List of the Top 23 Free Container Management Software in 2025

Google Cloud Platform presents a comprehensive solution for managing containers through its Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE). This service enables users to efficiently deploy, scale, and oversee containerized applications. GKE streamlines the deployment process and offers inherent scalability tailored for microservices architectures. New users can take advantage of $300 in free credits, allowing them to experiment with and deploy workloads, thus facilitating their exploration of container management capabilities within GCP for production scenarios. Furthermore, GCP’s container services seamlessly integrate with various other Google offerings, such as Cloud Build and Cloud Monitoring, enabling organizations to develop, deploy, and oversee applications in real-time. GKE also features automatic updates and patch management, which help maintain the security and currency of containerized applications. These functionalities significantly reduce the operational burden, making it straightforward for organizations to manage container workloads at scale.

Kasm Workspaces enables you to access your work environment seamlessly through your web browser, regardless of the device or location you are in. This innovative platform is transforming the delivery of digital workspaces for organizations by utilizing open-source, web-native container streaming technology, which allows for a contemporary approach to Desktop as a Service, application streaming, and secure browser isolation. Beyond just a service, Kasm functions as a versatile platform equipped with a powerful API that can be tailored to suit your specific requirements, accommodating any scale of operation. Workspaces can be implemented wherever necessary, whether on-premise—including in Air-Gapped Networks—within cloud environments (both public and private), or through a hybrid approach that combines elements of both. Additionally, Kasm's flexibility ensures that it can adapt to the evolving needs of modern businesses.

Kubernetes lays a strong groundwork for innovative concepts, allowing developers to accelerate their project delivery through a top-tier hybrid cloud and enterprise container platform. Red Hat OpenShift enhances this experience by automating installations, updates, and providing extensive lifecycle management for the entire container environment, which includes the operating system, Kubernetes, cluster services, and applications across various cloud platforms. As a result, teams can work with increased speed, adaptability, reliability, and a multitude of options available to them. By enabling coding in production mode at the developer's preferred location, it encourages a return to impactful work. With a focus on security integrated throughout the container framework and application lifecycle, Red Hat OpenShift delivers strong, long-term enterprise support from a key player in the Kubernetes and open-source arena. It is equipped to manage even the most intensive workloads, such as AI/ML, Java, data analytics, and databases, among others. Additionally, it facilitates deployment and lifecycle management through a diverse range of technology partners, ensuring that operational requirements are effortlessly met. This blend of capabilities cultivates a setting where innovation can flourish without any constraints, empowering teams to push the boundaries of what is possible. In such an environment, the potential for groundbreaking advancements becomes limitless.

The Percona Kubernetes Operator for both Percona XtraDB Cluster and Percona Server for MongoDB streamlines the processes of creating, modifying, or removing members within your environments for these databases. This tool is capable of establishing a Percona XtraDB Cluster, setting up a replica set for Percona Server for MongoDB, or enhancing the scalability of an existing setup. It includes all essential Kubernetes configurations necessary to maintain a reliable Percona XtraDB cluster or Percona Server for MongoDB instance. By adhering to best practices in the deployment and management of these systems, the Percona Kubernetes Operators ensure a reliable and efficient configuration process. Among its numerous advantages, the most significant benefit is the considerable time savings it offers while facilitating a stable and thoroughly tested environment for database management. Additionally, this Operator simplifies the complexities associated with database deployments, making it an invaluable asset for administrators.

Portainer Business simplifies the management of containers across various environments, from data centers to edge locations, and is compatible with Docker, Swarm, and Kubernetes, earning the trust of over 500,000 users. Its user-friendly graphical interface and robust Kube-compatible API empower anyone to easily deploy and manage containerized applications, troubleshoot container issues, establish automated Git workflows, and create user-friendly CaaS environments. The platform is compatible with all Kubernetes distributions and can be deployed either on-premises or in the cloud, making it ideal for collaborative settings with multiple users and clusters. Designed with a suite of security features, including RBAC, OAuth integration, and comprehensive logging, it is well-suited for large-scale, complex production environments. For platform managers aiming to provide a self-service CaaS environment, Portainer offers a range of tools to regulate user permissions effectively and mitigate risks associated with container deployment in production. Additionally, Portainer Business comes with full support and a detailed onboarding process that ensures seamless implementation and fast-tracks your operational readiness. This commitment to user experience and security makes it a preferred choice for organizations looking to streamline their container management.

