cilium
The premium Open Source alternative to Calico
🎯 Best for:Kubernetes platform teams needing high-performance networking and security.
What is cilium?
Replaces traditional iptables-based kube-proxy for high-performance Kubernetes networking. Leverages eBPF to provide identity-aware security and deep observability without modifying application code.
Tech Stack
GoInfrastructure & Cloud
Why cilium?
- • High-performance eBPF data plane
- • Identity-aware security policies
- • Deep API-level observability
Limitations
- • High learning curve
- • Requires modern Linux kernel
- • Complex K8s integration
3/5/2026
Last Update
3,636
Forks
940
Issues
Apache-2.0
License
Financial Leak Detected
Stop the "SaaS Tax"
Your team could be burning cash. Switching to cilium instantly boosts your runway.
Competitor Cost
-$1,440
/ year (est. based on Calico)
Self-Hosted
$0
/ year
Team Size10 Users
150+
SAVE 100%