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Headlamp
What it is
Headlamp is a graphical interface for managing Kubernetes clusters, available as a browser-based application and a desktop app. Its controls adapt to Kubernetes RBAC permissions, so users see actions their role allows. Users can monitor multiple clusters and switch between them in the interface. A plugin system extends core functionality for particular workflows, and listed integrations include Backstage, Flux, Inspektor Gadget, Kompose, Kubescape, KubeVirt, OpenCost, Prometheus, and Trivy.
Headlamp can be deployed in a Kubernetes cluster with Helm or a YAML configuration. Documented login options include client certificates and bearer tokens, while the installation guide also documents OIDC. Headlamp may store a user token in browser local storage, but says it does not store that token in its backend or server. The plugin guide cautions that plugins run in the same JavaScript context as the main application and advises installing only trusted plugins. Headlamp is free under Apache 2.0. The project tests its desktop app on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and directs users to documentation, community Slack, GitHub issues, and monthly community meetings for help.
For and against
For
- Browser and desktop applications
- Controls reflect Kubernetes RBAC permissions
- Supports monitoring and switching among multiple clusters
- Plugins extend workflows and integrations
- Free and open source under Apache 2.0
Against
- Plugins share the main application's JavaScript context
- A user token may be stored in browser local storage
The verdict
Headlamp provides a free graphical interface for Kubernetes cluster management, with multi-cluster access and plugin customization. Users should consider its plugin-context warning and browser token-storage behavior when choosing how to use it.
Who it suits
Headlamp suits Kubernetes users who want a graphical way to manage clusters and switch among several. Its RBAC-aware controls may be useful for teams whose users have different permissions.
Plans and prices
Open-source Headlamp
Apache 2.0 licensed · desktop or in-cluster deployment · Kubernetes access governed by RBAC
Read 15 Oct 2026 · headlamp.dev
Headlamp
100% open source · Apache 2.0 · available at no charge
Read 28 Sep 2026 · headlamp.dev
On the record
- App-store availability
- The official installation pages provide desktop binaries and package-manager installs, while no official Headlamp Kubernetes listing or rating is shown on the searched Google Play, Apple App Store, Chrome Web Store, or Microsoft Store pages.headlamp.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Authentication
- In-cluster deployments support OIDC sign-in with configurable client, issuer, scopes, callback URL, token validation, and access-token options.headlamp.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Browser support
- The project reports testing on Edge, Safari, Firefox, and Chrome, while Internet Explorer 11 is unsupported.headlamp.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- CNCF status
- CNCF lists Headlamp as an extensible open-source multi-cluster Kubernetes user interface with a Fair health score of 54.cncf.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Credential handling
- The FAQ says Headlamp relies on user credentials and RBAC, may store a token in browser local storage, and does not store that token in its backend server.headlamp.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Headlamp’s plugin system extends core functionality for specific use cases and workflows.headlamp.dev · read 28 Sep 2026
- Deployment
- Headlamp can be deployed in a Kubernetes cluster using Helm or a YAML configuration.headlamp.dev · read 28 Sep 2026
- Deployment modes
- It runs either inside a Kubernetes cluster for browser access or locally as a desktop application using kubeconfig.headlamp.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Desktop packages
- Desktop distributions are provided for Windows, Linux, and macOS; Linux offers Flatpak, AppImage, and tarballs.headlamp.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Desktop platforms
- The project says it tests its desktop app on Windows, macOS, and Linux.headlamp.dev · read 28 Sep 2026
- Documentation depth
- The documentation has separate user, installation, platform, development, architecture, API, plugin, OIDC, testing, release, and learning sections.headlamp.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Installation options
- Official deployment paths include Helm, a Kubernetes YAML manifest, Minikube, Docker Desktop extension, and Glasskube.headlamp.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Documented CNCF-related integrations include Backstage, Flux, Inspektor Gadget, Kompose, KubeScape, KubeVirt, OpenCost, Prometheus, and Trivy.headlamp.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Kubernetes platforms
- The tested-platform list includes EKS, GKE, AKS, OpenShift, Minikube, K3s, Kind, OKE, LKE, Talos, K0s, VKS, NKP, Vultr, DigitalOcean, and Nutanix.headlamp.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- License
- The source repository states that Headlamp is released under the Apache 2.0 license.github.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: EKS experience
- A Reddit commenter reported that Headlamp was poor to use with EKS clusters, without providing further technical detail.reddit.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: performance and web UX
- Reddit comments described Headlamp as needing polish, feeling laggy during navigation, and having occasional web errors; another user found log inspection and terminal access unusable in web UIs generally.reddit.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: plugin maturity
- A Reddit commenter said the Flux plugin appeared early-stage and warned that users might need to contribute to keep it working with newer clusters.reddit.com · read 15 Oct 2026
