Headlamp vs Mirantis Kubernetes Engine

Headlamp is a free graphical interface for managing Kubernetes clusters, available as a browser-based application and a desktop app. It adjusts its controls to Kubernetes role-based permissions, so users see only actions their role allows. Users can monitor multiple clusters and switch between them in the interface. A plugin system extends core functionality for specific workflows, with integrations including Backstage, Flux, Inspektor Gadget, Kompose, Kubescape, KubeVirt, OpenCost, Prometheus, and Trivy. Headlamp can be deployed in a Kubernetes cluster using Helm or YAML configuration. Documented sign-in methods include client certificates, bearer tokens, and OIDC. The project says a user token may be stored in browser local storage, but not in its backend or server. Its plugin guidance warns that plugins share the main application’s JavaScript context and recommends installing only trusted plugins. Headlamp is available at no charge under Apache 2.0. The project says it tests its desktop app on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Support options include documentation, community Slack, GitHub issues, and monthly community meetings.

Mirantis Kubernetes Engine (MKE 4) is a self-hosted enterprise Kubernetes platform built on the open-source k0s distribution. It supports deployment across public and private clouds, multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud environments, and bare-metal infrastructure. Teams manage cluster lifecycle with the mkectl command-line tool and a declarative mke4.yaml configuration file; standardized APIs and GitOps-based lifecycle management are also listed. A cluster combines k0s, a container network interface, the MKE control plane, system services, and user services. Calico is installed by default, with other network interface options supported. The web dashboard manages Kubernetes resources in an MKE-managed cluster. Backup and restore are supported, and the CLI upgrade process includes automated backups. Authentication through Dex supports OIDC, SAML, and LDAP, but not MFA. MKE 4 requires x86_64 and Linux manager/control-plane nodes; supported operating systems include specified Ubuntu, RHEL, and Rocky Linux versions, plus Windows Server worker nodes. A valid license is required, and a trial license is available on request. Mirantis offers 24/7 proactive support or managed services.