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KubeClipper
What it is
KubeClipper is a free, open-source tool for managing Kubernetes clusters in an organization’s own infrastructure. It combines a web interface, APIs, and the kcctl command-line tool for deploying and managing clusters on cloud, hypervisor, or bare-metal systems. Users can create, delete, upgrade, back up, restore, and scale clusters, and register clusters created elsewhere. Deployment can be online, offline, or through a proxy, with a graphical wizard for cluster and plugin setup. Node management includes automatic registration, information collection, and a terminal; the current version supports adding and removing worker nodes only. Role-based and custom permissions, along with OIDC login for external users, support access management. Backups cover etcd data and Kubernetes resource objects, using filesystem or S3 storage such as NFS or MinIO. They do not include files generated by resources or files under persistent volumes. The project lists x86/64 and arm64 support and extensible management for CRI, CNI, CSI, and CRD components. KubeClipper is described as a CNCF Sandbox project that has passed CNCF Kubernetes Conformance Certification.
For and against
For
- Free and open source.
- Web interface, APIs, and command-line tool.
- Supports online, offline, and proxy deployment.
- Can register and manage externally created clusters.
- Backups support filesystem and S3 storage.
Against
- Backups exclude resource-generated files and persistent-volume files.
- Node changes are limited to adding and removing workers.
- All-in-One setup lists specific host and operating-system requirements.
The verdict
KubeClipper brings cluster provisioning and lifecycle management together across several infrastructure types. Its backup scope and current worker-node-only change support are important limits to weigh.
Who it suits
KubeClipper suits teams managing Kubernetes on their own cloud, hypervisor, or bare-metal infrastructure. It is aimed at enterprises that need cluster lifecycle tools and multi-cluster management.
On the record
- Access control
- The platform includes four initial roles and supports custom roles with configurable permissions.kubeclipper.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Architecture support
- The feature page lists x86/64 and arm64 support.kubeclipper.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Availability
- The maker’s Chinese homepage labels the download as free.kubeclipper.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Backup limit
- Cluster backups cover etcd data and Kubernetes resource objects, but not files or data generated by resources or files under persistent volumes.kubeclipper.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- CLI
- The kcctl command-line tool can deploy and manage KubeClipper clusters and perform most page operations.kubeclipper.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Cluster backups
- Cluster backup covers etcd data and Kubernetes resource objects, and the guide describes using NFS or MinIO for backup storage.kubeclipper.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Cluster import
- It can register and manage externally created clusters.kubeclipper.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Cluster setup
- A wizard-style graphical interface helps users deploy clusters and required plugins.kubeclipper.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Component management
- The documentation describes extensible management for CRI, CNI, CSI, and CRD components.kubeclipper.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Component support
- The overview says KubeClipper provides scalable management services for CRI, CNI, CSI, and CRD components.kubeclipper.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- Container registry
- Docker and Containerd use Docker Hub by default, and the guide explains configuring private registries, including self-signed HTTPS or HTTP registries.kubeclipper.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Deployment environments
- It can deploy Kubernetes clusters on cloud, hypervisor, and bare-metal infrastructure.kubeclipper.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Deployment modes
- KubeClipper supports online, proxy, and offline deployment methods.kubeclipper.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Deployment targets
- It can deploy Kubernetes clusters on cloud, hypervisors, or bare metal.kubeclipper.io · read 5 Oct 2026
- External identity
- External users can log in through OIDC, with OAuth2 login described in the access-control guide.kubeclipper.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Getting started
- The documented All-in-One setup recommends a host with at least 2 CPU cores and 2 GB RAM and lists CentOS 7.x, Ubuntu 18.04, or Ubuntu 20.04.github.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- High availability
- The HA deployment guide recommends at least three server nodes for availability and etcd quorum.kubeclipper.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The overview describes KubeClipper as a tool intended to help operations engineers manage multiple Kubernetes clusters across regions and infrastructure.kubeclipper.io · read 7 Oct 2026
