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SPECIFICTION
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k0s

k0sproject.io

Free plan WindowsLinuxSelf-hosted
Visit k0sproject.io
Spec score 8.1 #6 of 23 in Local Kubernetes Tools

What it is

k0s is a free, self-hosted Kubernetes distribution for deploying workloads across public and private clouds, on-premises systems, bare metal, edge locations, and IoT environments. It comes as a single binary and needs no host operating-system components beyond the kernel. The project describes it as CNCF-certified Kubernetes and lists support for x86-64, ARM64, ARMv7, and RISC-V. Installation options include single-node, multi-node, air-gapped, and Docker methods. The k0sctl tool supports cluster lifecycle tasks such as upgrades and backup and restore. Kube-Router is the default networking option; custom CNI plugins are supported, with Calico listed as a preconfigured alternative. Datastore choices include etcd, SQLite, MySQL, and PostgreSQL. Listed security features include kube-bench, RBAC, network policies, control plane isolation, and OpenID provider support. Minimum requirements are 1 vCPU and 1 GB RAM. The project aims to keep the base versatile by limiting bundled add-ons such as ingress, service meshes, and storage. Mirantis offers support services and subscriptions.

Spec sheet

Purpose
k0s is a Kubernetes distribution for deploying workloads across public and private cloud, on-premises, bare metal, edge, and IoT environments.Read 5 Oct 2026 · k0sproject.io
Security
The project site lists kube-bench, RBAC, network policies, control plane isolation, and OpenID provider support among its security features.Read 5 Oct 2026 · k0sproject.io
Support
The project identifies Mirantis as offering technical support, professional services, training, and support subscriptions with prioritized phone, web, and email support.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.k0sproject.io
Headquarters
Campbell, California, United StatesRead 28 Sep 2026 · k0sproject.io
Architecture
The documentation lists support for x86-64, ARM64, ARMv7, and RISC-V.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.k0sproject.io
Certification
The project describes k0s as CNCF-certified Kubernetes.Read 5 Oct 2026 · k0sproject.io
Datastores
The documentation lists etcd, SQLite, MySQL, and PostgreSQL datastore backends.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.k0sproject.io
FIPS
FIPS 140-2 is available upon request and commercial agreement.Read 5 Oct 2026 · k0sproject.io
Installation
The documentation lists single-node, multi-node, air-gapped, and Docker installation methods.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.k0sproject.io
Intended deployments
The documentation says k0s is used from small far-edge deployments to large data centers.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.k0sproject.io
Lifecycle
k0sctl supports cluster lifecycle management, including upgrades and backup and restore.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.k0sproject.io
Networking
k0s uses Kube-Router by default and supports custom CNI plugins, with Calico listed as a preconfigured alternative.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.k0sproject.io
Packaging
k0s is distributed as a single binary with no host OS dependencies besides the kernel.Read 5 Oct 2026 · k0sproject.io
Scope
The project aims to provide a versatile Kubernetes base and says it minimizes bundled add-ons such as ingress, service meshes, and storage.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.k0sproject.io
System requirements
The documentation lists minimum requirements of 1 vCPU and 1 GB RAM.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.k0sproject.io

Plans and prices

k0s Free 100% open source · free for personal or commercial use Read 5 Oct 2026 · k0sproject.io

Every k0s plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free for personal or commercial use
  • Single binary with no host OS dependency beyond the kernel
  • Supports x86-64, ARM64, ARMv7, and RISC-V
  • Includes single-node, multi-node, air-gapped, and Docker installation methods
  • Supports four datastore backends

Limits

  • Minimum requirements are 1 vCPU and 1 GB RAM
  • FIPS 140-2 is available only upon request and commercial agreement
  • Bundled add-ons such as ingress and storage are minimized

Who it suits

k0s suits operators who want a self-hosted Kubernetes base across cloud, on-premises, edge, or IoT environments. Its documented installation choices and architectures cover varied deployment setups.

Verdict

k0s offers a lean Kubernetes base with multiple installation, networking, and datastore options. Teams should account for its limited bundled add-ons and the commercial condition attached to FIPS 140-2.

Where Specifiction places it

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