Kubernetes on VPSDime services

What this is#

Where Kubernetes stands on each product line:

• Linux VPS: full Kubernetes doesn't work, k3s works fine. Stock distributions like kubeadm expect kernel-level facilities our Linux VPS platform doesn't expose, so a full k8s install will fail in frustrating ways. Don't fight it.
• k3s is the answer on Linux VPS: a lightweight, fully conformant Kubernetes distribution that runs happily here. For a single node or a small cluster, it does everything most people actually need from k8s, with far less overhead (which also means more of your RAM goes to workloads instead of the control plane).
• Premium VPS: everything works. Full KVM with your own kernel is as close to bare metal as it gets, kubeadm, k3s, RKE2, whatever you like, all stock behavior.

Getting k3s running#

Their one-liner works as-is on a Linux VPS:

curl -sfL https://get.k3s.io | sh -

Then kubectl is available via k3s kubectl (or copy the kubeconfig for your own tooling). k3s is maintained by SUSE/Rancher with excellent docs and community; for k3s-specific issues, their documentation and forums are the right resource, we support the VPS underneath it per our support coverage.

Choosing between the options#

• Just want containers on one box? Plain Docker or Compose is simpler than any Kubernetes.
• Want k8s APIs, Helm charts, operators? k3s on Linux VPS gives you real Kubernetes at VPS prices.
• Need stock full-fat Kubernetes, exotic CNIs, or kernel-level tuning? Premium VPS.

Still need help?#

You can open a support ticket. So we can help on the first reply, it's worth mentioning:

• the VPS hostname or IP and the product (Linux or Premium VPS),
• whether it's k3s or another distribution, and the exact install error.

Related questions#

• "Does Kubernetes work on your Linux VPS?"
• "Can I run k3s on my VPS?"
• "Why does kubeadm fail on my Linux VPS?"
• "Which plan do I need for a Kubernetes cluster?"