compare
Cluster API vs Rancher
The same facts for both, read from GitHub every night, and the relation a person reviewed.
| Fact | Cluster API | Rancher |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Go | Go |
| Licence | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Stars | 4.3k | 26k |
| Latest | v1.14.3 | v2.15.2 |
| Last push | 2026-10-16 | 2026-10-17 |
| Release cadence | about 3 days between releases | about 1 day between releases |
| Active contributors | 48 commit authors on the default branch in the last 90 days | 44 commit authors on the default branch in the last 90 days |
| Flags | none | none |
How they relate
Cluster API replaces Rancher. Alternatives to Rancher →
PartialDeclarative cluster provisioning and lifecycle through the Kubernetes API, with no UI or user management.
Cluster API
Cluster API
unsigned The latest release, v1.14.3, carries no signature GitHub could verify.
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Rancher
✓ signed The latest release, v2.15.2, carries a signature GitHub verified.
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