plan for vCluster. This plan includes production-grade platform capabilities like advanced isolation models, self-service controls, advanced syncing, and an embedded etcd backing store, designed for real usage and evaluation without requiring a credit card or forced demos.
Who is Loft Labs for?
Loft Labs' vCluster is for platform engineers, DevOps teams, GPU cloud providers, and organizations looking to build internal Kubernetes platforms. It's ideal for those who need to manage multiple Kubernetes tenants, optimize resource utilization (especially GPUs), run Kubernetes on bare metal, or provide self-service Kubernetes environments to their development teams.