Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Caretta

github.com

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
Visit github.com
Spec score 8.3 #7 of 29 in eBPF Observability Tools

What it is

Caretta is a free, self-hosted Kubernetes tool from groundcover that creates a visual map of services and their network interactions. It uses eBPF for collection and is designed for Linux systems with kernel 4.16 or later and CO-RE support. The project describes a minimal footprint and says no cluster modifications are required. Installation is documented through a Helm chart, with a recommendation to use a new, unique namespace. The chart includes Grafana with a predefined Caretta dashboard and VictoriaMetrics for collecting and publishing metrics that Prometheus-compatible dashboards can consume. Both bundled services are enabled by default, as is a five-second metrics polling interval, while Helm values can disable either component. Persistent storage for VictoriaMetrics starts disabled but can be enabled. Grafana’s default setup enables anonymous mode and includes administrator credentials in the README. Caretta is self-hosted, Apache-2.0 licensed, and support is directed through Slack or repository issues.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Caretta creates a visual network map of services running in a Kubernetes cluster.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The project directs users to its Slack channel or to create a GitHub issue for help.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository provides Caretta under the Apache License, Version 2.0.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Headquarters
Tel Aviv, Israel and California, United StatesRead 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Founded
2021Read 28 Sep 2026 · github.com
Maker
The Caretta repository identifies groundcover as its maker; groundcover says it is headquartered in Tel Aviv and California.Read 5 Oct 2026 · groundcover.com
Collection
Caretta uses eBPF to map service network interactions in a Kubernetes cluster.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Configuration
Built-in VictoriaMetrics and Grafana can each be disabled through Helm values; both are enabled by default.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Defaults
The bundled VictoriaMetrics and Grafana instances are enabled by default, and the default metrics polling interval is five seconds.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Footprint
The project describes Caretta as lightweight, with a minimal system footprint, and says it does not require cluster modifications.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Grafana
The Helm chart includes a Grafana instance with a predefined dashboard for Caretta metrics.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Grafana access
The README says anonymous mode is enabled for the default dashboard and lists the default administrator credentials for editing or creating dashboards.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Install
The project documents installation through a Helm chart and recommends using a new, unique namespace.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
Caretta is installed with a Helm chart, and the project recommends using a new, unique namespace.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Metrics
Caretta uses VictoriaMetrics to collect and publish metrics, which can be consumed by Prometheus-compatible dashboards.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Requirements
Caretta requires Linux kernel version 4.16 or later and CO-RE support; the README says Docker for Mac uses a distribution that is not supported.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security setting
The included Grafana has anonymous mode enabled by default, and the README provides default administrator credentials for editing dashboards.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Storage
Persistent storage for the bundled VictoriaMetrics server is disabled by default and can be enabled through Helm values.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Visualization
The Helm chart includes Grafana with a predefined dashboard for Caretta metrics.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Caretta Free Open-source Kubernetes tool · install with Helm · requires Linux kernel >= 4.16 and CO-RE support Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Caretta plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free Apache-2.0 Kubernetes tool
  • eBPF network interaction mapping
  • Minimal footprint without cluster modifications
  • Grafana dashboard included
  • Prometheus-compatible metrics

Limits

  • Linux kernel 4.16+ and CO-RE required
  • Self-hosted deployment
  • Grafana anonymous mode enabled by default
  • Persistent storage disabled by default

Who it suits

Caretta suits Kubernetes operators who want service-network visibility on Linux and can run a self-hosted Helm deployment. It requires kernel 4.16 or newer with CO-RE support.

Verdict

Caretta provides a free way to visualize Kubernetes service interactions with bundled metrics and dashboards. Its Linux requirements, self-hosted installation and default Grafana settings should be reviewed before deployment.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to CarettaAll alternatives →