Meet K8 Studio, the ultimate cross-platform IDE for managing Kubernetes clusters with ease. Deploy your applications seamlessly across top platforms such as EKS, GKE, and AKS, or even on your own bare metal servers, all with minimal effort. The interface provides an intuitive connection to your cluster, showcasing a comprehensive visual layout of nodes, pods, services, and other critical components. With just a single click, you can access logs, detailed descriptions, and a bash terminal for immediate interaction. K8 Studio significantly enhances your Kubernetes experience through its user-friendly features, making workflows smoother and more efficient. It includes a grid view that offers a detailed tabular display of Kubernetes objects, simplifying navigation through various components. The sidebar facilitates the rapid selection of different object types, ensuring an entirely interactive environment that updates in real time. Users can easily search and filter objects by their namespace, as well as customize their views by rearranging columns. Workloads, services, ingresses, and volumes are organized by both namespace and instance, making management straightforward and efficient. Furthermore, K8 Studio allows users to visualize the relationships between objects, providing a quick overview of pod counts and their current statuses. Immerse yourself in a more structured and effective Kubernetes management journey with K8 Studio, where every thoughtfully designed feature works to enhance your overall workflow and productivity. Embrace the power of K8 Studio and transform the way you manage your Kubernetes environments.

Ambassador Edge Stack serves as a Kubernetes-native API Gateway that delivers ease of use, robust security, and the capability to scale for extensive Kubernetes environments globally. It simplifies the process of securing microservices by offering a comprehensive suite of security features, which encompass automatic TLS, authentication, and rate limiting, along with optional WAF integration. Additionally, it facilitates fine-grained access control, allowing for precise management of user permissions. This API Gateway functions as an ingress controller based on Kubernetes, and it accommodates an extensive array of protocols, such as gRPC, gRPC Web, and TLS termination, while also providing traffic management controls that help maintain resource availability and optimize performance. Overall, Ambassador Edge Stack is designed to meet the complex needs of modern cloud-native applications.

Many organizations mistakenly believe they share the same technical needs as giants like Google and Amazon. This misguided assumption leads them to adopt increasingly complex technical infrastructures that hinder rather than enhance their progress. At Cycle, we focus on creating a robust foundation that targets the essential challenges, steering clear of the distractions of trends and the pursuit of countless superficial solutions. By prioritizing what truly counts, we aim to foster meaningful advancements.

Although numerous Kubernetes platforms allow users to establish and manage Kubernetes clusters, Loft distinguishes itself with a unique approach. Instead of functioning as a separate tool for cluster management, Loft acts as an enhanced control plane, augmenting existing Kubernetes setups by providing multi-tenancy features and self-service capabilities, thereby unlocking the full potential of Kubernetes beyond basic cluster management. It features a user-friendly interface as well as a command-line interface, while fully integrating with the Kubernetes ecosystem, enabling smooth administration via kubectl and the Kubernetes API, which guarantees excellent compatibility with existing cloud-native technologies. The development of open-source solutions is a key component of our mission, as Loft Labs is honored to be a member of both the CNCF and the Linux Foundation. By leveraging Loft, organizations can empower their teams to build cost-effective and efficient Kubernetes environments that cater to a variety of applications, ultimately promoting innovation and flexibility within their operations. This remarkable functionality allows businesses to tap into the full capabilities of Kubernetes, simplifying the complexities that typically come with cluster oversight. Additionally, Loft's approach encourages collaboration across teams, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from a well-structured Kubernetes ecosystem.

You have the option to utilize your preferred debugging software to address issues with your Kubernetes services on a local level. Telepresence, an open-source solution, facilitates the execution of a single service locally while maintaining a connection to a remote Kubernetes cluster. Originally created by Ambassador Labs, known for their open-source development tools like Ambassador and Forge, Telepresence encourages community participation through issue submissions, pull requests, and bug reporting. Engaging in our vibrant Slack community is a great way to ask questions or explore available paid support options. The development of Telepresence is ongoing, and by registering, you can stay informed about updates and announcements. This tool enables you to debug locally without the delays associated with building, pushing, or deploying containers. Additionally, it allows users to leverage their preferred local tools such as debuggers and integrated development environments (IDEs), while also supporting the execution of large-scale applications that may not be feasible to run locally. Furthermore, the ability to connect a local environment to a remote cluster significantly enhances the debugging process and overall development workflow.

