OpenLens Is Dead: 13 Kubernetes Dashboard Alternatives That Actually Work in 2025

If you've been using OpenLens to manage your Kubernetes clusters, I have bad news: it's no longer being maintained. The last update was months ago, and the community has moved on.

But here's the good news: the Kubernetes dashboard ecosystem has exploded with alternatives. After testing 13 different tools across my production and dev clusters, I've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you find your next Kubernetes UI.

TL;DR: My Top Picks

Why OpenLens Died (And What to Do About It)

Lens started as an open-source project but gradually moved toward a commercial model. The community fork, OpenLens, kept the open-source dream alive—until it didn't. Development stalled, bugs went unfixed, and security patches stopped coming.

The good news? A new fork called Freelens has picked up where OpenLens left off. But if you want to explore what else is out there, read on.

Top Alternatives to Lens

Kubernetes dashboards generally fall into two categories: Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and Terminal User Interfaces (TUIs). Let's explore the best options in each category.

Terminal-Based Dashboards (TUIs)

K9s: The Terminal Lover's Dashboard

K9s takes a unique approach by providing a terminal-based UI for Kubernetes. Despite being terminal-based, it offers a surprisingly rich and interactive experience.

Key Features:

• Terminal-based UI with keyboard-driven navigation
• Real-time resource monitoring
• Support for multiple clusters and contexts
• Plugin system for extensibility
• Built-in resource editing capabilities

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and fast
• Works well in SSH sessions and remote environments
• Low resource consumption
• Highly customizable

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve for terminal-averse users
• Limited graphical visualization compared to GUI alternatives

kubectl.nvim: Vim Integration for Kubernetes

kubectl.nvim is a Neovim plugin that provides a seamless integration between the Vim editor and Kubernetes.

Key Features:

• Direct Kubernetes resource management from within Neovim
• YAML validation and syntax highlighting
• Resource exploration and navigation
• Log streaming and pod shell access

Pros:

• Perfect for Vim power users
• Minimal context switching between editor and cluster management
• Lightweight with minimal dependencies
• Customizable through Vim configuration

Cons:

• Only useful for Vim/Neovim users
• Requires familiarity with Vim keybindings
• Limited visualization capabilities

JET Pilot: Simplified Desktop Management

JET Pilot is an open-source Kubernetes desktop client that focuses on less clutter, speed and good looks.

Key Features:

• Desktop GUI with intuitive navigation
• Real-time logs and container shell access
• Command palette for efficient navigation
• Kubernetes object management and editing

Pros:

• Clean, modern interface
• Cross-platform support
• Good alternative for those who find K9s too keyboard-heavy

Cons:

• Less feature-rich than Lens or Headlamp
• Smaller community and ecosystem
• Newer project with developing features

Graphical Dashboards (GUIs)

Headlamp: The Modern Web-Based Alternative

Headlamp is a relatively new entrant developed by Kinvolk (now part of Microsoft). It's a modern, web-based Kubernetes dashboard with a clean interface and powerful features.

Key Features:

• Clean, modern web interface
• Multi-cluster management
• RBAC-based access control
• Plugin system for extensibility
• Real-time updates

Pros:

• Fully open-source
• Active development with Microsoft backing
• Excellent resource visualization
• Can be deployed in-cluster or run locally

Cons:

• Relatively new, so the ecosystem is still developing
• Fewer advanced features compared to Lens

Portainer: Beyond Kubernetes

Portainer started as a Docker management UI but has evolved to support Kubernetes with robust features. It's particularly useful for teams managing both Docker and Kubernetes environments.

Key Features:

• Management of Kubernetes, Docker, and Docker Swarm
• Role-based access control
• Application templates and deployments
• Resource monitoring and visualization
• Support for multiple environments

Pros:

• Unified interface for multiple container platforms
• User-friendly for beginners
• Community edition is free and open-source
• Well-established with good documentation

Cons:

• Some advanced Kubernetes features require the Business Edition
• Not as Kubernetes-native as dedicated alternatives

Rancher Desktop: The All-in-One Solution

Rancher Desktop offers a unique approach by combining a Kubernetes distribution with management tools in a desktop application. It's particularly useful for local development.

Key Features:

• Built-in Kubernetes distribution (k3s)
• Container management interface
• Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Image building and management
• Integrated command-line tools

Pros:

• All-in-one solution for local Kubernetes development
• Easy switching between Kubernetes versions
• Includes container runtime options (containerd or dockerd)
• Fully open-source

Cons:

• Primarily focused on local development rather than production cluster management
• Higher resource consumption due to bundled Kubernetes

Kubenav: Kubernetes on the Go

Kubenav stands out by offering mobile apps alongside desktop and web interfaces, allowing you to monitor your clusters from anywhere.

