OpenELB
OpenELB: A focused, free load balancer for self-hosted Kubernetes and K3s clusters. Ranked #28 of 31 in Load Balancing Software by our editors (6.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for simple Kubernetes and K3s clusters.
At a glance
- Editor score6.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSimple Kubernetes and K3s clusters
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports BGP, Layer 2, and ECMP load-balancing modes
- Manages IP address pools for Kubernetes LoadBalancer services
- Installs through Helm and configures BGP with custom resources
Where it doesn't
- Runs inside self-hosted Kubernetes rather than as a managed service
- Platform support is focused on Linux and self-hosted environments
- Maturity is listed as Archived as of May 22, 2025
Our verdict on OpenELB
OpenELB is an open-source load balancer for exposing Kubernetes LoadBalancer services in bare-metal, edge, virtualization, and on-premises environments. It is aimed at teams running Kubernetes or K3s themselves, particularly where a vendor-hosted load-balancing service is not part of the deployment model. The project runs within a Kubernetes environment and supports Linux and self-hosted platforms. Its main operating modes are BGP and Layer 2, with ECMP routing and load balancing for traffic distribution.
OpenELB is available as a free open-source product rather than a managed service. Installation uses a Helm Chart, while BGP settings can be defined through Kubernetes custom resources. IP address pool management is included, giving operators a way to assign addresses for LoadBalancer services within their cluster environment. Its listed integrations include Kubernetes, K3s, KubeSphere, and Helm, making the fit clearest for teams already working within that ecosystem. The deployment model also keeps the load balancer close to the cluster rather than placing it behind a separate hosted control plane.
The product's scope is focused on core load balancing for self-hosted Kubernetes. That makes it a practical match for simple Kubernetes and K3s clusters that need BGP, Layer 2, ECMP, IP pools, and Helm-based deployment. It is less suitable for organizations seeking a vendor-managed service or a broader platform with capabilities beyond the listed Kubernetes load-balancing functions. The CNCF lists OpenELB at the Archived maturity level as of May 22, 2025, which is an important consideration for teams evaluating long-term project fit. Choose OpenELB for a focused open-source deployment; consider another option when managed operations or wider feature coverage is required.
OpenELB pricing
OpenELB fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Managed service | No |
| Layer 7 routing | Not verified |
| Layer 4 routing | Not verified |
| Global traffic management | Not verified |
| TLS termination | Not verified |
| Backend limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Kubernetes, K3s, KubeSphere, Helm |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | openelb.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
OpenELB integrations
OpenELB lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Kubernetes
- K3s
- KubeSphere
- Helm
Alternatives to OpenELB
- AWS Elastic Load BalancingBroad Layer 4 and Layer 7 load balancing for AWS production environments.9.3
- Google Cloud Load BalancingA managed load balancer for global, regional, Layer 4, and Layer 7 traffic.9.2
- Alibaba Cloud Server Load BalancerA broad Alibaba Cloud balancing service with Layer 4/7 routing and a low published entry price.9.1
See all OpenELB alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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