Minimal Kubernetes distribution by Canonical
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17 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Lightweight Kubernetes
Biggest con
Ubuntu focused
TL;DR - MicroK8s
- MicroK8s is a lightweight Kubernetes distribution from Canonical
- It installs as a single package for development and edge computing
- Completely free and open-source
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
4.4/5 across review platforms
What is MicroK8s?
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
Pros & Cons
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
Ratings Across the Web
4.4(17 reviews)
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Key Features
Minimal KubernetesSnap installAdd-onsMulti-nodeCanonicalCNCF
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Jul 6, 2026
Open Source
Free
- Free to use
- Full Kubernetes
- Edge & IoT ready
- Community support
Ubuntu Pro
Custom
- 12-year LTS support
- Security patches
- Enterprise support
- CVE fixes
Reviews
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4.4/5
Across 17 verified user reviews on G2
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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