Key Features:

• Available on iOS, Android, desktop, and web
• Multi-cluster management
• Prometheus metrics integration
• Terminal access to containers
• RBAC support

Pros:

• Mobile access to Kubernetes clusters
• Clean, intuitive interface
• Fully open-source
• Works offline with cached data

Cons:

• Fewer advanced features compared to desktop-focused alternatives
• Smaller community and ecosystem

Devtron: DevOps-Focused Dashboard

Devtron is a comprehensive dashboard that focuses on the entire DevOps lifecycle for Kubernetes applications.

Key Features:

• CI/CD pipeline integration
• Application deployment and lifecycle management
• Security scanning and policy enforcement
• Cost optimization recommendations
• Multi-cluster management

Pros:

• End-to-end application lifecycle management
• Built-in CI/CD capabilities
• Security-focused features
• Active development and community

Cons:

• More complex to set up than simpler dashboards
• Might be overkill for basic Kubernetes management needs

Seabird: Lightweight Web Dashboard

Seabird is a lightweight, web-based Kubernetes dashboard focused on simplicity and ease of use.

Key Features:

• Clean, minimalist interface
• Basic resource management
• Multi-cluster support
• Low resource requirements

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive
• Easy to deploy and use
• Lightweight with minimal resource requirements
• Open-source

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Smaller community and development pace

KubeClipper: Comprehensive Management Platform

KubeClipper is a comprehensive Kubernetes management platform that focuses on multi-cluster management and operations.

Key Features:

• Multi-cluster management and deployment
• Centralized control plane
• Plugin system for extensibility
• Backup and recovery capabilities

Pros:

• Comprehensive cluster lifecycle management
• Centralized multi-cluster operations
• Open-source
• Active development

Cons:

• More complex to set up than simpler dashboards
• Steeper learning curve

Karpor: Security-Focused Dashboard

Karpor specializes in Kubernetes security visualization and management.

Key Features:

• Security posture visualization
• Compliance monitoring
• Vulnerability scanning integration
• RBAC management and visualization

Pros:

• Security-focused features
• Compliance reporting
• Visual representation of security posture
• Open-source

Cons:

• Specialized focus might not cover all general management needs
• Newer project with developing ecosystem

Cyclops: Simplified Cluster Visualization

Cyclops offers a simplified approach to Kubernetes visualization with a focus on resource relationships and dependencies.

Key Features:

• Visual representation of cluster resources
• Relationship mapping between resources
• Simplified resource management
• Intuitive interface

Pros:

• Visual approach to understanding cluster relationships
• Intuitive for beginners
• Open-source
• Modern interface

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Newer project with smaller community

Comparison Table

Making the Right Choice

Selecting the right Kubernetes dashboard depends on your specific needs:

• For terminal enthusiasts: K9s offers unmatched speed and efficiency
• For Vim users: kubectl.nvim provides seamless editor integration
• For teams needing a web interface: Headlamp provides a modern, accessible solution
• For mixed container environments: Portainer offers unified management
• For local development: Rancher Desktop provides an all-in-one experience
• For on-the-go monitoring: Kubenav's mobile support is unmatched
• For DevOps-focused teams: Devtron offers end-to-end application lifecycle management
• For security-focused operations: Karpor provides specialized security visualization
• For beginners seeking simplicity: Seabird or Cyclops offer intuitive interfaces
• For managing multiple clusters: KubeClipper provides comprehensive multi-cluster management

The Future of Kubernetes Dashboards

The Kubernetes dashboard ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly. As Kubernetes itself matures, we can expect dashboards to focus more on:

• Enhanced security features and compliance monitoring
• Better integration with GitOps workflows
• Improved performance visualization and troubleshooting
• AI-assisted operations and anomaly detection
• Tighter integration with service mesh and serverless frameworks
• More specialized dashboards for specific use cases
• Improved accessibility and reduced resource requirements

My Personal Setup

After months of testing, here's what I actually use:

1. K9s — My daily driver for quick cluster checks and debugging. Nothing beats the speed of terminal-based navigation.
2. Headlamp — Deployed in-cluster for team members who prefer a web UI. The CNCF backing gives me confidence in its longevity.
3. Kubenav — On my phone for weekend on-call monitoring. Being able to check pod status from anywhere is invaluable.

Migration Path from OpenLens

If you're currently on OpenLens, here's my recommended migration:

1. Try Freelens first — It's the closest thing to OpenLens and requires minimal adjustment
2. Learn K9s on the side — Even if you stick with a GUI, K9s will make you faster
3. Evaluate Headlamp for team use — If you need shared access, it's the most production-ready web option

Final Thoughts

The death of OpenLens is actually a blessing in disguise. The Kubernetes dashboard ecosystem is healthier and more diverse than ever. Whether you're a terminal purist, a GUI lover, or somewhere in between, there's a tool that fits your workflow perfectly.

Don't just pick one—try a few. Most are open-source and can be installed in minutes. Your future self will thank you for knowing multiple tools when that 3 AM incident happens.

What's your Kubernetes dashboard of choice? Have you found anything I missed? Let me know in the comments!