Kubus
What it is
Kubus is a free, open-source Kubernetes GUI that runs locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It brings resources, logs, shells, port forwards, metrics, and Helm management into one desktop application. Selected kubeconfig contexts can appear together in merged lists with a cluster column. Kubus supports built-in Kubernetes resources and discovers custom resource definitions live. For debugging, it streams logs from multiple pods and offers container terminals, ephemeral debug containers, and node shells. Helm releases can be browsed, installed, upgraded, rolled back, and removed without the Helm binary. Existing kubeconfig credentials support GKE, EKS, and AKS plugins, while SSH jump hosts and SOCKS or HTTP proxies are also supported. The local server binds to 127.0.0.1; the maker says there is no cloud, account, or telemetry, and Secret values are redacted by default. Metrics and health charts require metrics-server. New releases no longer support Intel Macs.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Local GUI for Kubernetes resources
- Multi-context merged views
- Helm management without Helm binary
- Logs, terminals, and debug containers
Against
- Metrics require metrics-server
- New releases omit Intel Mac support
- Uses permissions from kubeconfig
- No cloud account or telemetry
The verdict
Kubus provides a broad local Kubernetes workspace with practical debugging and Helm controls. Check operating-system support and the metrics-server requirement before deployment.
Who it suits
Kubus suits Kubernetes operators and developers who want a local graphical client for cluster administration, troubleshooting, and Helm work. It is especially relevant to users managing multiple contexts or requiring proxy and jump-host connections.
Plans and prices
Kubus
Free and open-source; no paid tiers stated
Read 4 Oct 2026 · kubus-app.dev
On the record
- Access control
- Kubus uses the permissions granted by the configured kubeconfig, while its protected-cluster guard requires typing a resource name before destructive actions.kubus-app.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Helm
- Kubus supports Helm release browsing, installation, upgrades, rollbacks, and uninstall without requiring the Helm binary.kubus-app.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Kubus uses existing kubeconfig credentials and supports GKE, EKS, and AKS through their credential plugins; it can also connect through SSH jump hosts or SOCKS/HTTP proxies.kubus-app.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Logs and debugging
- It can stream logs from multiple pods and provides container terminals, ephemeral debug containers, and node shells.kubus-app.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Kubus is built in the open and in the maker's spare time by FloSch, who describes it as the Kubernetes client they wanted for their network automation work.kubus-app.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Metrics requirement
- Metrics and health charts require metrics-server in the Kubernetes cluster.kubus-app.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Multi-cluster
- It can display selected kubeconfig contexts together in merged lists with a cluster column.kubus-app.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Platform availability
- Desktop installers are listed for Windows, Apple Silicon macOS, and Linux; Intel Macs are no longer supported by new releases.kubus-app.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- Kubus is a free, open-source Kubernetes GUI that runs locally and brings resources, logs, shells, port forwards, metrics, and Helm into one desktop app.kubus-app.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Resources
- It supports built-in Kubernetes resource types and discovers custom resource definitions live.kubus-app.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The local server binds to 127.0.0.1, Kubus says it has no cloud, account, or telemetry, and Secret values are redacted by default.kubus-app.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker welcomes bug reports, ideas, and pull requests through the GitHub issue tracker.kubus-app.dev · read 4 Oct 2026
