# k9s

> Apache-2.0 terminal UI for Kubernetes

**Category:** DevOps  
**Pricing:** open-source  
**URL:** https://k9scli.io  
**GitHub:** https://github.com/derailed/k9s  
**Added:** 2026-09-06

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## The Hook

k9s is the Kubernetes TUI when kubectl get/describe loops are slower than navigating pods live.

## What's Good

Apache-2.0 Go binary. Live views of pods, logs, resources, skins, plugins. Keyboard-first cluster ops without leaving the terminal.

## The Catch

K8s cluster TUI - not Helm packaging, not a dashboard SaaS. Needs a working kubeconfig and cluster access. Not Lens Electron GUI.

## Verdict

Apache-2.0 K8s TUI. Free forever; you still bring the cluster.