Docker Swarm vs K3s

Detailed comparison across 10 dimensions

Winner: Docker Swarm

Docker Swarm clearly comes out ahead of K3s on Staquest's weighted six-dimension score. Both offer a free tier.

Quick Overview

Overview	Docker SwarmNative clustering and orchestration built into the Docker Engine.	K3sLightweight Kubernetes distribution for edge and IoT workloads.
Type	hybrid	hybrid
Company	Docker	SUSE
Free Tier
Has API
Open Source
Trending	Stable	Stable
Industries	DevelopmentSaaS & Cloud	DevelopmentSaaS & Cloud
Categories	devops	devops
Website	Visit	Visit

Dimension Scores

Winners by Dimension

Overall Winner

Docker Swarm

Docker Swarm: 7.1K3s: 6.6(+0.5 pts)

Pricing Value

Tie15% weight

Docker Swarm

8.0

K3s

8.0

Free Tier

Docker Swarm10% weight

Docker Swarm

9.0

K3s

6.5

Scalability

Tie10% weight

Docker Swarm

4.8

K3s

4.8

Integrations

Tie10% weight

Docker Swarm

8.0

K3s

8.0

Community

Tie5% weight

Docker Swarm

3.1

K3s

3.1

Open Source

Tie5% weight

Docker Swarm

7.0

K3s

7.0

Pricing Comparison

Docker Swarm

Open Source

Free

open source

Native clustering functionality
Integrated with Docker Engine
Raft consensus algorithm
Built-in overlay networking
Load balancing
Service discovery

K3s

Open Source

Free

open source

CNCF Sandbox Project

Feature Comparison

Feature	docker-swarm	k3s
Built-In Overlay Networking
Cncf Sandbox Project
Integrated With Docker Engine
Load Balancing
Native Clustering Functionality
Raft Consensus Algorithm
Service Discovery

Showing 7 of 7 features

Dashes mean the feature isn't listed in our data. The tool may still support it.

Frequently asked questions

Is Docker Swarm or K3s better?

On Staquest's weighted six-dimension scoring, Docker Swarm comes out ahead overall, though K3s can be the better fit depending on your priorities — see the dimension-by-dimension breakdown above.

Does Docker Swarm or K3s have a free tier?

Both Docker Swarm and K3s offer a free tier.

View Docker Swarm View K3s