PureLB review
A focused, open-source choice for Kubernetes service IP allocation on Linux.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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 pros and cons
- 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
PureLB fact sheet, pricing and score →
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. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update