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AWS Controllers for Kubernetes

aws-controllers-k8s.github.io

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Spec score 7.9 #8 of 31 in Infrastructure as Code Tools

What it is

AWS Controllers for Kubernetes (ACK) lets Kubernetes users define AWS resources with Kubernetes custom resources. It periodically compares desired and actual AWS state and corrects drift. Documentation lists 74 service controllers, including S3, RDS, Lambda and DynamoDB. ACK supports declarative, version-controlled infrastructure alongside applications, across AWS accounts and regions. Read-only resources and read-only adoption support migration from other infrastructure-as-code tools. EKS users can install managed EKS Capabilities, where AWS handles controller installation and upgrades with automatic updates, auto-scaling and auto-tuning. Self-managed Helm installation runs on EKS, GKE, AKS, on-premises clusters and local environments, providing version and configuration control. AWS IAM authorizes controller access. Self-managed ACK costs nothing for Helm installation on Kubernetes 1.20+ on any Kubernetes cluster. EKS Capability pricing is hourly, with a base rate per enabled capability plus usage charges for each ACK resource managed.

Spec sheet

Purpose
ACK lets users define and manage AWS resources directly from Kubernetes using Kubernetes custom resources.Read 9 Oct 2026 · aws-controllers-k8s.github.io
Intended users
The documentation recommends EKS Capabilities for EKS users seeking a managed experience and self-managed installation for users needing version and configuration control or running other Kubernetes environments.Read 9 Oct 2026 · aws-controllers-k8s.github.io
Founded
2006Read 28 Sep 2026 · aws-controllers-k8s.github.io
AWS services
The documentation lists 74 controllers for AWS services, including S3, RDS, Lambda, and DynamoDB.Read 9 Oct 2026 · aws-controllers-k8s.github.io
Cross-account and region
ACK supports managing resources across AWS accounts and regions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · aws-controllers-k8s.github.io
GitOps
ACK supports declarative, version-controlled infrastructure management alongside applications.Read 9 Oct 2026 · aws-controllers-k8s.github.io
Installation options
Amazon EKS users can choose the managed EKS Capabilities installation, while self-managed Helm installation works on EKS, GKE, AKS, on-premises clusters, and local development environments.Read 9 Oct 2026 · aws-controllers-k8s.github.io
Managed operations
With EKS Capabilities, AWS manages controller installation and upgrades, and provides automatic updates, auto-scaling, and auto-tuning.Read 9 Oct 2026 · aws-controllers-k8s.github.io
Permissions
ACK uses AWS IAM permissions to authorize controller access to AWS resources.Read 9 Oct 2026 · aws-controllers-k8s.github.io
Pricing
EKS Capability charges are hourly and include a base rate for each enabled capability plus usage charges; ACK usage is counted per resource managed.Read 9 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com
Reconciliation
ACK periodically reconciles desired resource state with actual state in AWS and corrects drift.Read 9 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Resource adoption
ACK supports read-only resources and read-only adoption to facilitate migration from other infrastructure-as-code tools.Read 9 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Support channels
The documentation links to the aws-controllers-k8s Slack channel and GitHub Discussions for community participation.Read 9 Oct 2026 · aws-controllers-k8s.github.io

Plans and prices

Self-managed ACK Free Helm installation · Kubernetes 1.20+ · any Kubernetes cluster Read 9 Oct 2026 · aws-controllers-k8s.github.io
ACK EKS Capability Priced on request Hourly for each enabled capability and each ACK resource managed Requires Amazon EKS · no minimum commitment or upfront fees Read 9 Oct 2026 · aws.amazon.com

Every AWS Controllers for Kubernetes plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Corrects drift between Kubernetes and AWS state
  • Lists 74 AWS service controllers
  • Supports cross-account and cross-region resources
  • Offers read-only adoption for migration
  • Self-managed plan is free

Limits

  • EKS Capability pricing is hourly
  • Managed EKS option requires Amazon EKS
  • Self-managed installation requires Kubernetes 1.20+

Who it suits

ACK suits teams managing AWS infrastructure through Kubernetes and declarative, version-controlled workflows. EKS users can choose managed operations, while other Kubernetes users can run the self-managed Helm installation.

Verdict

ACK connects Kubernetes resource definitions with AWS services and continuously reconciles them. Its free self-managed plan covers any Kubernetes cluster, while EKS Capabilities add managed operations with hourly capability and resource charges.

Where Specifiction places it

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