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MicroK8s

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Minimal Kubernetes distribution by Canonical

Free, no paid tier
Free DevOps Hosting & Deployment Container Orchestration
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Reviews on G2
17 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Price
Free, no paid tier. Compare plans

Key facts

  • MicroK8s is a lightweight Kubernetes distribution from Canonical
  • It installs as a single package for development and edge computing
  • Completely free and open-source

Pros

  • Lightweight Kubernetes
  • Easy setup
  • Good for dev
  • Snap-based
  • Canonical backed

Cons

  • Ubuntu focused
  • Not for production
  • Add-on management
  • Resource usage
  • Alternative to minikube

What is MicroK8s?

Editorial review
MicroK8s provides minimal Kubernetes that runs anywhere. Small footprint, easy installation-Kubernetes from Canonical for development and edge. The installation is trivial. The resources are minimal. The compatibility is full. Developers wanting simple local Kubernetes use MicroK8s for minimal K8s.

Available on: Linux

how we evaluate Source microk8s.io ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.4 (17 reviews)

MicroK8s holds an aggregate rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 17 reviews across G2, last checked May 29, 2026.

G2 17 reviews
4.4/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

  • Minimal Kubernetes
  • Snap install
  • Add-ons
  • Multi-node
  • Canonical
  • CNCF

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Oct 6, 2026

MicroK8s plans and prices, checked October 2026
PlanPriceDetails
Open Source

$0

  • Free to use
  • Full Kubernetes
  • Edge & IoT ready
+1 more
  • Community support
Ubuntu Pro

Custom

  • 12-year LTS support
  • Security patches
  • Enterprise support
+1 more
  • CVE fixes
View full pricing

Is MicroK8s worth the price?

Great value

MicroK8s offers an incredibly generous pricing model with its free and open-source tier, providing full Kubernetes functionality at no cost.

The 'Custom' pricing for Ubuntu Pro indicates enterprise-grade support, which is standard for such offerings. This structure is ideal for developers and small teams looking for a cost-effective Kubernetes solution, scaling to enterprises needing robust support.

Full MicroK8s pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

Reviews

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4.4/5

Across 17 verified user reviews on G2

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Best MicroK8s Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

K3s logo
K3s Free

Lightweight Kubernetes for edge and IoT

4.8
Minikube logo
Minikube Free

Local Kubernetes for development

Kind logo
Kind Free

Run local Kubernetes clusters in Docker

See all DevOps tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

MicroK8s vs K3s Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins MicroK8s vs Minikube Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins MicroK8s vs Kind Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

Explore More

MicroK8s FAQ

How does MicroK8s support local Kubernetes development?

MicroK8s provides a minimal Kubernetes distribution that is easy to install and runs anywhere, making it suitable for developers who need a simple local Kubernetes environment. Its small footprint and full compatibility ensure a smooth development experience. It is specifically designed for development and edge use cases.

Which teams would benefit most from using MicroK8s?

Teams focused on DevOps, hosting and deployment, and container orchestration would find MicroK8s particularly useful. It is ideal for developers needing a lightweight Kubernetes setup for local development and testing. Its ease of installation and minimal resource usage cater to these specific needs.

How is MicroK8s priced?

MicroK8s is free to use, without requiring any paid plans. This makes it an accessible option for developers and teams looking for a cost-effective Kubernetes solution for development and edge environments.

What kind of limitations should users be aware of with MicroK8s?

MicroK8s is primarily focused on Ubuntu and is not recommended for production environments. Users might also find its add-on management and resource usage to be considerations. It is presented as an alternative to tools like Minikube, indicating its specific niche.

How does MicroK8s compare to K3s for container orchestration?

MicroK8s, like K3s, offers a lightweight Kubernetes distribution designed for ease of use and minimal resource consumption. MicroK8s emphasizes its snap-based installation and Canonical backing, providing a simple local Kubernetes experience. Both aim to simplify Kubernetes for specific use cases, with MicroK8s being particularly strong for development and edge.

Can MicroK8s be used for hosting and deployment tasks?

Yes, MicroK8s is categorized under Hosting & Deployment, indicating its suitability for certain deployment scenarios. Its minimal Kubernetes distribution and easy installation make it a viable option for specific hosting and deployment needs, especially in development or edge contexts. It is designed to run anywhere with a small footprint.

Source: microk8s.io

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