Azure CNI
Azure CNI: A free, open-source CNI for flexible AKS networking and policy control. Ranked #9 of 27 in Container Networking Software by our editors (8.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for azure Kubernetes Service networking.
At a glance
- Editor score8.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAzure Kubernetes Service networking
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Network policiesYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source with multiple Azure networking models
- Supports Cilium and Kubernetes NetworkPolicy enforcement
- Offers overlay, pod-subnet, dual-stack and egress controls
Where it doesn't
- Focused on Azure Kubernetes Service and Azure networking
- Underlying Azure resources are billed separately
- Some encryption features require additional networking services
Our verdict on Azure CNI
Azure CNI is Microsoft's container networking interface for workloads running in Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS). It is designed for Kubernetes operators who need Azure virtual network integration, scalable pod networking, or direct connectivity between pods and connected networks. The product supports Linux and Windows environments, API access, and several networking models, including Azure CNI Overlay, Azure CNI Pod Subnet, and Azure CNI Node Subnet.
Azure CNI itself has no separate published price, and the product is free and open source. AKS cluster management is free, while the underlying Azure resources are billed. The ecosystem fit is centered on Azure: integrations include AKS, Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, Azure Monitor, Azure Managed Grafana, Cilium, and Calico. Depending on the selected data plane, clusters can use Azure CNI Powered by Cilium, Azure iptables, or a customer-provided CNI, giving operators options within the AKS networking model.
Its feature set covers both address management and traffic control. Overlay networking uses separate pod CIDR ranges, while Pod Subnet networking supports dynamic IP allocation or static block allocation. Direct virtual network connectivity is available for pods, alongside dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 networking, configurable egress traffic controls, encryption in transit, and network policy enforcement through Cilium or Kubernetes NetworkPolicy. Encryption features and cross-cluster capabilities may require Azure CNI Powered by Cilium and/or Advanced Container Networking Services. Choose Azure CNI when AKS and Azure networking are central requirements; teams seeking a networking tool independent of that ecosystem should look elsewhere.
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Azure CNI pricing
Azure CNI fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| CNI plugin | Yes |
| Network policies | Yes |
| Egress control | Yes |
| Multi-cluster networking | Not verified |
| Encryption in transit | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Linux, Windows, Azure Kubernetes Service, Azure CNI Overlay, Azure CNI Pod Subnet, Azure CNI Node Subnet |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, Windows |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: Azure Kubernetes Service, Azure CLI, Azure PowerShell, Cilium, Calico, Azure Monitor … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | learn.microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Azure CNI integrations
Azure CNI lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- Azure Kubernetes Service
- Azure CLI
- Azure PowerShell
- Cilium
- Calico
- Azure Monitor
- Azure Managed Grafana
Alternatives to Azure CNI
- CiliumA broad open-source networking and observability layer for Kubernetes environments.9.4
- Calico Open SourceA free, broad Kubernetes networking stack with policy, encryption, and multi-cluster support.9.2
- AntreaA strong open-source choice for advanced Kubernetes networking, policy, and visibility.9.0
See all Azure CNI alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Azure CNI is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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