8gears Container Registry is a container registry service built on Harbor, managed and provided by the project's maintainers and contributors, ensuring reliable and efficient storage for container images. This service aims to simplify the process of managing container images for users while maintaining high standards of security and accessibility.

Helm streamlines the management of applications within Kubernetes, and its charts enable users to define, install, and upgrade even the most complex Kubernetes applications with ease. These charts are designed to be user-friendly for both creation and publication, facilitating effortless versioning and sharing, which positions Helm as a vital resource in minimizing repetitive copy-and-paste tasks. By outlining even the most advanced applications, charts promote uniform installation practices and serve as a central, authoritative reference point. They also simplify the update process through in-place upgrades and customizable hooks, enhancing operational efficiency. Moreover, charts can be conveniently versioned and hosted on various platforms, whether public or private, providing flexibility for deployment. If a need arises to revert to an earlier version, the helm rollback command allows for a seamless transition. Helm utilizes a packaging format called charts, which are composed of a collection of files that delineate a related group of Kubernetes resources. Importantly, a single chart can manage the deployment of a straightforward component, like a memcached pod, or orchestrate an entire web application stack, comprising HTTP servers, databases, and caches, highlighting its versatility and strength within the Kubernetes landscape. This ability to effectively manage both simple and intricate deployments renders Helm an essential asset for developers and operators, ensuring they can efficiently navigate the complexities of the Kubernetes environment. This multifaceted approach underscores Helm's role as a cornerstone tool in modern application deployment strategies.

Deploying production-ready Kubernetes clusters can be achieved in just a few days, enabling quick user and application onboarding. Navigate the intricate landscape of Kubernetes with a powerful and intuitive DevOps solution that reduces friction among teams, enhances collaboration, and boosts overall productivity. Nirmata's Kubernetes Policy Manager guarantees that your security, compliance, and governance standards are met, allowing for seamless scalability in your operations. You can efficiently manage all your Kubernetes clusters, policies, and applications from a unified platform, while also enhancing operational efficiency via the DevSecOps Platform. This platform is specifically designed to work seamlessly with a range of cloud providers, including EKS, AKS, GKE, and OKE, and supports infrastructure solutions such as VMware, Nutanix, and bare metal. By tackling the operational hurdles that enterprise DevOps teams encounter, this solution provides a set of comprehensive management and governance tools tailored for Kubernetes environments. Organizations that adopt Nirmata can expect not only improved workflow efficiency but also a significant overhaul in their Kubernetes operational processes, leading to a more cohesive and effective development cycle. Ultimately, Nirmata empowers teams to focus on innovation rather than getting bogged down by operational challenges.

Kubernetes acts as the foundational framework for cloud infrastructures. Many organizations and individuals turn to Lens, hailed as the most comprehensive and advanced Kubernetes platform in the world, to create and oversee their Kubernetes environments. Lens Desktop easily integrates with any Kubernetes configuration, optimizing workflows and boosting efficiency. Its diverse user base encompasses developers, operations personnel, startups, and prominent enterprises. Furthermore, Lens Spaces, a cloud-based offering, amplifies its functionality by structuring existing Kubernetes setups and providing Managed Dev Clusters for improved team collaboration. Grounded in open-source values, Lens flourishes in a vibrant community supported by innovators in the Kubernetes and cloud-native fields. The intelligent terminal features both kubectl and helm, ensuring that the kubectl version is consistently aligned with the API version of the selected Kubernetes cluster. Lens also enhances configuration management by automatically adjusting the kubeconfig context to match the chosen K8s cluster, which positions it as a vital instrument for cloud-native development and operations. Ultimately, the seamless integration and user-friendly design of Lens establish it as an indispensable tool for anyone involved in the management of Kubernetes. With continuous updates and community support, it remains at the forefront of Kubernetes solutions.

