Lightweight Kubernetes Alternatives

Comments primarily recommend k3s and similar distributions like microk8s, minikube, and k3d as simpler, resource-efficient alternatives to full Kubernetes for hobbyist projects, single-node setups, and learning purposes.

📉 Falling 0.4x DevOps & Infrastructure
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OK AWS K3S UI kubernetes.io compose.yml VPS VM K8S portainer.io kubernetes k8s cluster docker setup clusters vm node prem bare metal

Sample Comments

mkesper Feb 11, 2025 View on HN

Yes, tried that once. Just use k3s and you get the stock Kubernetes experience with less resources.

threentaway Oct 4, 2020 View on HN

In that case you probably want to be looking at K3s and not full blown Kubernetes.

fullito Jun 9, 2020 View on HN

I can recommend in getting in k8s with something like microk8s from ubuntu:You will learn k8s and you will get the same thing as they do but with open components, industry standards and a whole industry moving in this direction.I have already microk8s running at home with argocd. I have never had IaC that quick and that simple setup.With traefik you can have your domains as well. Then just go to gitlab (or now to github, haven't checked out yet if i wanna migrate back) and register

bennofs May 1, 2020 View on HN

This sounds like you want https://k3s.io, a kubernetes distribution specially made for single node and probably much simpler.

odensc Mar 23, 2020 View on HN

FYI, if you're looking to deploy a hobbyist/side-project Kubernetes cluster I'd highly recommend k3s [1] - it's a lightweight certified distribution, and is ridiculously easy to set up. I haven't needed to do any maintenance besides the periodic update.It also works fine for production in my experience, I have a mildly popular website running on a 4GB VPS with it and haven't had any issues related to k3s itself.[1]: <a href="https://k3s.io/" rel

jopython Jan 19, 2020 View on HN

You could try k3s which is much easier to deploy.

sandGorgon Jun 9, 2020 View on HN

Try k3s.io . You will have a much more pleasant experience

import Aug 16, 2025 View on HN

You can just install k3s maybe?

_joel Mar 1, 2023 View on HN

If you don't need full k8s, maybe k3s.io might be more suited? Althogh I've found kind/minikube to be fine for usage, by ymmv.

the_duke May 28, 2020 View on HN

Running a light weight Kubernetes setup like k3s locally is a better solution for that use case, imo.