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Headlamp

Free#23 of 28 in Container Management Software

Headlamp: A flexible Kubernetes UI for teams that want free, multicluster management. Ranked #23 of 28 in Container Management Software by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for users wanting a free Kubernetes management UI.

7.0/10Editor score

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Headlamp7.0 Visit Headlamp

At a glance

Editor score
7.0 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Users wanting a free Kubernetes management UI
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Kubernetes support
Yes
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Free, open-source Kubernetes management under Apache 2.0
- Web and desktop interfaces support Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Multicluster access, RBAC-aware controls, and real-time updates
Where it doesn't
- Provisioning and Kubernetes lifecycle automation are less developed
- Its focus is limited to Kubernetes cluster management
- Plugin-based customization may require additional configuration

Our verdict on Headlamp

Headlamp is an open-source graphical interface for managing Kubernetes clusters. It is designed for Kubernetes administrators, platform teams, developers, and organizations seeking a customizable alternative to command-line cluster management. The product can run as a web application inside a Kubernetes cluster or as a desktop application on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its core scope covers cluster and resource management, multicluster access, permissions-aware controls, and application-centric Projects across namespaces and clusters.

Headlamp’s strongest fit is its Kubernetes ecosystem. Plugin-based extensibility connects it with tools such as Backstage, Flux, Inspektor Gadget, Kompose, Kubescape, KubeVirt, OpenCost, Prometheus, and Trivy. Real-time cluster updates through WebSockets keep resource views current, while multicluster switching gives teams one interface for working across clusters. The in-cluster web deployment and desktop application provide two operating models, making Headlamp suitable for teams that need either a centrally deployed interface or a local application.

The product is presented as free and open source under Apache 2.0, with no paid tiers described. That makes it a practical choice for teams prioritizing control, extensibility, and access to Kubernetes resources without a software license cost. Its boundaries matter: the published positioning emphasizes management and visibility rather than broad provisioning or lifecycle automation. Teams looking for a focused Kubernetes UI, RBAC-aware access, Projects, and plugin integrations should consider Headlamp. Organizations seeking deeper cluster creation, provisioning, or lifecycle workflows may prefer a product built around those capabilities instead.

Your product? Our editors can test Headlamp in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Headlamp pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on headlamp.dev

Headlamp fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Deployment model	Hybrid
Kubernetes support	Yes
Multi-cluster management	Yes
Role-based access	Yes
Supported runtimes	Not verified
Cluster limit	Not verified
Deployment	Self-hosted, Desktop
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Docs, Community
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations	9 integrations: Backstage, Flux, Inspektor Gadget, Kompose, Kubescape, KubeVirt … See all →
Pricing	Free plan
Website	headlamp.dev
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

Headlamp integrations

Headlamp lists 9 integrations on its own site.

Backstage
Flux
Inspektor Gadget
Kompose
Kubescape
KubeVirt
OpenCost
Prometheus
Trivy

See all Headlamp integrations →

Alternatives to Headlamp

See all Headlamp alternatives →

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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Headlamp for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Headlamp is listed in our Container Management Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update