StackBlitz has introduced WebContainers, a groundbreaking browser-based runtime that enables Node.js applications and operating system commands to execute directly in a web browser tab. This cutting-edge innovation allows developers to craft instant and interactive coding experiences, covering everything from tutorials to full-fledged integrated development environments, all without the need for local installations or cloud-hosted virtual machines. Operating purely on the client side, WebContainers deliver outstanding user experiences marked by zero latency, the ability to function offline, and heightened security, effectively eliminating the dangers linked to running code on remote servers. They are designed to support native Node.js toolchains, including npm, pnpm, and yarn, and are compatible with many of today’s most popular frameworks. In addition, WebContainers provide effortless integration for running WebAssembly (Wasm) from the start, facilitating the use of diverse programming languages and frameworks within the browser ecosystem. This exceptional functionality empowers developers to harness the full capabilities of web technologies, all while ensuring enhanced flexibility and performance. As a result, the potential for innovative web applications is significantly expanded, paving the way for a new era of development.

Karpenter optimizes Kubernetes infrastructure by provisioning the best nodes exactly when they are required. As a high-performance autoscaler that is open-source, Karpenter automates the deployment of essential compute resources to efficiently support various applications. Designed to leverage the full potential of cloud computing, it enables rapid and seamless provisioning of compute resources in Kubernetes settings. By swiftly adapting to changes in application demand and resource requirements, Karpenter increases application availability through intelligent workload distribution across a diverse array of computing resources. Furthermore, it effectively identifies and removes underutilized nodes, replaces costly nodes with more affordable alternatives, and consolidates workloads onto efficient resources, leading to considerable reductions in cluster compute costs. This innovative methodology improves resource management significantly and also enhances overall operational efficiency within cloud environments. With its ability to dynamically adjust to the ever-changing needs of applications, Karpenter sets a new standard for managing Kubernetes resources effectively.

An adaptable and user-friendly workload orchestrator, this tool is crafted to deploy and manage both containerized and non-containerized applications effortlessly across large-scale on-premises and cloud settings. Weighing in at just 35MB, it is a compact binary that integrates seamlessly into your current infrastructure. Offering a straightforward operational experience in both environments, it maintains low overhead, ensuring efficient performance. This orchestrator is not confined to merely handling containers; rather, it excels in supporting a wide array of applications, including Docker, Windows, Java, VMs, and beyond. By leveraging orchestration capabilities, it significantly enhances the performance of existing services. Users can enjoy the benefits of zero downtime deployments, higher resilience, and better resource use, all without the necessity of containerization. A simple command empowers multi-region and multi-cloud federation, allowing for global application deployment in any desired region through Nomad, which acts as a unified control plane. This approach simplifies workflows when deploying applications to both bare metal and cloud infrastructures. Furthermore, Nomad encourages the development of multi-cloud applications with exceptional ease, working in harmony with Terraform, Consul, and Vault to provide effective provisioning, service networking, and secrets management, thus establishing itself as an essential tool for contemporary application management. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, having a comprehensive solution like this can significantly streamline the deployment and management processes.

Quickly design, deploy, and scale web applications and APIs tailored to your needs. Leverage various frameworks including .NET, .NET Core, Node.js, Java, Python, or PHP, whether utilizing containers or operating on Windows or Linux systems. Meet rigorous enterprise-level benchmarks for performance, security, and compliance through a dependable, fully managed service that handles over 40 billion requests each day. This service offers automated infrastructure management, security enhancements, and scalability capabilities. It also provides integrated continuous integration and continuous deployment support, guaranteeing deployments without downtime. With robust security protocols and compliance certifications such as SOC and PCI, you can ensure smooth deployment across public cloud settings, Azure Government, and private infrastructures. Feel free to use your existing code or container with your chosen framework. Boost developer productivity with seamless integration into Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio. Furthermore, streamline CI/CD processes with a variety of tools including Git, GitHub, GitHub Actions, Atlassian Bitbucket, Azure DevOps, Docker Hub, and Azure Container Registry, promoting greater collaboration and efficiency among teams. Enjoy the freedom to select the tools that align best with your project requirements, allowing for a more personalized development experience. This adaptability not only enhances project outcomes but also encourages innovation in your development processes.

