Caretta

Caretta is a free, self-hosted tool that maps services and network interactions in a Kubernetes cluster. It uses eBPF to collect the network information and is described as having a minimal system footprint without requiring cluster modifications. Caretta runs on Linux and needs kernel version 4.16 or later with CO-RE support. Installation uses a Helm chart, and the project recommends a new, unique namespace. The chart includes Grafana with a predefined dashboard and VictoriaMetrics for collecting and publishing metrics that Prometheus-compatible dashboards can consume. Both bundled services are enabled by default, as is a five-second metrics polling interval; Helm values can disable Grafana or VictoriaMetrics. Persistent storage for the bundled VictoriaMetrics server is off by default and can be enabled in Helm values. Grafana’s default setup has anonymous mode enabled, and the README provides administrator credentials for dashboard editing. The repository lists an Apache-2.0 license and directs users to Slack or repository issues for support.

Caretta offers Kubernetes network mapping with bundled metrics and dashboard components. Operators should review its Linux prerequisites and default Grafana access settings as part of deployment.

Caretta suits operators who want a self-hosted visual view of service networking in Kubernetes and can meet its Linux kernel and CO-RE requirements.

Overview

Caretta is a free, self-hosted tool that maps service-to-service network activity inside Kubernetes using eBPF. It suits operators who want a visual view of cluster connections and can meet its Linux requirements. The bundled metrics and dashboard components make it a focused starting point, but the default Grafana access settings need deliberate handling.

Key features

Caretta builds a visual map from network interactions it observes in a Kubernetes cluster. Its maker describes it as lightweight and says it requires no cluster modifications. That combination suits teams seeking network visibility without changing cluster workloads; Caretta’s stated focus remains mapping service interactions rather than providing broader observability.

Deployment uses a Helm chart, with a new, unique namespace recommended. The chart enables VictoriaMetrics and Grafana by default: VictoriaMetrics collects and publishes metrics for Prometheus-compatible dashboards, and Grafana includes a predefined Caretta dashboard. Operators can disable either bundled service through Helm values, which is useful when they already have preferred components. Metrics are polled every five seconds by default.

Two defaults deserve attention during setup. Persistent storage for the bundled VictoriaMetrics server is disabled, so operators who need data to persist across restarts should enable it through Helm values. Grafana anonymous mode is enabled by default, and the README provides administrator credentials for dashboard editing; teams should consider access settings before exposing the instance.

Pricing

Caretta is free and open source under the Apache-2.0 license. Its Caretta plan costs nothing and covers the open-source Kubernetes tool; there are no paid tiers or seat-based charges described. The trade-off is operational ownership: it is self-hosted, so teams deploy and configure the chart and its included services themselves.

Platforms

Caretta is self-hosted on Linux and supports Kubernetes. It requires Linux kernel version 4.16 or later with CO-RE support, so it is not a fit for clusters whose nodes cannot meet those prerequisites. The Helm chart is the documented installation route.

Who it's for

Caretta is a sensible choice for Kubernetes operators who need a visual map of service network interactions, want to run the tool themselves, and can manage its Linux requirements and Grafana configuration. It is less suitable for teams seeking a general-purpose observability platform or a managed deployment.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free, Apache-2.0 licensed, and self-hosted, with no paid plan or license fee to budget for.
• Pros: eBPF-based mapping is designed to be lightweight and avoid cluster modifications.
• Pros: The chart includes a predefined Grafana dashboard and VictoriaMetrics, with either component optional through Helm values.
• Cons: Linux kernel 4.16 or later and CO-RE support are hard prerequisites.
• Cons: VictoriaMetrics persistence is off by default, requiring a configuration change when retained metrics matter.
• Cons: Anonymous Grafana access is enabled by default, so access configuration merits attention before deployment.

Alternatives

DeepFlow is worth considering for teams looking for an open-source option that supports Linux servers and selected Kubernetes, cloud, and container environments, with broader platform availability.

bpftrace is another free, self-hosted Linux tool; choose it when Linux tracing is the goal rather than Caretta’s specific visual map of Kubernetes service interactions.

Grafana k6 offers a free plan capped at 500 virtual user hours per month and a Pro plan at $19 a month, making it an alternative for readers comparing a metered free tier and paid plan.

groundcover offers a free-forever plan with 12-hour data retention, Slack Community support, and BYOC; it may suit teams comparing Caretta with a broader offering from the same maker.

Kubeshark has a free Community plan capped at three nodes or 60 pods, requiring internet connectivity; that cap is a consideration for deployments that fit within it.

Parca is a free, Apache 2-licensed open-source option for teams comparing other self-hosted Linux tools.

BCC is a free, Apache-2.0 licensed Linux tool requiring kernel 4.1 or newer; its lower stated kernel threshold may matter for teams unable to meet Caretta’s 4.16 requirement.

Coroot offers a self-hosted Community Edition with core features under Apache 2.0, as well as a Standard plan priced at $1 a month per monitored CPU core.

Browse more options in eBPF Observability Tools.

Verdict

Choose Caretta if you run Kubernetes on compatible Linux nodes and want a free, focused visual map of service network activity with a dashboard stack ready to deploy. Its main appeal is that focused visibility without cluster modifications; look elsewhere if you need broader observability, cannot meet the kernel requirements, or prefer not to manage Grafana access and metrics persistence.