PureLB
PureLB: A focused, open-source choice for Kubernetes service IP allocation on Linux. Ranked #27 of 31 in Load Balancing Software by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Open source; best for kubernetes IP pool management.
At a glance
- Editor score6.6 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forKubernetes IP pool management
- Paid fromNone
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Open-source ServiceGroup pools for local and remote IP allocation
- Optional BGP, IPv4, IPv6, and dual-stack support
- Prometheus, kubectl, and NetBox capabilities for operations and IPAM
Where it doesn't
- Focused on Kubernetes service IP allocation rather than broad load balancing
- Self-hosted deployment requires a Linux-based Kubernetes environment
- BGP, remote pools, and traffic policies add configuration complexity
Our verdict on PureLB
PureLB is an open-source Kubernetes Service LoadBalancer for teams running clusters on Linux infrastructure, particularly bare-metal deployments. It allocates external service IP addresses from configured ServiceGroup pools and uses standard Linux networking to make those services reachable. The project supports local and remote address pools, Kubernetes Custom Resource Definition configuration, address sharing across services using different ports, and layer 4 routing. It is a strong fit for operators who need control over service address allocation inside their own Kubernetes environment rather than a managed load-balancing service.
Its main strength is the breadth of IP allocation options within that focused use case. PureLB supports IPv4, IPv6, and dual-stack deployments, with optional integrated BGP route advertisement for remote address pools. External traffic policy with Direct Server Return is available for remote pools, while Prometheus metrics cover pool and node-agent monitoring. A kubectl plugin adds operational visibility, and NetBox integration connects service address management with an IPAM workflow. These capabilities give platform teams several ways to align PureLB with existing routing, monitoring, and inventory practices.
PureLB is best suited to teams comfortable installing and operating self-hosted Kubernetes software and managing the surrounding Linux networking environment. Its scope is deliberately centered on assigning and exposing Kubernetes Service LoadBalancer addresses, so organizations seeking a broader application delivery platform or a managed service should consider alternatives. Teams that need Kubernetes-native IP pools, optional BGP, dual-stack support, and operational integrations should pick PureLB; teams wanting a hosted product with less infrastructure responsibility should look elsewhere.
PureLB pricing
PureLB fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Managed service | No |
| Layer 7 routing | Not verified |
| Layer 4 routing | Yes |
| 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 | 2 integrations: NetBox, Prometheus |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | purelb.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
PureLB integrations
PureLB lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- NetBox
- Prometheus
Alternatives to PureLB
- 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
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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