Mesos operates on principles akin to those of the Linux kernel; however, it does so at a higher abstraction level. Its kernel spans across all machines, enabling applications like Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, and Elasticsearch by providing APIs that oversee resource management and scheduling for entire data centers and cloud systems. Moreover, Mesos possesses native functionalities for launching containers with Docker and AppC images. This capability allows both cloud-native and legacy applications to coexist within a single cluster, while also supporting customizable scheduling policies tailored to specific needs. Users gain access to HTTP APIs that facilitate the development of new distributed applications, alongside tools dedicated to cluster management and monitoring. Additionally, the platform features a built-in Web UI, which empowers users to monitor the status of the cluster and browse through container sandboxes, improving overall operability and visibility. This comprehensive framework not only enhances user experience but also positions Mesos as a highly adaptable choice for efficiently managing intricate application deployments in diverse environments. Its design fosters scalability and flexibility, making it suitable for organizations of varying sizes and requirements.

Anthos facilitates the secure and consistent creation, deployment, and management of applications, independent of their location. It supports the modernization of legacy applications that run on virtual machines while also enabling the deployment of cloud-native applications through containers in an era that increasingly favors hybrid and multi-cloud solutions. This application platform provides a unified experience for both development and operations throughout all deployments, resulting in reduced operational costs and increased developer productivity. Anthos GKE offers a powerful enterprise-level service for orchestrating and managing Kubernetes clusters, whether hosted in the cloud or operated on-premises. With Anthos Config Management, organizations can establish, automate, and enforce policies across diverse environments to maintain compliance with required security standards. Additionally, Anthos Service Mesh simplifies the management of service traffic, empowering operations and development teams to monitor, troubleshoot, and enhance application performance in real-time. The platform ultimately allows businesses to optimize their application ecosystems and adapt more swiftly to changing technological needs. By leveraging Anthos, organizations can position themselves for greater agility and innovation in the digital landscape.

ArvanCloud CDN features numerous PoP locations strategically positioned worldwide to efficiently deliver online content to users from the closest geographical point, ensuring optimal quality and speed. With the ArvanCloud Cloud Computing infrastructure, you can easily set up unlimited cloud servers within just a few clicks. Furthermore, each server allows for the creation of multiple cloud storage disks, enabling effective management of your data center communications through Firewall and the use of private or public networks. Data stored in ArvanCloud’s Cloud Storage is secured, providing peace of mind against potential data loss, and you can access a dependable storage system from virtually anywhere in the world. Additionally, ArvanCloud's Container-Based Platform as a Service adheres to Kubernetes standards, allowing you to launch an operational product with just a few simple commands, making it exceptionally user-friendly and efficient for developers. Overall, ArvanCloud's comprehensive solutions support a seamless cloud experience tailored to various needs.

Podman functions as a container engine that runs without a daemon, specifically designed for the creation, management, and execution of OCI Containers on Linux platforms. It allows users to operate containers in both root and rootless configurations, effectively serving as a substitute for Docker by utilizing the command alias docker=podman. With Podman, users have the capability to manage pods, containers, and container images, while also providing support for Docker Swarm. We recommend adopting Kubernetes as the main standard for generating Pods and orchestrating containers, thereby making Kubernetes YAML the favored format. As a result, Podman enables the creation and management of Pods directly from a Kubernetes YAML file through commands like podman-play-kube. Furthermore, it can produce Kubernetes YAML configurations from existing containers or Pods using podman-generate-kube, which enhances the process from local development to deployment in a production Kubernetes setting. This flexibility and functionality make Podman an invaluable resource for both developers and system administrators, significantly improving the containerization workflow. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with Kubernetes further emphasizes its role as a modern solution in container management.

WhaleDeck serves as the premier application for overseeing and controlling Docker containers. Its intuitive design boasts a range of robust features, making it the essential tool for managing Docker environments effectively. With real-time monitoring of CPU, memory, disk, and network utilization, WhaleDeck lets users effortlessly keep an eye on their containers. Additionally, the log viewer facilitates tracking container logs and quickly identifying any issues that may arise. The ability to control multiple servers at once ensures that all Docker environments can be managed conveniently from a single location. Users can execute actions such as starting, stopping, and pausing containers individually or in bulk, enhancing flexibility in operations. The Split View feature further optimizes workflow, allowing simultaneous viewing of different components of your Docker setup. WhaleDeck is ideal for developers, DevOps professionals, or anyone in need of efficient management of Docker containers, providing a comprehensive solution for their container management needs. Ultimately, WhaleDeck empowers users to streamline their Docker operations with unparalleled ease and efficiency.